@v-fi, Thank you for catching my error regarding the Argentum R as I should have referred to it. I get mixed up at times with new items, especially when its not on their website yet.
Veritas Cables a new brand that I found
Always been a big fan of smaller cable makers. I've had great luck in my system with brands like Audio Art, Cabledyne (RIP), Audio Sensibility, and Triode Wire Labs. These and others I'm surely forgetting seem to offer so much bang for the buck compared to the more mainstream brands. Not exactly cheap but usually a great value for what you get. It's noteworthy that most of these are most easily found by cruising Audiogon, US Audio Mart, Audiocircle, etc and if you only ever read Stereophile/TAS you'll probably never be exposed to all these great options.
As with most people around here I've also had my fair share of Audioquest, Kimber, Shunyata, Cardas, Wireworld, MIT, and the rest of the big names. Some of those were very enjoyable but I have a hard time when I think about how big their marketing budgets are. And when my local dealer will always give me a deal for a very substantial discount, it makes me realize how inflated the regular pricing is. Not to mention I notice that many of these don't really get good until you move fairly high up the line, with their entry and mid priced options often being pretty uninspiring.
A few weeks ago I was browsing the various classifieds as I often do and stumbled across a name that was new to me. Turns out that's because they are new, period. Veritas Cables calls themselves a boutique hifi cable company specializing in small batch creations. That sounds reminiscent of early Black Cat Cable which they actually reference as an inspiration. This immediately caught my attention as I used to work with Chris Sommovigo at one point and loved his approach to building cables. The company had 3 items listed at the time: RCA interconnects, a power cable, and an ethernet cable. I liked what I saw but was actually in the market for an XLR interconnect, so I checked out their website (still under construction) which indicated more cables were coming soon. I figured it was worth an email inquiry to see what the time frame might be.
I got a quick response stating that they had just completed a batch of XLR cables and while most were spoken for via local word of mouth sales, they did have one extra set they could sell me. The price was well within my target and actually much more affordable than the others I had been looking at (Audio Art Copper Cryo, Morrow Audio MA6, Silnote Anniversary being the main contenders). So I took a chance on it, although with their in home trial terms it wasn't a huge gamble. They sent over an invoice with paypal and due to Veritas being in California like me the cable arrived very quickly.
When the company told me they don't use any fancy packaging, they weren't kidding. It was more like buying a second hand cable off a forum with no original packaging. But I've never cared about any of that stuff and would rather have that money go towards the actual product. In that sense I was not disappointed. Veritas calls this their Magnus cable and it shares design cues with the rest of their line I had seen listed on USAmart and the Veritas website. Specifically that means the use of a metallic silver braided jacket instead of the usual plastic or fabric sleeving most other cables have. This is the same approach used by Ed Bowman with his Cabledyne brand which I miss dearly. Back in the day my entire system was Cabledyne Reference Silver, then upgraded to their Vanguard line and was happy with that for quite a while. So I am very pleased to reintroduce a similar looking cable. That said the Veritas Magnus is somewhat thicker yet more flexible than the Cabledyne models which makes it easier to deal with.
Veritas doesn't come right out and list exactly what the internal composition is on their designs. When I asked directly they were happy to answer so it's not a complete secret, but I guess more of a marketing choice. Discussing this with them also reminded me of chatting with Ed Bowman, where there is clearly a lot of knowledge but also a desire to simplify things for a dumb end user like me. I tend to agree with their philosophy that says silver doesn't always have to sound bright and copper isn't always warm. Designers can do a lot based on geometry and purity and shielding and a dozen other factors to where a silver cable might actually be warmer and smoother than a copper cable. Or a copper cable might be more focused on speed and treble extension. Honestly I don't care as much about the specifics as I do about the end result, just give me an excellent performing cable no matter what it's made of.
In any case to my eyes the Veritas Magnus looks every bit as well made as the other options I had been considering. Those range from $630 for the Audio Art, to $1250 for the Morrow, to $1500 for the Silnote, all for 1.5m XLR versions just to give you a general idea. Meanwhile the Magnus was $389 which is almost what I would call entry level territory with the price of cables being what it is these days.
So far I've been using the Magnus to connect my Eversolo DMP-A8 to a variety of tube and SS headphone amplifiers in the $2-5k range, then feeding the amazing Raal Requisite CA-1a ribbon headphones via the Raal transformer box. It's a pretty simple system and this is the only interconnect involved, making it easier to spot the contributions versus a system with separate transport, DAC, preamp, and amplifier and of course cables running between each of them.
The sound I heard was shockingly open, clean, detailed, and smooth. Huge staging with impressive depth and even height on the right recordings. Very convincing tone on violins, guitars, and vocals both male and female. The Raal headphones are pretty ruthless and reveal all sorts of upstream shortcomings, but I got the feeling I was bouncing up against the limits of the DMP-A8 D/A conversion rather than the cable/amp/headphones. I'll test this out soon when I switch to my bigger system with a better/more expensive DAC, and I'll report my findings when I have some thoughts on that.
Checking my cable collection for things with a vaguely similar price as the Magnus. I rounded up a Harmonic Tech Truth Link, Analysis Plus Copper Micro, Anticables 3.1, and Moon Audio Black Dragon, all of which sold for somewhere in the sub $500 space (I think) at some point in the last decade. It was no contest, the Veritas Magnus outclassed them all by a significant margin. These are all decent cables with something to offer which is why I keep them around in my stash, but compared to the Veritas they all sounded either dull, thin, slow, compressed, or some combination of those traits. I also note that each of them looks and feels like more of a budget product (which I guess they are) where the Veritas Magnus seems like it belongs in an entirely higher class despite the price not reflecting that.
My next goal is to compare it to some others in my arsenal priced around the $1K range. So far, from memory I would say it feels very competitive even in that class, but I want to be more specific about it so no comments for now. The crazy thing is that Veritas told me they have another XLR option (didn't catch the name or other specifics) positioned higher than the Magnus, for what is likely still a pretty reasonable price considering their approach to the market. All of those were spoken for at the time but did ask to be notified when the next batch is ready so we can discuss that. I had been considering the Infigo Audio Sparkle or maybe even Sparkle Signature XLR down the road but I might detour to the Veritas instead, just for the sake of adventure. But that depends on the pricing and specifics they give me, if and when we have that discussion. I'm also curious about their power cables or maybe a USB down the line. Sometimes when cable companies try to do everything, they bite off more than they can chew, or seem to excel with digital rather than analog or vice versa. So it would be interesting to see if Veritas can do the full line of cables to this same high caliber.
In closing I'll say (and it's probably obvious) that I'm extremely impressed with this product so far. It's the most dramatic result I've had from a cable in quite some time, and I appreciate that it didn't involve spending thousands of dollars. The folks at Veritas really seem to be on the right track in terms of quality and value. Which is not to be confused with being very good at marketing a product, which honestly they don't really seem to be, nor do they seem to even care all that much at the moment. They definitely have some improvement to do when it comes to optimizing their operation, but they told me their focus is on organic growth and quality over quantity. That seems like a noble approach so I can't fault them for it. Their website also could really use more specifics but at least they answer emails quickly and are easy to deal with that way.
I'll be back in the next week or so with additional updates. Maybe some downsides will present themselves. But so far it's been a totally positive experience. Next up is my bigger system with more expensive components and cables, we'll see how the Magnus holds up in that context.
Showing 41 responses by lak
@tubeguy80 Very interesting to hear that Veritas will have a special edition version of the Aperta speaker cable. I'll have to look into this development. I really like my Aperta speaker cables. |
September 13th I purchased a 1.5/M pair of Veritas Audio Fidelis RCA Interconnects. After four days of cable burn-in on my Auuiodharma cable cooker I began to use the interconnects going from preamp to amp. I’m very pleased with the Fidelis interconnects, although the bass originally sounded a bit blotted with a few more hours of use the bass settled in. I’ve never believed in talking to hear myself talk so I simply say that the description written by Veritas Audio regarding their Fidelis RCA interconnects is spot on. “Veritas Audio Fidelis RCA interconnect in 1.5m length. Fidelis produces incredibly smooth, well-defined sound with superb treble extension, stunning midrange projection, and rock solid, authoritative low end”. Equipment used: Coincident Frankenstein 300B stereo amp, Red Dragon Stereo Monoblock’s, Luxman CL 38 uC preamp, Project CD Box RS2 Transport with upgraded power supply, LAiV Harmony Dac, Montana EPX speakers and/or JBL 4319 speakers. |
@tubeguy80 please keep us posted. |
I have a standing order for the Argentum X Interconnects, and the speaker cable. I'll be able to compare the Fidelis Interconnects to the Argentum X Interconnects since I'll have both.. I received the Veritas power cord yesterday. At this time all I can say is WOW! Very sexy looking and a very solid build. I own many higher priced power cords but this Veritas power cord looks to be in a class of its own, my hats are off to the people at Veritas based upon design. I can't comment on the sound yet because I have it on my Audiodharma cable cooker, for at least several more days. |
@denon1 I currently have the Fidelis RCA interconnects, and in a few weeks I should have the Argentum X Interconnects (which are RCA) and from what I've been told will be: "We use Ultra Pure Ohno Continuous Cast (sometimes called UP OCC) wiring which is claimed to be 7N purity. It is debatable whether or not the technology exists to properly differentiate anything beyond 5N, and certainly the difference between 6N and 7N is extremely difficult to verify. At that point other aspects of the design are more important anyway. There are only three suppliers in the world capable of manufacturing UP OCC wiring, we have tried all of them and settled on the option we felt sounds best in our configuration". The Lavricables I have are the Grand Silver (5N) RCA and XLR Interconnects. Apples to Apples would be the Argentum X vs Lavri Grand. |
@v-fi if you liked your Magnus XLR wait until you hear the Argentum R interconnects, I believe you are going to be very happy. I say this because I just took my Argentum X off the cable burner and into one of my systems (Luxman 590AX MKII, Audio Research CD7, Klipsch Forte III). This interconnect is as good or better than anything I have heard. |
@denon1 I have the Argentum R interconnects and speaker cables scheduled for delivery from USPS tomorrow (hopefully). Once off of my cable cooker I'll be able to put the Argentum R interconnects (RCA's) and speaker cables into the system that I really want to hear them in, I can't do that now because the system doesn't allow for XLR. At that time I can better describe what I'm hearing. |
Listening Impressions of the Argentum X 1.5/M Interconnects (Listening Notes from today). Deep low bass, timbre and decay sound very realistic, natural and accurate. Good sound stage and separation of instruments. |
@denon1 Here are a few of your questions answered regarding the Aperts speaker cables. The + and - cable are inclosed in one 10/16" enclosure, they are solid and one 12' run (that I have) weighs 2-1/2 pounds, but they are flexible and I can coil one run into a 10" circle. My cables have bananas on all ends but I don't know the brand name. I just started the process of cable burn in on my cable cooker so at the present time I can't comment on the sound but I was told: "It took about a dozen prototypes to arrive at this final version but it was absolutely worth the trouble. It’s a hybrid silver/copper design with unbelievable clarity and realism – hence the name Aperta which roughly translated from Latin means “open, exposed, uncovered, clear.” "We humbly submit that nothing else on the market comes anywhere near the Aperta without a four figure price tag". I hope this helps answer a few of your questions, I know...the big question...how do they sound? (LOL) I'll have an idea by the end of the week. |
I’ve had the Aperta speaker cables on my cable cooker for a few days and today I put them into the system that I’m currently using for the Veritas Cables. My current system set up is as follows:
Project CD Box RS2 Transport with upgraded LTA power supply connected to LAiV Harmony Dac with Acoustic Zen MC2 Digital Cable (RCA).
LAiV Harmony Dac connected to Luxman CL 38 uC preamp with Argentum X interconnects.
Luxman CL 38 uC preamp connected to Red Dragon Stereo Monoblock’s with Argentum R interconnects.
Red Dragon Stereo Monoblock’s to Montana EPX speakers with the Aperta 12’ speaker cables with bananas on all ends.
I removed my Audioquest William Tell ZERO speaker cables and am currently auditioning.
I think these speaker cables might take a little longer time to fully burn in than the interconnects or power cord.
Presently I really like what I’m hearing and I actually think I can hear micro details I have heard before but they are more pronounced because these are details that I’m always listening for.
I think Veritas Cables hit another home run!
I definitely want a full loom of these cables.
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@denon1, as soon as I took the Aperta speaker cables off the cable cooker (3 days) and into my system they sounded as good as my Audioquest William Tell speaker cables (I really like my William Tell and my Lavricable Grand 5N speaker cables) and now that I have 5 hours on them I believe the Aperta speaker cables are doing a better job picking up micro details, with excellent lows, mids, and highs, very realistic music including jazz, piano, vocals, violins and timbre sound. I do believe that the Argentum interconnects have a part to play in this also. I do like the bananas used, they have some sort of a device that holds them in securely and feel tight, they are easy to remove. I don't recognize the brand of the bananas. The Aperta speaker cables are more flexible than the William Tell and easy to work with.
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@wig, (Hi wig) I was told: "It took about a dozen prototypes to arrive at this final version but it was absolutely worth the trouble. It’s a hybrid silver/copper design with unbelievable clarity and realism – hence the name Aperta which roughly translated from Latin means “open, exposed, uncovered, clear.” "We humbly submit that nothing else on the market comes anywhere near the Aperta without a four figure price tag". |
@bugredmachine Thanks for taking the time to complete a very thorough review of the Argentum X interconnects. A very nice listening room and system you have there. For clarification purposes I was attempting to identify which specific interconnects you were making a comparison to. Is it the Siltech Crown Princess Interconnect? I found the Siltech website a bit overwhelming. |
I prefer the Argentum R and X over the Fidelis interconnects. The Fidelis interconnects are good, the Argentum are silver and in my systems sounded more realistic for my taste. The speaker cables did take longer in order to reach maturity for whatever reason. As I have said before these Veritas Cables are very well built and very sexy in appearance. Now I'm not saying there are not better sounding cables out the in audiophile land some place but for the Veritas Cable pricing they are fantastic. I just received two more pair of the Argentum R interconnects yesterday (USPS must be doing something correct because they arrived one day earlier also) and currently have them on my cable cooker. |
@westcoastaudiophile thank you for your opinion, I respectfully disagree, as ofter happens with audiophiles. |
@samureyex Thats strange. It will be interesting to see if it should happen again. I've had my Aperta speaker cables on three different amps and three different pair of speakers and have no issues what so ever. If it were me just to be on the safe side I'd send an email to Veritas in order to see what their thoughts are. Best regards... |
@tubeguy80 Better safe than sorry, wise decision to wait until you have the new set up. |
1+ @tubeguy80 @maxima95 I totally Agree with tubeguy80 the Argentum X isn’t all that much more expensive and to my ears in several different systems sounded better then the Magnus. The Magnus did sound good, but then you begin to wonder how much better would the Argentum sound. |
@tubeguy80 I suggest you email Veritas and ask them. They have been very good about getting back to me with answers to my questions. |
@sfpeloton @maxima95 If the information below does not answer your questions then I suggest you email them directly as I did. I am not a spokesman for them and I don't want to pass on any incorrect information. I hope the information below is helpful. Prior to my purchase I emailed Verita Cables and inquired about their Aperta speaker cables. This is the response I received from them: "We are willing to go into some detail but there are also certain aspects of the design that we do a little different, so would prefer not to divulge every single thing. Hopefully you understand. |
@charliee You might try contacting them through USAM as well as their website, and include your phone number. The reason I say this is I had not heard back from them regarding an email I sent (they usually get back to me the same day and/or hour) and I found out there was some type of a glitch on my computer service and their email would not go through. |