New Venom Series: ICs and signal cables, USB

[GrantS]

Hi,

My apologies for the delay in reply. I travel frequently and don't get to the forums as often when I am in the field. I can respond in better time if you e-mail me directly to grant@shunyata.com

The Venom speaker cables and interconnects will have a more full-bodied and musical signature than the Cobra cables. They are not overly warm, but they have a musical correctness that startling. The Cobra's zi-tron circuit adds a low-level resolution benefit, but if the system isn't very well-balanced or a touch on the warm side, the Cobra can come across as a leaner sounding cable compared to the Venom, or upmarket Python.

Audio Research uses a version of our wire that is similar to the Venom cables inside their electronics, so the match there is ideal. If I am recommending based on your system, I would recommend the Venom cables over the Cobra, taking into account cost-to-performance ratio.

You've got a great system. The Venom's would complement that equipment perfectly.

Best regards,

Grant

[rjryan]

I can attest to the quality of the Venom XLR's in my system. They are much more open as compared to my Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Ovals, and at a better price point. I don't find them to be overly warm at all, and they are incredibly well built.

I will be going with Cobra E-Tron for my LCR as soon as they arrive, and will be changing out my Solo Crystal Ovals for the Venom for the rest of the cabling in my Atmos system. I'm looking forward to comparing these to the Cobras, and a pair of AQ Water that a friend asked me to throw in the mix.

In all, I find the Venom pretty impressive.

[GrantS]

Thank you, RJ.

However it may go with your comparisons, we would appreciate your feedback a great deal. No matter what we think of the performance and price point, ultimately the market decides the value of any product we release.

We have done more in terms of materials and price to tip the scales in our favor, than with any other product in our history. However, with signal cables there are so many variables with systems and listeners, that we are learning along with you. Time will tell. We are doing all we can to get these cables into the hands of those with experience for a comparison. I appreciate your willingness to do just that.

Thank you for taking he time to listen, compare and offer feedback.

Best regards,

Grant

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by GrantS

Thank you, RJ. However it may go with your comparisons, we would appreciate your feedback a great deal. No matter what we think of the performance and price point, ultimately the market decides the value of any product we release. We have done more in terms of materials and price to tip the scales in our favor, than with any other product in our history. However, with signal cables there are so many variables with systems and listeners, that we are learning along with you. Time will tell. We are doing all we can to get these cables into the hands of those with experience for a comparison. I appreciate your willingness to do just that. Thank you for taking he time to listen, compare and offer feedback. Best regards, Grant

You're very welcome, Grant! I've had a really great time in this hobby, and always love it when folks like Shunyata take a wholistic approach to the market, and offer quality at all segments. So far, I'm really liking what I hear. Once they break in a bit, I'll do some swapping, along with some guys from our local club and give another report.

Ryan

[BlueFox]

I have the Venom speaker cables in my HT. They replaced Mapleshade Golden Helix with Plus upgrade. While the Venoms cost a bit more they far out perform the Mapleshade cables. All the adjectives apply to the Venom as they are more open, and detailed. Plus the bass is really more powerful and precise now. On my reference Blue Ray for audio (Terminator 3) the reference scenes stand out with exceptional clarity. These scenes are when the Terminatrix arrives, steps onto the sidewalk, and starts walking. The 'slap' of her feet is now more apparent. When John Connor drops his beer bottle off a bridge, and it lands on a skull in the water, both the bounce of it off the bridge, and the sound of it hitting the skull are more distinct. The chase scene with all its sound effects really stand out, and the shootout with the police in the graveyard is much better. Love the tweeting bird at the end. LOL.

Of course, music also benefits from these cables. In fact now I am wondering if I should upgrade the HT Triton to a v2 to complement the Venom speaker cables.

My only criticism is that since these were custom lengths they only came with spades versus the ability to swap to bananas, or other spade type.

--------------------------------------------
Bud

Lumin S1
Pass XP-20 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 speakers

Shunyata Triton v2/Typhon for source, Cyclops v2 (2) for amps
Shunyata Z Anaconda XLR analog ICs, Z Anaconda speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Revelation Audio Passage Cryo-Silver Reference DB-25 umbilical power cable

Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.

[The Lost Bears]

OK, I think I am going to order one of the new Venom cables for my system. Would replacing the speaker cables or the interconnects have more of an impact on the sound? I am leaning toward ordering the speaker cables. But would like other opinions.

Grant, while looking for Shunyata at the Cable Company, I noticed that there are Black Mamba Interconnects and speaker cables listed. Being a big fan of the Black Mamba power cords, I am curious how these compare to the Venom and Cobra cables. Are these sleepers also? Thanks!

[Higgens]

As a general rule, speaker cables would make a bigger impact than interconnects. But in reality, it depends on the quality of what you are switching away from.

[GrantS]

In terms of performance for the $, I'd say the Venom signal cables are the best products we have produced, so I would start there. Speaker cables, in most applications, will have the more significant impact on system performance over interconnects. I'd recommend evaluating those first.

I hope this is of some help.

Grant

[rjryan]

As promised, here is a short opinion on the Venom XLR v. Cobra ETron v. Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Oval. I think we can all appreciate the subjectivity of this type of comparison, but I hope that my opinion can help anyone that is on the fence.

System usage and background:

My system is set up primarily with a two channel focus, but is in a Media Room, so everything pulls double duty. I use a McIntosh C47 through McIntosh 8207 for 2 channel, and use pass through mode into a Marantz 8802 for home theater viewing. You can see the rest of my setup in my signature.

Burn in:

All of the Shunyata cables were allowed to burn in for at least 50 hours before any critical listening. The Analysis Plus cables have well over 2 years of regular use.
I realize that the Shunyatas aren't quite there yet, but I took a gamble given the performance I heard when they were stone cold out the packaging.

My impressions:

In short, The Venom is a REALLY nice cable all around as compared to both the Cobra and the AP. In my system, they are transparent, smooth and have a very nice soundstage. This held true in both 2 channel and multi-channel configurations. As Grant indicated in a prior post, they do have a "warmer" sound to them. Not bloated or veiled in any way, however. It simply blows me away that I am even discussing the tonal signature in a cable at this price point.

The Cobra ETron is a noticeable upgrade straight across the boards v. the Venom and the AP. They are quieter, and add extra depth/width to the soundstage. They will be staying on as my LCR cables for sure. I should add that if your system isn't "warm" by nature, these could seem a little strident. For me, the added detail was a welcome change. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to audition them in any system, though.

Finally, the Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Ovals. In short, they are really nice cables, but I find that they add a little more of a sonic signature to the sound. There was a slight collapse in the soundstage compared to the Cobra ETron. This is as it should be, given the price points of each. Now, here's the kicker: The Venom XLR's really hold their own against the AP Solo Crystal Ovals...so much so that I couldn't, in good conscience, recommend the AP at almost double the retail price to someone that has a similar system to my own. McIntosh and Shunyata are a FANTASTIC pairing.

Conclusion:

At the end of the day, all results will vary from system to system, and from ear to ear, but I will be replacing all of my Analysis Plus Solos over time. Venoms for my Atmos System surrounds, and Cobra ETron for my LRC. I certainly mean NO disrespect to Analysis Plus. They make a great product, but this comparison found them lacking. As my father used to say, "I'm picking fly $h#t outta the pepper on this one...". They were neck and neck with the Shuyata Venoms, but not as neutral or open sounding. The AP v. the Cobra wasn't even fair. The Cobras were, IMO, a better cable hands down. They should be given the price.

I realize that I've been comparing MSRP to MSRP a lot. Now, let's talk value for a second. While all of these have excellent build quality, Shunyata comes out ahead for me. They are more flexible and easier to install, and the return on investment sonically is off the charts, particularly in the Venom line. You could easily pay much more and get less. I've found that with the Shunyata line, MSRP and performance are directly proportional at whatever price point your are entering the line in.

I also have a pair of AQ Water to throw in the mix, and will report on those as I am able.

Hope somebody finds this useful.

Ryan

[Masterlu]

Ryan... thanks for posting your experience with these.