Source PC: Venom NR14 or Gamma NR?

[HitmanGFX]

Currently in the process of getting my power cables sorted out and dipping my toe in the Shunyata NR series. A few missteps along the way: I bought a Venom V14 (non-NR) and I'm coming to the realization I need the NR with my apartment's lousy power. I also borrowed a Theta NR, but did not realize it was a combination of copper with silver and the result was too bright in my system. Credit to Shunyata for being open about what's in there, I just missed it.

On the plus side, I did purchase a Gamma NR and I have loved how its performance in my DAC's (Schitt Yggdrasil and a Chord DAVE). It is so much faster and open than the other copper cables I have heard (Magic Powercable from Signal Cable and the Pangea line...the latter of which put a really nasty veil on everything), but with a fine decay on notes. I think I am okay getting at least another one or two and then calling it a day on cables. So that would be a Gamma NR in source (an older Soundaware D100 Pro server and I may add a CD transport), DAC (Yggy or the DAVE) and amp (currently working with an SQ-N10 tube amp and a Schitt Lyr for headphones). I am also using the PS10 power distributor. I do notice the SQ-N10 putting quite a bit of noise into the distributor, so my preference is to just plug it into the wall.

So I guess my question is for the source components, is the Venom V14 NR better than the Gamma NR? Both are copper and are so similar in price that's it's a non-factor ($350 vs $500 for 6ft), but the listing of NR technology differs on the site and honestly, I have no idea how these compare (and especially what Gen2 NR is):

Venom V14 NR:

Noise Reduction Technology:
CCI™ Noise Filter
Multi-stage array
Greater than 12 dB @ 1 MHz noise reduction
Impulse noise reduction: > 30 @ 1 MHz

Gamma NR

Noise Reduction:
NR Model: Gen2 NR, > 12 dB @ 1 MHz
XC Model: None

Again, Gamma NR is an amazing, amazing power cable.

Thanks!

 

[kennyb123]

So I guess my question is for the source components, is the Venom V14 NR better than the Gamma NR?

The Venom V14 NR is best for digital only components (no analog stage). Especially those that maintain a steady draw of current, like switches.

 

[HitmanGFX]

Update: Managed to borrow a V14 NR and ran it against my Gamma NR in my source. I think both do a good to great job of keeping noise out of the rest of the chain. The difference is the V14 is slightly cooler in sound and the Gamma is a bit warmer. When I run the Gamma AES cable and the Gamma NR, it's a bit too warm. The V14 NR with the Gamma AES is very pleasing, kind of dreamy. Plenty of air between the instruments, clearer vocals and a more punchy, well-defined bass. I will probably pick up the V14 NR and give myself the option of either cooling or warming my source when needed.

 

[kennyb123]

The difference is the V14 is slightly cooler in sound and the Gamma is a bit warmer. When I run the Gamma AES cable and the Gamma NR, it's a bit too warm. The V14 NR with the Gamma AES is very pleasing, kind of dreamy. Plenty of air between the instruments, clearer vocals and a more punchy, well-defined bass. I will probably pick up the V14 NR and give myself the option of either cooling or warming my source when needed.

I’m curious if other Shunyata owners agree, but my take is that Shunyata’s cables and power cords began being voiced as neutral around the time that the Alpha/Sigma cables were released. If the music shifted to a warmer direction it was because warmth found in the source was being allowed to pass. It may be my own bias that has me seeing it this way as I have long thought that cables that act like tone controls should be avoided. I landed on Shunyata because they seemed to not color the sound one way or the other. Moving up their lineup or to a newer generation meant getting more for less dollars with harmful effects (noise and grain) reduced.

 

[Young Skywalker]

The Venom V14 NR is best for digital only components (no analog stage). Especially those that maintain a steady draw of current, like switches.

Is there a higher model from the Shunyata range that is particularly good for digital only products? I am thinking of my MSB Technology Digital Director specifically or something like the new N1 switch from XAct Audio.

 

[kennyb123]

Is there a higher model from the Shunyata range that is particularly good for digital only products? I am thinking of my MSB Technology Digital Director specifically or something like the new N1 switch from XAct Audio.

I like the V14 NR for digital that has a consistent current draw, like a switch or a clock.

The DSPs in the Digital Director have me thinking that a cord with better DTCD performance would be beneficial. The DSPs are going to have react to the music - and since noise can get dumped on the ground plane when current demands aren’t met - a cord that excels at DTCD beneficial. This true for servers too. I suggest experimenting with a few cords around your price point to see how much you have to spend before diminishing returns kicks in.

 

[Young Skywalker]

I like the V14 NR for digital that has a consistent current draw, like a switch or a clock.

The DSPs in the Digital Director have me thinking that a cord with better DTCD performance would be beneficial. The DSPs are going to have react to the music - and since noise can get dumped on the ground plane when current demands aren’t met - a cord that excels at DTCD beneficial. This true for servers too. I suggest experimenting with a few cords around your price point to see how much you have to spend before diminishing returns kicks in.

Thank you!

Unfortunately the V14 series isn’t available with an Australian wall plug end but the higher priced models in the range are.