Review: Chris VenHaus VH Flavor 4 Power Cord Power cord


Category: Cables

The Chris VenHaus VH Flavor 4 Power Cord uses four Teflon insulated conductors of 12 AWG stranded bare copper to form a total equivalent of a 9 AWG. The four conductors are twisted into a star-quad geometry, encased in a vibration-dampening Teflon sheath and spiraled against the twist of the internal conductors, and have been deep cryogenically treated.

In my opinion, the VH Flavor 4 Power Cord is excellent, and can compete with the big boys at a fraction of their cost.

When I introduced the Flavor 4 Power Cord into my system, I powered my most system-dependent components (transport, Dac, preamp) first. I immediately noticed the power cord is extremely quiet and gave a black background. The microdynamics were more greatly detailed. The entire bass became tighter, cleaner, and deeper. The soundstage became a bit wider with better imaging; but more importantly, the soundstage moved to the rear and became deeper. Another feature I found impressive was the absolute lack of audible bandwidth limiting.

In conclusion, I realize that audiophile componentry is system-dependent, and what sounds good in one system does not work well for another. In this case, the Flavor 4 Power Cord sounded very good in my tube and solid-state systems. I’m sure you can find power cords that sound better, but at what price?

Associated gear
Click to view my Virtual System

Similar products
BMI Shark
BMI Whale Elite I&II
BMI EEL
Absolute Power Cord Cryo'd
Jena Labs Cryo'd Power Cord
Jena Labs cryo'd Tice PC3
Virtual Dynamics #3 Cryo'd
Silver Audio Power Burst
Shynyata Sidewinder, Blackmamba, Python
And many others...
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xlak
This is very similar to the basic cords that i build, but with a few variations. I won't go into specifics here, but suffice it to say, this design is capable of very good performance under most circumstances. I would suggest trying this type of cord with and without the ground connected at the component end though. Depending on the current draw being consumed and the spacing between the hot / neutral and the ground wire, it is possible that you could obtain even better performance with a telescoping ground. Sean
>
Hello Sean,
How do you define a telescoping ground?

With or with-out a ground connected?

Thanks,
Lak,

I think you had some Michael Wolff cords before since I saw the feedback you left Mike. So, as reference since I own his cords as well, how would you compare the VH with the Wolff cords and which Wolff cords do you have? I know they are probably not as good since they are not in your virtual system...

Thanks,
Larry: A telescoping ground is a ground that is connected at the wall but left floating at the component. This can be done in the form of a wire or shield that is left "hanging" at or very near the IEC jack. Obviously, safety precautions have to be taken in terms of making sure that this "floating" ground wire is insulated. This has to be done in a manner that will not allow it to come into contact with the hot or neutral conductors under any circumstances. Sean
>
Viggen,
I don’t own any Michael Wolff products. The feedback you read was because of a transaction between the two of us, where I was the seller and he was the buyer. I have read some good comments about his power cords.
Just FWIW, any of the cords that I have experimented with in terms of floating grounds have sounded noticeably better with the ground disabled.
Hi. Just to clarify, the Flavor 4 is NOT a shielded design. The star-quad arrangment is highly resistant to RFI, so it doesn't need a shield. The #4 employs a spaced, counterspiralled safety ground to minimize any coupling between it and the hot/neutral. Disconnecting the safety ground at either end will defeat it, and is not recommended.

Best,

Chris VenHaus
VH Audio
2 quick points I have to add:
1. I use VH Audio PC's - great design with great results
2. Do not take advice to disconnect safety ground. You will end up killing somebody. Not a good idea.