Vivanco SHQ Ultra review

Vivanco's SHQ Ultra HDMI 1.4 cable certainly proves to be an enjoyable watch, but it could lose some of its reservation Tested at £80.00

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What Hi-Fi? Verdict

It's a very good cable, with only a few minor flaws

Pros

  • +

    Wide sound

  • +

    well-defined contrast

  • +

    little noise

  • +

    impressive resolution

Cons

  • -

    Some reservation to the sound

  • -

    bass is a touch ragged

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We start by giving the Vivanco SHQ Ultra a few scenes from the epic Fellowship of the Ring Blu-ray, and from the off images are stable, with crisp edges.

Resolution is impressive, and there is little noise and blocking. Contrast is well-defined, with separation between dark and light areas handled smoothly.

The cable relays a wide, airy sound, although the bass is ragged round the edges, and there's reservation that stops the SHQ Ultra from truly shining.

This Vivanco is £20 more then the Award-winning Chord SuperShield, and isn't quite as good as that fine cable, but still, in action this HDMI makes for an enjoyable watch.

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What Hi-Fi?
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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