i experienced the same. I’m wondering how long you had the defender plugged in before you started your session and how long it was in total. it was suggested to me that I let it settle for a few days. And seems t the warrant that I love of my system returned
Results with Shunyata Venom Defender
I’ve started my battle with noisy AC and while I’m waiting for my new Audioquest Dragon HC 20A to come in (for my TBD conditioner) my dealer loaned me a couple of Shunyata Venom Defender plugs, which are supposed to filter out noise on your AC line and provide surge protection. You simply plug these in on the same circuit as your gear. They are inexpensive buy audio standards.
Do they make a difference? Yes! Sound became noticeably more focused, more higher frequency detail, cleaner treble. But….. Unfortunately the tonal balance shifted. Bass was more reserved and too polite (but well defined). I’d say all frequencies below upper midrange became quieter, and all frequencies upper mid and higher got louder. All frequencies got clearer. Also, the overall volume was very slightly quieter with these devices plugged in. Maybe quieter by 1/3rd of one volume setting increment on my Diablo 300.
The improved focus and clarity really did improve the experience when listening to a lot of material - it was easier to follow what was going on. But bass guitars lost some presence and even some nuance because it was quieter. I was thinking I could live with that for the sake of the improvements, but then I tried listening to some leaner recordings, and it sounded better without the devices plugged in.
All of these effects were subtle, but after going back and forth and pinpointing the differences, the changes became readily apparent.
I’m not going to end up using these, but I’d highly recommend them for anyone who might want to tighten up their system’s focus and detail, and doesn’t mind a very slightly leaner sound.
Also, I suspect those with lower end (less resolving) systems may not hear any difference when using these devices.
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@andrewkelley , I don’t recall exactly how long I had it plugged in prior to my listening session, but it was definitely a good while. I had it for a few days. Funny you should revive this thread. I was just now thinking that I have pretty strong bass in my system now with a rich and full bodied sound. And as such it had just occurred to me that a Defender might not be a bad thing in the context of my current system. |
I added a Venom defender to the outlet where my Shunyata Denali is plugged into the wall. The differences are extraordinary. It took 4-5 days to reach peak performance (don’t ask me why, it just did). I can confirm some loss of bass the first few days. At the end of the week, I can report you’ll hear better/fuller bass, a warmer, more natural, analogue tone, and a more realistic soundstage. I just added a 2nd Defender to an open outlet on my Denali, and can report more of the same- again give them time. If you have Shunyata power conditioners, the incremental cost of the Defenders provides a remarkable improvement. Again, keep them plugged in for a week before drawing any final conclusions. By day 3-4 you should hear everything start to gel, by the end of week one they’ll make your system sound wonderful. One of the best bang-for-the-buck tweaks out there. |
(Yes, this is an older thread.) I researching the Shunyata Defender, I just saw this: ”Red LED fault indicator displays the status of the internal protection circuitry. Should the light come on, the Defender has protected your system against a massive surge and it’s time to replace the unit. Transient Suppression: NextGEN TMOV = 20,000 Amps @ 8/50μs“
So, if it works as a surge protector, it has sacrificed itself. And thus must be replaced at $300 a pop.!?
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