I had similar concern so I asked a question and Veritas quickly replied.
Does the pure-silver Argentum X sound brighter than Magnus? I’m debating whether I should go with Sonus (copper version of Argentum essentially) if Argentum departs from the warmth I am craving. I had Magnus and also wonder if Sonus renders better sounding than Magnus. Thanks.
Hello,
Good question, and one that we get asked somewhat often.
We don’t feel the Argentum series is technically any brighter than their Fidelis/Magnus counterparts. Rather they are just more capable and extended all around. Which does include the top-end as well as improved midrange projection and superior low frequencies. In our testing they give the same tonal balance and overall feel, just with “more” of everything.
That said, in some cases a system is tuned such that just enabling more air and high frequency extension could give the illusion of brighter sound. Especially when the system is not able to show the improved low-end response the Argentum cables also bring.
For example - using even a great mini-monitor speaker with no subs involved, there may not be any room for the improved bass extension and lower midrange body to show up in a very obvious way. Yet a quality mini-monitor may be very capable of showcasing more resolution on the top end. So the result could feel like a “tipping up” of the presentation, which may be unwelcome… even if this is actually caused by the limitations of the speakers themselves, and not the cables. Hopefully that makes sense.
So it can be system dependent for sure, but if your setup is reasonably balanced across the full spectrum, you should not likely encounter this aspect. In fact some customers tell us the Argentum interconnects actually feel a bit warmer than the Fidelis/Magnus based on the improved low-end authority they bring. It’s a matter of balance and overall system capabilities in the end.
The Sonus X is an interesting one. We feel it has superior dynamics and “grip” on the music compared to the Fidelis/Magnus models. Not necessarily warmer per se, but could easily give that illusion based on the intense dynamics. It also has a somewhat upgraded overall extension and resolution but that isn’t as noticeable compared to stepping up to the Argentum line. That was a major reason why we didn’t give Sonus a permanent spot in our lineup – the price spread didn’t seem big enough to support three different levels, and we didn’t want to confuse customers.
Given your stated goal “warmth my system is craving” the Sonus X might be the best choice though. It is the least likely to give the perception of brightness, and the given the discounted cost, it is probably the best value we sell. Actually forgot about that listing and shocked it hasn’t sold already.
Hope that answers your question but please feel free to ask away if you come up with anything else.
Cheers,
Veritas Cables
I later got the Argentum, and in my system it is a bit brighter, but never has a hint of edgy or harsh. In fact, it delivers a smooth, liquid presentation very much like the Magnus. Argentum does have improved low-end authority over Magnus as Veritas said. I ended up placing the Magnus in my first rig, which is the brighter system, and the Argentum in my warmer second rig. Both cables have taken my system to the next level.