Shunyata Venom 3/Diamondback Platinum comparo

[Puma Cat]

Recently ordered a Hydra and Black Mamba HC CX 20 amp pc to power it. Took the advantage to also order a Shunyata Venom 3 power cord at the same time.

Principle reason was that I had heard so much about this new, entry-level $95 cord, and had gotten a lot of questions from friends if I thought it would be better than the Diamondback Platinum, the mid-level cord in Shunyata's line of "molded power cords". The DB Platinum normally retails for $250, though it's frequently been heavily discounted at many places of late, like Music Direct, etc.

Last night did a little comparo between the two, just running either the DB Platinum or the Venom 3 from the phono stage to the pre.

My initial impression was, "Wow, the Venom 3 is more transparent, dynamic and punchy than the DB Platinum!" Some repeated comparisons gave the impression that both are very good, with excellent resolution, transparency, musicality and a sweetness that seems standard for the Shunyata "house sound", but personally, for my phono stage in my system, I think I would have to give the edge to the Venom 3. Each is slightly different from the other, but the Venom 3 seemed a touch more transparent, and a bit fuller-sounding; perhaps just a skosh more rolled off on the top end, though it's bottom end seemed punchier. In combination with my TT with it's Shelter, this seemed to really create some nice synergy; it tamed the Shelter's ever-so-slight top-end forwardness, and put some weight into the low end that the Shelter needed compared to my Grado Sonata.

It's all about synergy, of course, but I will say that for $95, the Shunyata Venom 3 is an absolutely KILLER power cord, and would be my strong recommendation for anyone considering a Shunyata power cord costing anything up to getting in to the CX-series of cords, e.g. the entry-level CX cord, the Black Mamba CX at $550.

Amazing cord for the money.

[cmalak]

Stephen...thanks for the nice write-up. I am a big Shunyata fan. Right now I have the Python Helix Alpha connected to my Hydra 8. I have a few DB Platinums on various components but I think I am going to go with the Mamba CX and Mamba CX HC (for my power amp) for the rest of my gear. Enjoy the new PCs.

[Ritmo]

I listened to the new Black Mamba IC and SC last weekend - very impressive. Similar observations to Stephen.

I'm seriously considering going with the Blank Mamba PC (CX and CH HC), IC and SC for my new ARC gear and Revel Salon 2 speakers.

Mike

[Puma Cat]

Black Mamba interconnects and speaker cables?

[Ritmo]

Yeap. New - just announced at CES. The IC w XLR are $750 and the SC are $1,500.

[Puma Cat]

Interesting.

[Ritmo]

My dealer spoke highly of these. So, I asked for a short demo and was quite impressed.

We did a short but very interesting comparison with far pricier wires from a very reputable company. I can tell you that the differences were significant.

I think this new Black Mamba line is going to be a hit.

[Puma Cat]

More interesting, thanks. I think very highly of their power cords, it's clear they really know what they are doing with respect to designing cables and cords, so your comments don't surprise me one bit.

[cmalak]

Mike...thanks for the heads-up. I believe Jeff (Tonepub) hinted at these new cables from Shunyata. He uses their Aeros top of the line ICs and SCs. I will see if my dealer has any demos of the new cables and test them out in my rig.

[Ritmo]

Cyril - Perfect. I hope he has them. Would like to get your perspective. I was impressed with what I heard - which was unexpected to be honest.

Mike