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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.

nyev
gbmcleod
470 posts
 

I understand where you’re coming from. However, the PS 10 is a power distributor, not a line conditioner. It is a continuation of the PS 8, which can - and has - been used with a Defender. Many years ago, when it was reviewed in The Absolute Sound, Neil Gader used a combination of the PS 8 power distributor along with a Defender.

I’ve already spoken to Richard at Shunyata. Other than steering me towards the DP 6 line conditioner, this didn’t even come up. I’ve been a Shunyata customer for about 20 years and Richard knows the level of components that once made up my system, particularly during my time as an audio writer. These days, I have a considerably more modest system. (I’m a little too old to lug around 90 pound amplifiers: 60 is about my limit!), and I refuse to buy anything I can’t lift easily. So, for now, it’ll be a PS 10 and Defender, although I also intend to listen to the Venom V16 as well!


Thanks for the heads up, though!

markiew
36 posts
 

Also try and get a demo of the Puritan PSM156 - great piece of kit for not much money

axeis1
293 posts
 

I use a defender in the outlet my REL is plugged into  Its a dedicated 20 amp/ 10awg line. I also feed the REL with a Shunyata Delta EF

jdub39
497 posts
 

I'm glad this topic came up as I tried the Defender on the new setup I'm running and must eat crow! Sounds good ! So good it's staying there as no ill effects are noticed and bass digs deeper with better articulation and all the other benefits it brings to the table lower noise floor etc.. are stunning.

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

One of the things that Nordost warned me about when I asked them about conditioners (I have Valhalla 2 speaker cables) is that all filters / conditioners / regenerators have an impact on tonal balance.  They also warned that you cannot predict how a particular conditioner/filter/regenerator will impact a particular system, so you need to test yourself.  I’ve seen this message repeated on YouTube conditioner shootouts too.  Basically saying that their results are for interest only but not to take their results too seriously because the effects will be different in each system.  I suspect my experience with the Venom Defender is an example of this, possibly influenced by my shared 15A line (that is soon to be replaced with two dedicated 20A lines). 

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