Review: Chris Venhaus Power Cords
drumminman
Posts: 3,396
This past summer I sent my Odyssey Stratos Stereo back to Klaus for upgrades. He converted it to dual mono, which for Odyssey means two separate amplifiers in one case. Everything inside the case was replaced: upgraded pcb's, resistors, caps, new higher quality transformers, new internal wiring, and new WBT RCA inputs. The effect of this is more wpc and triple the peak current delivered, stated as 120 amps. Filter supply capacitance went from 120,000uf total to 240,000.
Upon receiving it I connected it to the HT front mains and ran music from the cable music channels for 12-16 hours a day to burn everything in. The power cords it came with are nothing special, so I used some that I built for some JBL powered PA speakers: two 14 awg power tool cords from Home Depot made with copper wire and molded ac plugs with brass prongs. I used budget IEC connectors on the equipment end.
I could hear the difference the new Dual mono made compared with the Carver TFM 42 that usually powers the mains: more slam, sweeter high end, more depth to the soundstage, stronger tighter bass, better imaging.
Next I put the 2 channel rig back together. I had taken it apart in order to construct some built in shelves in the LR. Again, the improvement was easy to hear: sweeter highs with more delicacy and a little more presence, more powerful bass and a fuller, more organic mid range. I was still using the diy PC's made for the JBL's. Overall I was satisfied that the improvements yielded by the new/rebuilt amp were cost effective.
I have a Chris Venhaus Flavor 4 PC that I was using with the stereo stratos, but since I need two PC?s for the dual mono I connected it to my pre amp and continued to use the ones made for the JBL?s. After a few weeks I decided to make another Flavor 4 and use both of them on the Dual Mono and make a Flavor 2 for the pre. The latter is identical to the F4, but with two 12 awg conductors twisted together instead of 4.
I put the PC's in the system and turned everything on last night. With the first note, literally, I could hear an astonishing improvement that I didn't really expect. Music was more effortless, not so much coming from the speakers as floating out into the room, similar to the effect I got when I first put my balanced isolation transformer into the system. The width of the soundstage was about the same as before, but it envelopes the listener a little better by wrapping around the sides, almost as if there are side speakers. The bass has more slam, instruments have slightly better decay and tone. The textures of instruments and vocals sound more realistic. Acoustic piano has more of the harmonics and decay of the notes that one hears when standing next to one being played.
It's a little difficult to find the words to describe what I?m hearing without repeating myself, so I'll end by saying if you haven't tried PC's made with good wire and connectors you owe it yourself to give it a try. The Flavor 4's can be made for around $190 each using Furutech connectors, depending on the length you need. The Flavor 2 for a little less. Of course you can use cheaper components, but I believe that the effect produced will be less.
As has been written here recently, everything matters!
FYI here is the VH Audio websit where I purchased everything: http://www.vhaudio.com/
Not affiliated in any way, except as a satisfied customer.
Next project: upgrade the PC for my DAC and CDP, all the connectors for the various power filtering devices.
Upon receiving it I connected it to the HT front mains and ran music from the cable music channels for 12-16 hours a day to burn everything in. The power cords it came with are nothing special, so I used some that I built for some JBL powered PA speakers: two 14 awg power tool cords from Home Depot made with copper wire and molded ac plugs with brass prongs. I used budget IEC connectors on the equipment end.
I could hear the difference the new Dual mono made compared with the Carver TFM 42 that usually powers the mains: more slam, sweeter high end, more depth to the soundstage, stronger tighter bass, better imaging.
Next I put the 2 channel rig back together. I had taken it apart in order to construct some built in shelves in the LR. Again, the improvement was easy to hear: sweeter highs with more delicacy and a little more presence, more powerful bass and a fuller, more organic mid range. I was still using the diy PC's made for the JBL's. Overall I was satisfied that the improvements yielded by the new/rebuilt amp were cost effective.
I have a Chris Venhaus Flavor 4 PC that I was using with the stereo stratos, but since I need two PC?s for the dual mono I connected it to my pre amp and continued to use the ones made for the JBL?s. After a few weeks I decided to make another Flavor 4 and use both of them on the Dual Mono and make a Flavor 2 for the pre. The latter is identical to the F4, but with two 12 awg conductors twisted together instead of 4.
I put the PC's in the system and turned everything on last night. With the first note, literally, I could hear an astonishing improvement that I didn't really expect. Music was more effortless, not so much coming from the speakers as floating out into the room, similar to the effect I got when I first put my balanced isolation transformer into the system. The width of the soundstage was about the same as before, but it envelopes the listener a little better by wrapping around the sides, almost as if there are side speakers. The bass has more slam, instruments have slightly better decay and tone. The textures of instruments and vocals sound more realistic. Acoustic piano has more of the harmonics and decay of the notes that one hears when standing next to one being played.
It's a little difficult to find the words to describe what I?m hearing without repeating myself, so I'll end by saying if you haven't tried PC's made with good wire and connectors you owe it yourself to give it a try. The Flavor 4's can be made for around $190 each using Furutech connectors, depending on the length you need. The Flavor 2 for a little less. Of course you can use cheaper components, but I believe that the effect produced will be less.
As has been written here recently, everything matters!
FYI here is the VH Audio websit where I purchased everything: http://www.vhaudio.com/
Not affiliated in any way, except as a satisfied customer.
Next project: upgrade the PC for my DAC and CDP, all the connectors for the various power filtering devices.
"Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
Post edited by drumminman on
Comments
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What gauge wires do you have in-wall from the breaker panel to your wall socket?
A friend of mine recently re-wired the audio portion of his house wiring and ran 200 amp cable to his specially made wall sockets (200 amp capable theatrical lighting sockets). He wanted to make sure that the smallest gauge wires would be inside his audio gear, and not in any of the supply lines.
I want to go visit him when he is finished to hear if there is any difference. There should be since he could always hear the difference whenever the pool pump would come on. It used to be on the same circuit as his listening area, but not anymore. -
experience....can't beat it with a stick.
Nice review and congrats on the PC's.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 -
What gauge wires do you have in-wall from the breaker panel to your wall socket?
A friend of mine recently re-wired the audio portion of his house wiring and ran 200 amp cable to his specially made wall sockets (200 amp capable theatrical lighting sockets). He wanted to make sure that the smallest gauge wires would be inside his audio gear, and not in any of the supply lines.
I want to go visit him when he is finished to hear if there is any difference. There should be since he could always hear the difference whenever the pool pump would come on. It used to be on the same circuit as his listening area, but not anymore.
Near as I can tell 14 AWG romex to all the branch circuits except the kitchen. I did take out the spec outlets where the 2 channel system plugs in and install cryo'd P & S outlets. That's really all I've done for the house wiring. I'd like to at least put in 10 awg, but that's a project for another time :cool:
I believe that if you're friend is using high current power amps the sound quality improvement should be noticeable. That would be interesting to hear."Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer -
Hi,
I've been using VH Audio Flavor 4, 2, and digital pc thoughout my system. I find them to be an exellent value and sound very nice. I used SC, lower level PS Audio ect before discovering the VH Audio cables. The Furutech copper connectors are all I need as they are very well built and have a neutral sound to them. Nice to be able to make them in any length you want to reduce wire clutter. One of the simplest DIY audio tweeks available. Good to see others like them also.Main system: Lyngdorf TDAI 2170 w/ Pioneer 42" plazma-> Polk LSiM 703 w/Tivo, Marantz tuner, BRPTT: Nothingham Spacedeck-> Pioneer PL L1000 linear arm-> Soundsmith DL 103R-> SUT->Bottlehead ErosDigital: I3 PC w/ Jriver playing flac -> Sonore Ultrarendu -> Twisted Pair Audio ESS 9028 w/ Mercury IVY Vinyl rips: ESI Juli@24/192-> i3 PC server -
Presently I have his original recipe digital cable on my dac (made with Belden 83802). I read over on Audio Asylum that several inmates reported better sound using the Flavor 2 on their DAC rather than the Flavor 1. Speculation is that since the DAC outputs in analog this is the reason the 2 sounds better."Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
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You sir are a man after my own heart!:cheesygrin:
I took his design and tweaked it alittle.
I do dual 14 ga. external grounds crossed every 6-7" for ground.
I do not use his wire (although it is killer).
I use a 5N pure copper twisted inner core 12 ga wire (non-cryoed).
I use his wire internally on my cable burners.
His Flavor 4 is one of my favorite designs for amplifiers, and pre's (bar none)!
Furutechs just seal the deal, but I would STRONGLY suggest you try the Oyaides!
Worth EVERY penny to ugrade.
Best in the business from my limited experience!:eek:
One of my favorite guys in the audio world.
Will answer the dumbest questions from the freshest noob, or go into detail with people who have been around for years.
Chris is 1 of the biggest "Class Acts" I have ever talked with in this hobby!
Dual 14 ga grounds (you should definitely try this:cheesygrin:).
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I use a Flavor 4 on my integrated and a 1 with my DAC with copper Furutechs. No complaints other than being very stiff when used in tight spaces.
ScottI like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D -
MillerLiteScott wrote: »I use a Flavor 4 on my integrated and a 1 with my DAC with copper Furutechs. No complaints other than being very stiff when used in tight spaces.
Scott
Yep, took me a year or more to make mine more "flexible"!
That said, if you can get ahold, of Chis's cables, I am sure you can forgive the "stiffness".
Killer design, which I have done, and tried to improve.
Not sure you could ever touch "Chris's" designs.
He has pretty much designed the cables, the WEB has followed.
He did it, originally, "From Scratch"!
Set the standard.
That in itself is impressive.
From scratch, and the rest has followed.
I myself have tried many other recipes, and some are excellent, but my best is the modded VH Style (just modded a hair)!Testing
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Not sure how many I have made (60? 70?)?
ALOT OF MEMBERS on this forum can attest.
They are the SHINNIZZLE!
Purely from a design point (and Chris invented it!)!
They make a BIG difference from 16 ga to 10 ga.!
My favorite design for a power cable, period, they are so quiet from a design point!
Super quiet, super dynamic, extended on both ends, excellent mids.
Can't get much better (maybe much more $$).
And it is all because of design!
I have made a few from scratch!
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Man, sorry, after looking at if, I realized I highjacked your thread.
Truely sorry DM!
Got alittle carried away!
Just a BIG FAN of Chris VH!
Sorry for the pics and all that, but I get the feeling you get the same, "BANG" that I have "ALWAYS" gotten from Chris's design!
Its all about the design (you must admit).
Chris is just kind enough to share such things!
I felt bad about posting my pics (believe me I have tons of photos)!:cheesygrin:
Truely sorry, got carried away I must admit (excited).
To be honest, I feel like I have hijacked your thread, and I did not mean too!
Few beers here and there (No further comment :cheesygrin: at this itme).:cheesygrin:
Any questions please direct to Chumlie! Testing
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Nice looking cables Paul. Still haven't heard one of yours though. That fist one looks amazing! I have a flavor 4 but would like another.
Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
"I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion."![:\](https://forum.polkaudio.com/resources/emoji/confused.png ":\")
My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....
"Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson
"Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee -
Hey Pep, no worries. I posted so others would be aware of my very positive experience, and to generate dialog.
I have a question though. Due to the covering on the PC you posted pics of I can't tell if you use the rubber tube to space the ground wires away from the current carrying part of the wire."Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer -
drumminman wrote: »Hey Pep, no worries. I posted so others would be aware of my very positive experience, and to generate dialog.
I have a question though. Due to the covering on the PC you posted pics of I can't tell if you use the rubber tube to space the ground wires away from the current carrying part of the wire.
Yes, the grounds are external, they are outside of the tube.Testing
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