Picked up some Shunyata Venom3 power cords today...

PrazVT
PrazVT Posts: 1,607
edited December 2011 in Electronics
So I bought a Parasound HCA-1000A amp for my CSi A6 this week. It came in today, and I realized that the dude didn't include the power cord! Since I didn't want to run to BB and buy some cheap **** cable, I looked to see what hifi stores are around in the bay area.

Ended up driving down to Mountain View to a place called Audio High. I hung out there for like an hour, while the 2 sales guys - Russian guy Eugene, and Brit Jezz showed me all the cool high end stuff, including one amp / preamp / with bluetooth ...the 'Chordette' - included a couple of 2kW monobolocks ..holy hell those things were big. Anyway, so Eugene showed me the Venom3 power cord and had me read a few articles (1 comparo, another review) about that particular model - keep in mind I'm still in the "my first time doing this, first time doing that" phase of this audio journey. So, I said ok I'll take 2 - one for the 2250 and one for the 1000A.

He also told me that unless I was using a really nice power conditioner, to just plug the amps into the wall - so I made that change when I came home to hook everything up. That being said...

Very noticeable improvement in sound quality. Wow. From a power cable?!

Improved Clarity
Improved Bass Response
Richer sound stage (if that makes sense)
Just more sonic impact over all. I love it.

The guitars / sax on 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond Pts. 1 - 5' sound live. It's awesome. Anyway, the cords need to 'break in' still...

... but for an unplanned purchase, it's a pleasant surprise :)
Dali Optikon 1Mk2
NAD D3020 V2
Schiit Bifrost 2/64

..the rest are headphone setups.
Post edited by PrazVT on
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Comments

  • punk-roc
    punk-roc Posts: 1,150
    edited November 2010
    The newest Absolute Sound had a power cord review and they really liked the Venom3's as well.. I wouldn't mind hearing them on my amp

    Jason
    2-Channel - So far...
    Pre: Dodd ELP
    DAC: W4S-Dac2
    Source(s): Computer and Denon 2910
    Amp: Parasound HCA-1200II
    Speakers: LSi9s - Vr3 Fortress Mod
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited November 2010
    Yeah - I think that was the comparo I read yesterday. It's one of those things I've read about on here, but was skeptical about. But I thought, what the hell ... let me try 'em. So far, very happy.
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • punk-roc
    punk-roc Posts: 1,150
    edited November 2010
    Now I've got one coming to my house!
    2-Channel - So far...
    Pre: Dodd ELP
    DAC: W4S-Dac2
    Source(s): Computer and Denon 2910
    Amp: Parasound HCA-1200II
    Speakers: LSi9s - Vr3 Fortress Mod
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited November 2010
    Awesome! Let us know if you hear a difference too.
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited November 2010
    10%209%3A57%3A29%20AM.jpg
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited November 2010
    PrazVT wrote: »
    10%209%3A57%3A29%20AM.jpg

    Congrats!

    Do you think they would make a different on a CD player?
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited November 2010
    Good question - I'm not sure. I can see why power delivery would be important for a power amp or AVR.

    Trying to think of how power delivery would impact a CD player. Any thoughts guys?
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited November 2010
    when I changed from the stock cord on my Jolida to a audioquest nrg4 it sure did.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited November 2010
    interesting
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • ratster
    ratster Posts: 324
    edited November 2010
    For those of you that have run these and the Pangea what are the differences?Or,I guess a better question is which one are you happier with?
    Main
    Parasound P5
    Parasound A21
    CA music streamer
    marantz 6005
    Clear Day dbl.shotgun
    Morrow Xlr
    1.7 Maggies


    Bedroom
    adcom Gfp750
    Adcom 555
    Rotel 1072
    CA tuner
    LsiM703
    Clear day dbl shotgun
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  • beatbox
    beatbox Posts: 1
    edited December 2011
    I have a Chordette Carry for sale if anyone is interested:

    Never used, received recently, with all original accessories and packaging

    PRIME Preamp
    Preamplifier with 4 inputs and bi-directional USB
    USB connection allows direct digital connection to a personal computer
    USB input also allows you to record audio from analogue inputs directly onto the computer
    Optical TOSlink output acts as digital record monitor or feed into another DAC or AV system

    SCAMP Power Amp
    A small but extremely capable amplifier for your system
    40W stereo amplifier with analogue and USB input and volume control
    Bridgeable to 80W
    RCA phono inputs, USB input and Gain control, this little power house
    Can also be used as a stand alone integrated amplifier from a single source

    Chord TOUCAN Headphone Amplifier
    Adds high definition headphone compatibility to an existing Hi Fi system
    Additional USB port allows for digital streaming
    Two headphone jack sockets so two people can listen at the same time
    Gold plated RCA phono inputs and true balanced XLR inputs

    PEACH DAC
    DAC with Apt-X Bluetooth, USB, Optical & Coax digital inputs
    Allows the transfer of music from a Bluetooth enabled product
    Optical and coaxial inputs vastly expanding the system possibilities
    The USB port allows direct streaming of audio from a Personal Computer or laptop
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited December 2011
    beatbox wrote: »
    I have a Chordette Carry for sale if anyone is interested:

    Never used, received recently, with all original accessories and packaging

    PRIME Preamp
    Preamplifier with 4 inputs and bi-directional USB
    USB connection allows direct digital connection to a personal computer
    USB input also allows you to record audio from analogue inputs directly onto the computer
    Optical TOSlink output acts as digital record monitor or feed into another DAC or AV system

    SCAMP Power Amp
    A small but extremely capable amplifier for your system
    40W stereo amplifier with analogue and USB input and volume control
    Bridgeable to 80W
    RCA phono inputs, USB input and Gain control, this little power house
    Can also be used as a stand alone integrated amplifier from a single source

    Chord TOUCAN Headphone Amplifier
    Adds high definition headphone compatibility to an existing Hi Fi system
    Additional USB port allows for digital streaming
    Two headphone jack sockets so two people can listen at the same time
    Gold plated RCA phono inputs and true balanced XLR inputs

    PEACH DAC
    DAC with Apt-X Bluetooth, USB, Optical & Coax digital inputs
    Allows the transfer of music from a Bluetooth enabled product
    Optical and coaxial inputs vastly expanding the system possibilities
    The USB port allows direct streaming of audio from a Personal Computer or laptop

    Try reading the rules, getting 99 more posts and not thread jacking to sell your stuff.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited December 2011
    And an old thread at that ;)
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,502
    edited December 2011
    danz1906 wrote: »
    Congrats!

    Do you think they would make a different on a CD player?

    I may seem counter-intuitive, but I put my best power cords on source components, and worry less about the amps.
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited December 2011
    Really. These Venom 3 are great cables for the price. I purchased two with the 20 amp connectors for my amps, and immediately heard an improvement. In fact, it was so good that after a month I thought that if these work so well then I wonder what the upscale power cords did. So, I bought two Shunyata Python CX cords, and was floored by the improvement by these over the Venoms.

    If anyone is interested in a 20 amp Venom cable let me know.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited December 2011
    Based on my experience so far, and research into the subject, I think everything improves with better power cords and power conditioners. For 2012, I plan on going full Shunyata Python CX on everything (SACD, pre, DAC, and a Venom on the iTransport), along with upgrading the power conditioner to a Shunyata Triton with an Anaconda power cord.

    Of course the "interesting and controversial article" thread tells me that I am just wasting my money, and there will be no difference. Oh well. :rolleyes:
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • nhhiep
    nhhiep Posts: 877
    edited December 2011
    how are those expensive cables compare to a standard 12 or 14AWG from monoprice. The 12AWG from monoprice is huge; probably bigger than the one in this thread.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,064
    edited December 2011
    nhhiep wrote: »
    how are those expensive cables compare to a standard 12 or 14AWG from monoprice. The 12AWG from monoprice is huge; probably bigger than the one in this thread.

    Pick one up and see for yourself. Best way to find out. I've been looking for this PC on the used market for awhile now and they seem to sell like hotcakes. Size does not dictate quality, thats what the wife says anyway.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited December 2011
    I've never tried the Shunyata, but if you want a great power cable for a great price you should hit up Pepster. I've bought 3 different ones from him and each has been better than the last.
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited December 2011
    I find more improvement using a nice power cord in my cdp vs. my amp.

    I have a Shunyata Black Mamba CX on my short list of things to buy, when funds permit.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited December 2011
    Same here .. have tried a few since I got those Venom3s.

    The Venoms3 are being used on the M25 and c375.
    Signal MagicPower for the sub and DAC-1.
    Pangea AC14 for the CDP.

    I have a 1m AC-9 sitting around too that I can't use b/c it's tough to bend it.
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • SDA1C
    SDA1C Posts: 2,072
    edited December 2011
    Ern Dog wrote: »
    I find more improvement using a nice power cord in my cdp vs. my amp.

    I have a Shunyata Black Mamba CX on my short list of things to buy, when funds permit.

    Sorry it's off topic but ERN DOG...you better take care of my mountains! Ashland is my favorite place to Vacation when it's me myself and my Cannondale:cheesygrin::cheesygrin::cheesygrin:
    Too much **** to list....
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  • Lietuvis91
    Lietuvis91 Posts: 909
    edited December 2011
    Have any of you tried a filtered power console instead of all these expensive power cables? I just cant believe what I'm hearing after I added the pf60. The results seem to be in line with what you guys describe from getting power cables. I mean, this thing has changed the sound from the radio source, I'm not even talking high quality sacd stuff. I am just wondering if maybe the power console has a similar affect as power cables, just at a lesser cost.
    Living Room 7.1 HT Rig:

    M70 | CS2 | M60 | Atrium5 - Surr. | SUB - Emotiva ULTRA12 + Tara Labs sub cable | Pioneer Elite VSX-52 | Parasound HCAs 1000A | Sony BDP-S790 | Belkin PureAV PF60 | MIT Exp2 Wires

    Bedroom 5.0 HT Rig (Music/Movies/Gaming) :

    LSi9 | LsiC | Lsi/fx | Marantz SR7002 | NAD T955 | Sony BDP-S360 | Belkin PureAV PF30 | AQ Blue Racer II ICs & AQ Type 4 wires | PS3
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2011
    Lietuvis91 wrote: »
    I am just wondering if maybe the power console has a similar affect as power cables, just at a lesser cost.
    It depends on the power cord you try, they don't all sound the same. If you want something good and not very expensive, try the Wireworld Aurora.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited December 2011
    SDA1C wrote: »
    Sorry it's off topic but ERN DOG...you better take care of my mountains! Ashland is my favorite place to Vacation when it's me myself and my Cannondale:cheesygrin::cheesygrin::cheesygrin:

    Ha, I'm not much of a mountain biker, but the mountains are sure beautiful and I hike the regularly.
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