Cable Asylum: REVIEW: VH Audio Spectrum Cable by flyfish2002

Model:	Spectrum
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$359.99
Description:	Spectrum analog interconnect
Manufacturer URL:	VH Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by Flyfish2002 on November 12, 2007 at 10:19:53
IP Address: 76.189.32.146 Add Your Review
for the Spectrum

I recently "found" Chris VenHaus and VH Audio on-line. I built a couple power cords with Chris' assiatance (he is awesome). I jumped in further by replacing my 10 year old AQ Lapis interconnects with VH Audio Spectrum Ags terminated with Eichmann silver RCAs. I have listened to them in my system for over two weeks now. All listening is vinyl, predominantly 200g albums I am very familiar with. In a word: WOW.

The difference between the 10 year old AQ Lapis and the Spectrum is significant. At first, all you can notice is how much better the system sounds â€“ more musical. It is overwhelming. After a bit, the specifics emerge: deeper, tighter bass; more air around voice and wind instruments; and the highs are less tinny, more relaxed. One of the largest changes is with female vocals. I listen to a lot of acoustic jazz with female vocals: Diane Krall and Diane Schur, to name two. With AQ, the voice was pushed forward unnaturally â€“ too much emphasis. With the Spectrum Ags, the voice receded a bit for a more integrated, natural presentation â€“ what I am accustomed to hearing when I attend their concerts (and I catch them anytime I can).

These are phenomenal interconnects. Chris specfically indicated the Spectrum Ags must be terminated with the Eichmann siver RCAs to reach this level. I had auditioned several hi-end cables from The Cable Company and my dealer. I found these on par with cables costing three to four times the price. Chris definitely has a winner â€“ put the Ags terminated with Eichmann silver RCAs on your short list!

Product Weakness:	Appear delicate; thin
Product Strengths:	Natural, transparent & detailed presentation; very musical; never analytical

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Sonic Frontiers SFM-160 monoblocks with Chris Johnson SE+ mods
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Sonic Frontiers SFP-1 and SFL-1
Sources (CDP/Turntable): VPI TNT; Graham arm: Clearaudio Stradivari
Speakers: Genesis IM-8300 (4ohm; 86db sensitivity); dual Genesis Servo-12 subwoofers
Cables/Interconnects: Interconnects: VH Audio Spectrum Ag; Tone arm cable: Hovland Music Groove 2; Speaker cable: Shunyata Research Andromeda Bi-wire
Music Used (Genre/Selections): jazz fusion; acoustic jazz; classical
Room Size (LxWxH): 10 x 12 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments: None
Time Period/Length of Audition: two weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Shunyata Research Hydra 2 and Hydra 4; DIY Oyaide power cords: Tunami cable with P-004 & C-004 terminations
Type of Audition/Review: Home Audition

Amplifier:	Sonic Frontiers SFM-160 monoblocks with Chris Johnson SE+ mods
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Sonic Frontiers SFP-1 and SFL-1
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	VPI TNT; Graham arm: Clearaudio Stradivari
Speakers:	Genesis IM-8300 (4ohm; 86db sensitivity); dual Genesis Servo-12 subwoofers
Cables/Interconnects:	Interconnects: VH Audio Spectrum Ag; Tone arm cable: Hovland Music Groove 2; Speaker cable: Shunyata Research Andromeda Bi-wire
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz fusion; acoustic jazz; classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	10 x 12 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	None
Time Period/Length of Audition:	two weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Shunyata Research Hydra 2 and Hydra 4; DIY Oyaide power cords: Tunami cable with P-004 & C-004 terminations
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition