PAD Venustas

I've tried the Venustas in several systems, and what I connect with in particular is a seductive, warm midrange. The first time I heard our system with them, I fell asleep, the music was that soothing. And after having tried some 20+ IC's, I was then sold on the Purist approach. That said, the Venustas is not as fully extended or as pure sounding as the Aqueous Anniversary, IMO. We use the Aqueous between the CDP and preamp, and the Venustas between the amp and preamp. In the CDP/preamp position, the Venustas sounds great, but the music has less bite and immediacy to it. Because it is slightly rolled off on the top, the Venustas seems to allow more bass to come through, but I would say that the bass is not as defined as with the Aqueous. In a word, the Venustas sounds 'tuned', while the Aqueous sounds transparent. We also have horn speakers, and I believe the Aqueous Anniversary is complimentary to the energetic delivery of the horns, while the Venustas will have more of an effect of taming them, albeit only marginally.

Hope that helps.

How about the speaker cables ?

We use the Aqueous Anniversary speaker cables, and love them. I have not heard the Venustas speaker cables. The Aqueous had a similar effect as the IC. Transparent, flawless tone, with excellent extension top to bottom. I think I've read here, however, that the most favorable reports come from those with high efficiency speakers. Ours happen to be 104dB. If I remember correctly, Ozzy, you didn't like them. Do I have that right?

One other thing. The cables initially have a tinge of glare, and the bass is not fully defined. 100+ hours helps things settle in, and the Purist burn-in disc brings a textural richness and liquidity to the sound.

I currently own Venustas interconnect between my preamp and amp. Also, my tonearm and phono stage. Opis between my cd and pre. Dominus speaker cables and AC cords.

The Venustas trashed my previous Transparent Ref w/XL. 1/2 the price too (list). Litterally, better everwhere. Ditto the Cardas Golden Reference. On the speaker cords, also replaced Trans Ref w xl. Power cords that got quickly replaces were FIM Gold and 2 Kimber Palladian PK10's. I have heard the Aqueous as well as own the Opis. All 3 of these cables are close. Seems like a lot of us mix and mix a little. Differences are subtle, but they are there and can really complete a system with just a little matching.

Bottom line, try the venustas. It's a steal right now used. One set will likley hook you on the Purist line up.

Opis or Aquaquesous should be tried at some point as well...