Audioquest Viper

[bcwang]

Just wondering if anyone has heard these cables and can comment on them. I'm wondering if they're good for the price or if there's much better stuff out there for less.

 

[MusicJunkie]

I picked up a new pair of Viper ICs for my speaker system from my local hi-fi dealer for $225. The sound is very clean, detailed and transparent. I haven't tried any other ICs so I don't know how they compare.

For what its worth the build quality is top notch but the cables are a little on the ugly side.

I'm interested in trying some Cardas cables to compare. Has anyone done a comparison?

MJ

 

[GARYS]

Here's a thought. When I was setting up my main home system a couple of years ago. I found that matching worked well. With a dedicated headphone system I would think matching electronics and cables would be of even more importance.

There are lots of good I/C's out there. The thought is if you are using a Cardas headphone cable ( you did not mention) you would match with cardas I/C's. However if you are not then it is a moot point.

I am in the process of putting together a headphone system and just ordered the Cardas cable for my HD600's. Before I buy I/C's I am going to experiment with the I/C's in my main system first just for fun.

Gary

 

[bcwang]

Looks like I can get a good deal on the Audioquest Python which is one above the Viper. Has anyone heard these before and have some comments they'd like to share?

Thanks!

 

[Gallaine]

I auditioned the AudioQuest Viper a couple of years ago - along with Wire World Equinox III+, Harmonic Technology Truthlink and Nordost Blue Heaven. In my system at the time (non-Headphone) I thought that the Home Grown Audio Super Silvers had better detail than all of them; the bass was just as good to boot. The Viper was a good cable though I felt it didn't have much depth to the soundstage. If my memory serves, the Wire World Equinox III+ was cleaner than the Viper with better imaging.

It has been awhile since I've auditioned cables. I've been very happy with my Home Grown Audio cables (recently upgraded from the Super Silvers to the Silver Lace).

When I did audition cables I went through The Cable Company's cable library. They charge a 5% deposit (10% the first time you borrow from them) that can be applied to your first order. I found it to be an affordable way to compare several cables to each other (if you add up the cables I listed above it would have cost me nearly $1000 retail to be able to listen to them side-by-side if I had purchased them instead).

Try not to get too caught up in what I call the good deal syndrome with things you haven't heard yourself; though if someone else has similar equipment to yours and can vouch for the sound your risk of gettng burned may be lower (which is why I use this site to help narrow down my choices). IMO it is always good to compare similar products before deciding which is best for you. That isn't always feasible but take advantage of it when it is.