My phono rig has been relatively constant for a several years: Goldmund Studio, Benz Ruby 2 cartridge, ASR Basis Exclusive phonostage, Nordost Valhalla from cartridge to ASR, Cardas Clear from ASR to VTL 7.5 III preamp.
I recently had the opportunity to try a few phono cables to see if one of them might knock the venerable Valhalla from its perch. I'm pleased to report that I found one that did so convincingly, but the best news, is that it is damn affordable ($300 retail). It is the Shunyata Venom series phono cable.
I recently shared my thoughts on its performance with its designer, Caelin Gabriel , that I'll now post here:
"The phono cable that you sent me a few weeks ago is in fact, excellent. Dead quiet as you predicted. The most impressive feature is the top end. You may recall from our visit to your home last spring that I was truly impressed by the top end of your system using the Ayon amp and those weird oval speakers with a ribbon tweeter whose name I can't recall. Now I understand why. As usual, system performance is a summation of all the parts, but I can now appreciate what the phono cable brought to the table. I think its a big reason why I thought that your top end (above 5K) was truly of reference caliber (and don't forget, that trip included visits to hear Mike Lavigne's system, Bruce Brown's system, and Ki Choi's system- all of near or reference caliber in many ways. I would go so far as to say I do not own a phono cable with a top end that is the equal of yours. This is perhaps most demonstrated by the clear rendering of the air in the hall of a good orchestral recording as well as timbre and harmonics of instruments with a lot of treble content. Regarding the former, I've referred to it previously as the "corona of energy" in the hall, which often sounds indistinct or even muddy (hence, psychoacoustically incorrect) rather than clearly perceived if the top end is not absolutely clean. That said. I don't want to take anything away from the cable's midrange performance, which is also superb. Absolutely natural. Male and female vocals are a delight. Massed strings, the acid test for upper midrange/lower treble, were also excellent. I'm going to hold off commenting on the deep bass for a bit as I need to do some more listening. The traditional bass (40-80hz) and upper bass (90-120 Hz) is certainly very good (it took 24 hours to "come in"), but I would say a good MIT may surpass it in extension and definition below 30 Hz. But honestly, I'm nit-picking here. And don't forget, my sense is that I can probably assess things with dual JL Gotham subs that one may not even hear with other gear. The Gothams are truly a "laboratory reference" in that regard. All said, the cable is now my reference from my turntable to the phono stage. I know that sounds like high praise, but I can't apologize for being truly impressed."
I would add that the cable was better balanced than the Valhalla (not as thin), which really enhanced the overall listening experience, especially with orchestral music. Its just a darn good, beautifully made, excellent sounding cable. All told, I have zero desire to try anything else at this point. I've been on the phono cable discovery mission for a few months and it's time to get off the merry-go-round. Of course, its always about system compatibility and YMMV. But for now, I have a fair number of new LPs lying around that are calling my name....
If nothing else, it is certainly a tremendous value at the price, even if the poisonous snake name thing leaves me a bit nonplussed.
Marty
I recently had the opportunity to try a few phono cables to see if one of them might knock the venerable Valhalla from its perch. I'm pleased to report that I found one that did so convincingly, but the best news, is that it is damn affordable ($300 retail). It is the Shunyata Venom series phono cable.
I recently shared my thoughts on its performance with its designer, Caelin Gabriel , that I'll now post here:
"The phono cable that you sent me a few weeks ago is in fact, excellent. Dead quiet as you predicted. The most impressive feature is the top end. You may recall from our visit to your home last spring that I was truly impressed by the top end of your system using the Ayon amp and those weird oval speakers with a ribbon tweeter whose name I can't recall. Now I understand why. As usual, system performance is a summation of all the parts, but I can now appreciate what the phono cable brought to the table. I think its a big reason why I thought that your top end (above 5K) was truly of reference caliber (and don't forget, that trip included visits to hear Mike Lavigne's system, Bruce Brown's system, and Ki Choi's system- all of near or reference caliber in many ways. I would go so far as to say I do not own a phono cable with a top end that is the equal of yours. This is perhaps most demonstrated by the clear rendering of the air in the hall of a good orchestral recording as well as timbre and harmonics of instruments with a lot of treble content. Regarding the former, I've referred to it previously as the "corona of energy" in the hall, which often sounds indistinct or even muddy (hence, psychoacoustically incorrect) rather than clearly perceived if the top end is not absolutely clean. That said. I don't want to take anything away from the cable's midrange performance, which is also superb. Absolutely natural. Male and female vocals are a delight. Massed strings, the acid test for upper midrange/lower treble, were also excellent. I'm going to hold off commenting on the deep bass for a bit as I need to do some more listening. The traditional bass (40-80hz) and upper bass (90-120 Hz) is certainly very good (it took 24 hours to "come in"), but I would say a good MIT may surpass it in extension and definition below 30 Hz. But honestly, I'm nit-picking here. And don't forget, my sense is that I can probably assess things with dual JL Gotham subs that one may not even hear with other gear. The Gothams are truly a "laboratory reference" in that regard. All said, the cable is now my reference from my turntable to the phono stage. I know that sounds like high praise, but I can't apologize for being truly impressed."
I would add that the cable was better balanced than the Valhalla (not as thin), which really enhanced the overall listening experience, especially with orchestral music. Its just a darn good, beautifully made, excellent sounding cable. All told, I have zero desire to try anything else at this point. I've been on the phono cable discovery mission for a few months and it's time to get off the merry-go-round. Of course, its always about system compatibility and YMMV. But for now, I have a fair number of new LPs lying around that are calling my name....
If nothing else, it is certainly a tremendous value at the price, even if the poisonous snake name thing leaves me a bit nonplussed.
Marty