Vinylphile Magazine : Equipment Reviews

Audio Video Unleashed • Pura Vida Interconnects

By Rich Teer | August 22nd, 2010

I know that cables aren’t the most popular review subject, but the fact is they’re a necessary evil—how else would audio signals be transferred from one component in our audio systems to another?—and they do have an effect on sound quality. We previously reviewed the somewhat esoteric Nordost Frey cables; this time we’re having a listen to something much more affordable: the Audio Video Unleashed Pura Vida interconnects (a matching speaker cable is in the works).

Technical Details

The Pura Vida cables have a very simple appearance, consisting of just two strands of 21-gauge pure copper solid core cable, each insulated with woven cotton. They are terminated by direct grounding Eichmann Bullet plugs; Neutrik XLRs or DIN connectors are also available. The cables are directional, and are subjected to at least 50 hours of burn-in and testing prior to being shipped.

I asked the cable’s designer, Steven Foote, for some information about his technology choices, and he had this to say: “Contrary to audio marketing’s ‘bigger is better’ mantra, we have found that the simpler the design and the less materials used in an interconnect, the more faithful it is at preserving the original signal. The original signal is very weak and highly susceptible to alteration by the influence of an interconnect’s design and materials. To address this problem we have found the best way to conserve the original signal is by incorporating a solid core wire with direct grounding connector design. This simple but effective design provides the least amount of noise and resistance and the most direct signal path available”.

“The next and often overlooked issue is insulation. The insulation has a significant effect on both the freedom of sound and the type of sonic signature produced. To address these issues we prefer cotton insulation. In direct comparison to the typical synthetic materials used, cotton causes very little sound compression and has an indistinguishable sonic signature. Cotton does not attract static electricity like many synthetic insulations do’.

Steve notes that the final choice of materials and construction was arrived at after years of experimentation, and were chosen because they were “sonically pleasing and a synergistic match”.

The cables are indeed very insubstantial; I asked Steve about the possibility of using heat shrink tubing as a strain relief where the single cable strand enters the Eichmann Bullet plugs. Others had made the same suggestion, but after careful experimentation Steve felt that the heat shrink tubing’s deleterious effects on the sound quality outweighed its benefits, so he decided against using it.

So much for the theory; how do they sound?

Sound Quality

I used two interconnects to test the Pura Vida cables: the first between my Forsell Air Reference turntable and the Allnic H-1200 phono stage, and the second between the phono stage and my Audio Research SP-9 preamp. I also used them with the H-1200 removed from the system, i.e., with the turntable connected directly to my SP- 9’s phono input.

Using the Pura Vidas, the sound was very smooth with a somewhat creamy texture. By this I mean that cables weren’t totally neutral, and imparted a slight aural signature on the signal which could be typified as a slight softening of the higher frequencies. This tendency to soften the treble is best illustrated by tinkling bells at the start of Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells [Virgin Records V2001] and the celeste in the second movement of Fritz Rainer’s interpretation of Prokofiev’s Lt. Kije [Classic Records/RCA Victor LSC- 2150], Romance. Both lack a touch of sparkle and air.

Although the bass was generally very satisfactory, it was bit woolly at times. The bass thrum from the first epilogue of Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds [CBS 9600] was a bit light too, lacking a touch of impact. On the other hand, synthesised bass lines from New Order’s Blue Monday [Factory FAC73] and Yazoo’s (or, as they are called on this side of the pond, Yaz) Don’t Go [Sire Records 29886-0] 12” singles were marvellously deep with the right amount of slam.

I detected no serious anomalies with the all-important midrange: sibilants were not exaggerated or hardened, so instruments such as piano, clarinet, harpsichord, and trumpet were well portrayed.

Low level detail was fine overall, although (and I admit I am picking nits here) I did detect some veiling and some loss of fine detail. In other words, the Pura Vida’s low level details were pretty good, but not up there with the best. Similarly, imaging was very good, but again not the best I’ve heard. Considering the Pura Vida’s modest price, this is a good accomplishment!

Something to consider if you are planning to use the Pura Vidas as a phono cable is this: they have no shielding, so they can pick up a bit of hum and RFI. In my system, this wasn’t problematic for line level signals (like between the phono stage and the line stage), but it was a bit of a problem for phono signals between my turntable and the phono stage. Although the amount of RFI they picked up was minimal, they did pick up a bit of hum. The hum was audible from my listening position at my normal listening volume, but only between tracks or the during the quietest passages: it didn’t intrude most of the time, but should be borne in mind if you intend to use the cable for phono-level signals.

One thing I will say for the Pura Vida’s though, is that they are quite musical: the composer’s and musicians intents are accurately reproduced, the music’s rhythmic and timing qualities are unmolested, and nothing really detracts from one’s enjoyment of the music. This last point, I think, is the most important because enjoying music is what this hobby is all about.

Despite the couple of weaknesses I outlined previously (none of which are particularly serious), the Pura Vida’s are easy to live and get along with, suggesting suitable compatibility with a wide variety of systems. It’s also important to remember that these cables are not stratospherically priced, so my criticisms should be read in an appropriate mental context: they are not a no holds barred, cost no object statement. Rather, they are intended to provide great performance at a fair price; at this endeavour, I think the Pura Vida has been successful.

Verdict

The Pura Vida interconnects are polite and inoffensive cables whose strengths include good bass (especially on electronic music), a great midrange, and a smooth sound. Overall, the sound quality was very good—especially if their price is also considered—but not perfect (is there such a thing?). A touch on the warm side, these cables would be a good addition to a slightly cool system (or a neutral system if a slightly warm sound is your thing).

A personal audition is recommended, then, if you’re shopping for a reasonably priced interconnect, with the caveat that they’re not ideal for low level phono signals.

Specifications

Description Pure copper 21 AWG solid conductors, woven cotton dielectric. Available with Eichmann Bullet RCA plugs, Neutrik XLRs, or DIN connectors.
DC Resistance 10.3 Ohms per 1,000 ft/304 m.
Serial numbers of units reviewed N/A.
Price (CAD) $399 (RCA or DIN), $450 (XLR) for 1 m (add $100 per additional metre). Warranty Lifetime non-transferable.

Manufacturer

Audio Video Unleashed
65 Ridgewood Place
Williams Lake, BC V2G 5K3
Canada
(250) 392-7340
www.avunleashed.com

Associated Equipment