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Power Cords. Why in the world would they make a difference?As an engineer, it's hard for me to accept the fact that they DO make a difference. Sometimes a really big difference. I just don't get it. But years ago I demonstrated to myself that power cords are an essential component, and they can cost as much as the component they are connected to. The component (cable) that finally shifted my paradigm was the JPS AC cord. Six hundred dollars and stiffer than a telephone pole (OK, maybe I exaggerate), it TRANSFORMED my SIM Audio gear. Like all things audio, it was eventually sold. My engineering instincts gained ground and tried a bunch of lower cost alternatives. None sounded remotely as good as the JPS cable. Typically, there is bass bloat, overall hash to the sound, and vague hashy treble. Also the soundstage collapses. Now what electonic theory accounts for this?
Anyway, after several years I had to admit the cheap cables weren't cutting it. Tried the LAT International AC cables, and they were worth the price, but no JPS. Tried www.blackholecable.com for some serious low gauge cables, and they were OK. Also, some other cables from Audiogon, and they were OK.
After a lot of research, I came across the Chris VH cable that have gotten a lot of attention on AA. I finally decided to buy 2 flavor 1 cables (Chris, nice photography too at your website!). The Flavor 1 has a ground cable, and is recommended for digital devices that have a three prong connector. Anyway, I bought two cryo'ed, standard connector, cables.
So, what do they sound like? In my system they clearly surpassed the other alternative options. In other words, my system improved significantly. I used two of the cables; one for amp and one for CD player. Like other really good AC cables the sound tightened up, the bass is faster, tighter. The imaging opened up, not so much in the width, but the between spaces were much more transparent. It gives a more credible, enjoyable sound.
I don't want to overstate the point, but these cables compare favorably to much higher priced cables in my experience. They sound very musical, and are an excellent alternative to the higher priced competition. I am keeping my cables, and recommend them to the hard-core audiophile community.
Follow Ups:
I have had very good success with CVH power cables on both my modded cdp and a variety of amps. They are quick with nice bass resolution but need a good amount of break in time. The have just the slightest upper midrange emphasis (barely noticeable) and stiff but Dollar for dollar they are the type of proudct that makes this hobby fun.FYI- here's a good tale about cable differnces. A while back when i got my first cvh power cord i decided to break it in on my kiddies cheapo panasonic boom box with a 2-3 prong adaptor. I listened for a few minutes and swapped in the cvh. All of sudden the sound was not only more then a few dbs louder the coherence and bass tighten it all up. Heck if you can hear that on a boombox you should be able to judge for yourself on any hi end equipment.
I have DIYed Chris VH's Flavor 1 and Flavor 4. In both all cryoed and with the Gold option (Furutech gold plugs). I do not currently use the Flavor 1 in my system but do use two Flavor 4 with the gold Furutech plugs. I am still burning in and playing around with different (other brands) power cords in my system. For the price the Flavor 4 cryoed with the Furutech plugs are a fantastic value. Especially if you DIY the cord. The Flavor 4 is the most neutral power cord I have heard in my system so far. They perform well on both front end gear and amplifiers.I do have a suggestion. If one plans to try or purchase either the Flavor 1 or Flavor 4 and have fairly to very resolving gear, spend the extra cash and get the gold plugs. The gold Furutech plugs (vs the cryoed Wattgate and Marinco) on any of the gear I tried them on allowed for a slightly lower noise floor and the detail especially the HF is crisper and cleaner. As an FYI, I have not tried the gold Wattgate plugs.
When I have more time and have finished experimenting with my system power cords I will gather my notes and post them. I will also update my system in AA so anyone reading the post will know the gear being used.
I am also one who was skeptical in the beginning about cords making an impact, but my ears have won out and the mind/wallet lost.I use Chris' Flavor 4 with Gold Option on my Jeff Rowland 201 monos and they really make the 201's sing. On both the 201's and my previous amps (Kora Cosmos Reference Monos), I have compared the Flavor 4's to many other well reviewed cords (JPS, Audience, BPT, Cardas, AZ, Coincident, Marigo, Mapleshade, Shunyata) and although some were close, no other cord has matched as well in my system and to my ears.
What makes Chris a "triple threat" for me is that not only does he offer a quality product, his prices are great, AND he offers a 60 day return policy. This gives you plenty of time to try the cord in your system. I can't emphasize how important this last part is. Even with all the great reviews and postive posts, Chris' cords won't be the best for everybody and every situation. That 60 days let's you burn on the cord and hear for yourself.
BTW, an even better value for the money is his Pulsar ic's. I have replaced a $500 + digital ic with a Pulsar (which sells for under $100). I have also replaced much more expensive analog ic's with his balanced Pulsars.
Kudos to Chris.
I have several of Chris VH Audio power cords in my system. They are definately one of the great buys in audio.
I have no experience with the VH cables, but there are obviously many happy customers here. FWIW (and since you mentioned the JPS), you can build yourself a five foot cryoed JPS Power AC clone using JPS in-wall cable and Marinco connectors (I'm using cryoed versions with both the cable and connectors being cryoed) for around $125 U.S. or about $160 Cnd. that may well be indistinguishable, or even better than its bigger, non-cryoed brother. Main differences will be cosmetics and the in-wall is 10 guage with a 12 guage ground versus 8 guage with a 10 guage ground on the Power AC. Parts are available at www.takefiveaudio.com (I have no affiliation other than as a satisfied customer.)A very good power cord for the money, particularly on power condtioners and amplifiers, and totally destroys the DIY Belden 19364 recipe, the LAT International cord, the Blue Circle BC 62 and the Cardas Golden, all of which I have owned.
Hi Blake,I have built an AC cord using JPS in-wall cable with P&S AC plug and Furutech gold plated IEC (clam shell type). I broke it in for a month on a dehumidifier. The sound was too soft for my liking. The gold plated IEC is said to be softer sounding. Did you try any other connectors on your cord? I have a Marinco plug and could strip Marinco IEC from my very first 19364 cable. Or I could use Schurter IEC. Did cryoing of the in-wall cable make a big difference?
Regards,
Perhaps it is the Furutech IEC. Personally, I prefer things on the warmer side of neutral (I sold two Cardas Golden power cords which the JPS cords replaced), but I would describe the JPS/Marinco combination as being pretty close to neutral. I have not tried any other connectors with the JPS, just the Marinco 5266 and 320 IEC.The cryoing of the cable and connectors resulted in the same kind of improvements I've had with cryoing speaker cables and interconnects:
1) improved extension in both the low and high end and, at the same time, a reduction of glare and "edge" in the upper midrange & high frequencies
2) a more fleshed out presentation in the midrange and improved information retrieval (ie. more detail) at the same time.
I assume you cryoed the cable after assembly. Where did you send it? It looks you are in Canada like me.Regards,
All my cables have been done at Bayson Heat Treating in London, Ontario.
I simultaneously upgraded the AC power cords on my front projector and DVI DVD player with VHAudio AC power cords and the video picture improved dramatically. I had no other power conditioner on them at the time, and live near a major airport, and must have more rfi/emi as a result. The shielding worked wonders for video.
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