Chord Company Crimson Vee 3 review

If you're look for a sweet and engaging sound, then this cable is a great option Tested at £50

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

If you're look for a sweet and engaging sound, then this cable is a great option

Pros

  • +

    Warm, rich sound

  • +

    Detailed midrange

Cons

  • -

    Lacklustre bass

  • -

    Restrained delivery

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Chord’s CrimsonPlus was a standing favourite of ours.

It was beaten in our 2012 Awards by the Atlas Element Integra, and the Vee 3 is the company’s response.

Performance

A one-word review would describe it as ‘easygoing’. This being a 150-word, review, though, we can add ‘rich’, ‘sweet’ and ‘restrained’ to that.

The Vee 3 seems to convey less detail than the Atlas Element Integra; its delivery isn’t quite as energetic, either. The perky, eager-to-please quality that we like so much in the Award-winner is more of a quietly confident affirmative here.

There’s nothing wrong with its midrange performance. It’s detailed and engaging. Treble is nice, too, conveying the metallic sizzle of cymbals well.

It’s in the bass that this cable loses its fifth star. It’s too restrained for us; too lacking in punch and slap. A more solid performance here would do wonders.

Verdict

The Vee 3 is all about conveying a smooth, sweet and engaging sound. If that suits your needs – and those of your system – then it’s a great option.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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