Raytebeest: I have not heard the Aqueous Anniv (AA) PC's but I have 7 Dominus B & C PCs throughout my system. The Dominus PCs regularly sell on A'gon in the $800-900 range for lengths of 1m, 1.5m and 2m. And considering this is $100-200 less than the new AA PCs being sold here, the price difference is minimal IF the Dominus is truly the performer. Only a direct comparison of the two at each component could answer that question for you. But I would not assume that the AA is your only option...just keep your eyes out for Dominus PCs here. The Opis PC might also be worthy of trial. A lot of people shift their components around and need a longer or shorter length.
As for sonic differences of AA and Venustas ICs and speaker cables, many A'gon threads have covered this subject. I find the AA more vivid and tonally rich but I would not describe them as any more transparent or extended than the Venustas. The Venustas has more of a mellow presentation vs. the out-into-the-room presentation of the AA. A direct comparison of these from my Manley DAC or Io phono stage to the Callisto was consistent with this observation. There's no right or wrong answer as you have to try them out for yourself in your system. otherwise you will forever be wondering if you made the "right" choice.
Nsgarch: I recently played again between the Dominus Phono vs. Venustas from my Clearaudio Accurate cartridge to Io. The Dominus brings on so much more midrange body to strings and voice. The Venustas is quite impressive, but once you hear the Dominus, you know why it is sooooooo much more $$.
As for sonic differences of AA and Venustas ICs and speaker cables, many A'gon threads have covered this subject. I find the AA more vivid and tonally rich but I would not describe them as any more transparent or extended than the Venustas. The Venustas has more of a mellow presentation vs. the out-into-the-room presentation of the AA. A direct comparison of these from my Manley DAC or Io phono stage to the Callisto was consistent with this observation. There's no right or wrong answer as you have to try them out for yourself in your system. otherwise you will forever be wondering if you made the "right" choice.
Nsgarch: I recently played again between the Dominus Phono vs. Venustas from my Clearaudio Accurate cartridge to Io. The Dominus brings on so much more midrange body to strings and voice. The Venustas is quite impressive, but once you hear the Dominus, you know why it is sooooooo much more $$.