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Please email us your comments at: feedback@shunyata.com today!
August 2010
Dear Caelin and Grant,
I have recently upgraded all of the power cables in my audio system from your Shunyata Anaconda Alpha Helix to your King Cobra CX. After an extensive "break in" of several weeks, I can emphatically state that the new King Cobra CX's are unequivocally better sounding. They have turned a nightly routine into a nightly EVENT! In addition to an unimaginably quieter and blacker background, they have brought forth a whole new layer of new found resolution of spatial and dynamic realism that must be heard to be believed! There are literally vistas of new and musically relevant information on each and every recording that I have played. Sometimes this new found resolution is outright startling!
I have been a music lover for most of my life and an audiophile for thirty five years. I have refined my tastes for what sounds best to my tastes, and have long since exited the "preamp of the month club", with the purchase of my current electronics (All Mark Levinson Reference) about a decade ago. I purchased that equipment, because I liked how it sounded, I liked how it looks, and I liked the interfacing of the components. I still love what I have and nothing has convinced, nor persuaded me to change my electronics. Most "high end" audio electronics are built to military standards and with proper care will perform for decades. Your King Cobra CX power cables along with my two V-RayII's have allowed my equipment to perform at a much higher level than ever before. It sounds like the already overbuilt power supplies of my electronics were just rebuilt and tripled in their size and at the same time the circuit boards designed to pass more information! I now hear resolution down to the room noise and musicians breathing, instrumental overtones sound more of a piece and simply more "real", voices more "human", and dynamics much more alive and vibrant - truly amazing!
These King Cobra CX cables are expensive, no doubt and for the same money I could have traded in or sold my Levinson electronics and purchased new equipment, but I chose not to do that, as again, I had left the electronics merry-go-round some years ago. I firmly believe that the purity and the amount of power that audio electronics have, the better that they will perform. While I have top notch signal cable, I think that if the electronics are not performing at their fullest potential, then the signal that they are transferring from component to component will be seriously compromised. Power is as key as a properly designed listening room, if one wants to achieve state of the art sound reproduction.
The overall "sonic picture" that I have currently achieved (pun intended!) must not only be heard to be believed, but also warps time, as when I leave the sound room for the evening what seemed like minutes was hours!
Thank you for designing and manufacturing your amazing products! I look forward to continuing the journey with you as you develop even better sounding power products in the future!
With all my appreciation,
RAC
July 2010
Grant,
I just wanted to thank you for your patient listening and excellent advice on selecting power cords for my system. I ended up buying Hydra V -Ray and two Anaconda one for the amp and the other for Hydra. Now I have the entire power distribution system from Shunyata with good combination of shielded and CX cables based on your feedback. The audio video experience has changed so dramatically that I have no words except WOW. We were planning to buy a new TV but now we feel there is no need.
Thanks again and convey my appreciation to your production team -- they are the best.
Best regards,
Akbar A.
Los Angeles
May 2010
Grant,
You might recall that several weeks ago I sent you two Sidewinders CX's to be converted to Black Mambas. Since that time they have come in and have been in my system. I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for this service and to say that these Black Mambas are simply glorious. I appreciate yours and your company's attention to customer service and your staff (Cassandra) was just wonderful and extremely professional.
Best Regards,
George H.
September 2009
Hi Grant,
I finally have about 110 hrs on the cords. Clearly I haven't been able to listen as much as I would like. The sound did get a little worse by about 24 hrs and then gradually improved. Then, around 85 hrs the sound really opened up. It was so much more resolved and airy but also with better bass definition. The rhythm seems just unstoppable. All the little timing cues are now more apparent. What's more, a significant grainy veil has been lifted that I didn't even know was there. It initially sounded a little soft, but then I realized this was lack of grain and harshness in the high frequencies. I definitely wasn't expecting that much change after so many hours. Now I think the sound isn't changing so much, but who knows? It could break in more I suppose.
Next, I'm going to plug the Vandersteen subs into the Hydra 4 to see if that makes a difference.
Best regards,
Jim D.
November 2008
So you know, I've had the DarkField's in my system for five days now. Three under the Python, three under the Taipan, the rest separating/lifting the interconnect (Alpha-Core Sapphire) and the speaker cable (Alphacore Boa).
There is no question they make a difference and that it's positive aross the board. More separation betwen voices and instruments, a broader, deeper soundstage, improved timbres, I could go on. Listening more holistically, the speakers basically vanish even better than before, and it's just much easier to forget it's a stereo I'm listening to.
All in all, clear improvements that are worth the price.
Rgds,
Matthew K.
October 2008
Unbelievable… how a $99.00 power cord can improve a system’s sound so much. Grant, I took your advice and let the Venom power cord break in a good 200 hours, and couldn’t believe the transformation: a more dynamic sound, more transparent, with the ability to actually “hear thru the recording”. Great product!
Bob O.
January 2008
Just before I plug my Anaconda, I was auditionning the Acoustic Zen Tsunami feeding my Simaudio Moon P 8. So I replaced that cable with my Anaconda. The difference was truly great. Next, I tried the Tsunami with my Moon W 8. The sound was not very good. My wife complained about the hight frequency. The sound was harsh and the singer was short on his legs. She asked me to plug the Tsunami directly to the Hydra 6. Just before I did that, it was plugged in the wall's outlet ( Venom Silve outlet). The differences was instantaneous. The singer was now taller. The harmonics! amazing. The same cable with a totally new sound's signature.
Michel V.
Hi Grant,
I recently borrowed some power cords from Chad at Alternative Audio. I had the Diamondback, Copperhead, Taipain, and Python for home evaluation. I could not believe the difference that the Python's made while being attached to my Bluenote Stibbert and Edge G3 with a Copperhead to my Anthony Gallo SA. It made music sound like music and humiliated my existing 3 Crystal Standard power cords. My question for you now is what is the best place to start with Shunyata speaker cables and interconnects?
Kind regards,
Vern
September 2007
Take the entire book of known terms people use to try to describe the changes to their system and those words would not be enough to describe the improvements I have witnessed with the simple upgrades. Really that is how I feel because there is so much that has changed and all for the much much better I must say. I am supremely pleased with what these power cords and speaker cables have done for me and I look forward to several more Anaconda's finding a home in my simple system.
Thank you to all at Shunyata Research for making such great products!
Marcel (Pete) St.Pierre
March 2006
After a strong recomendation from a local dealer, I took the leap of faith and invested in your product. I was impressed with the Taipan vx/Alpha-Hydra 2 combination. It wasn't till I added the Taipan helix to the mix, did I realize the full potential of this upgrade. The improvement in the micro dynamics was the first change noted. My sound stage grew ten feet. Sonically, theres a kind of "enrobing" effect, I've had many different power conditioners over the years, as well as upgraded power cords. With Shunyata, I've gone from "thinking" I hear a difference, to knowing it to be fact.
Thank you,
Peter C.
Jersey City, N.J.
November 2004
I evaluated your products and found them absolutely fantastic (Taipan Vx, Alpha and Hydra Model-2). They smoked my Transparent PowerIsolator4 and Analysis PowerOval combo. I ordered right away 1m Python Vx for my cd-player (Bow Technologies Wizard 24/192), Python Alpha for my integrated (Bow Wazoo 50W no negative feedback-design, very tube sounding integrated) and two pieces of Hydra Model-2's equipped with Taipan Alpha's.
Jouni
October 2004
Dear Grant,
As you know, I have personally evaluated your Power Conditioning "Hydra" System with your PowerSnake cables. I was very impressed with the results.
Your system is part of my equipment set up. Especially, with my 2 track tape machines. The sound with your system was definitely more transparent and clearer than the test without any conditioning. I would highly recommend your product to any professional audio/video facility.
Regards
Vlado Meller,
Senior Mastering Engineer
Sony Music Studios, New York
August 2004
Dear Grant,
I recently upgraded my system this year [Rotel 1075 amp; Pioneer Elite VSX-55 TXi (using it as a pre/pro -- liked it better than the Rotel 1068); Pioneer Elite DV47Ai; Definitive Technology 7002s (main) 2005 (centre) and BPX rears] and wanted a good power conditioner. After reading the many positive reviews on your Hydra Model-8, I tried one out. I originally thought it would be overkill for my otherwise modest system, but after adding it about 2 months ago I was amazed at the improvement that it made to my system. It stayed notwithstanding the fact that it is aimed at audiophile systems. The descriptions of it in the various reviews were pretty accurate as they reflect my experience. It had as big a positive impact as did adding the separate amp.
What caused me to take the time to drop you this note, however, was the addition today of 2 Diamondbacks to the system (to the amp and the DVD player). They replaced the stock cords that came with the amp and the DVD player. Out of the box, they were amazing. "Wow" describes my reaction from the first song I listened to. I find it hard to believe that power cords can have such a profound impact, but they most definitely did. I take a company's advertising claims of their products with a large grain of salt, but if anything, you underplay the impact of these wonderful cords. For the money, I expected a significant impact from the Hydra Model-8 and it delivered. However, and again for the money, the Diamondbacks are an exceptional value as they delivered far more than what I expected. The review in 6 Moons very accurately describes their impact. Goodness only knows what they'll be like once they're broken in.
So, I just wanted to say thank you for 2 wonderful products.
If you're interested, I purchased them from your dealer in Dundas, Ontario, Mike Occie @ Alternative Audio.
Murray Box,
Mississauga, Ontario
July 2004
I just got the cables back, and they look great. You guys definitely went beyond the call of duty -- adding the new shrinkwraps and reterminating both cables. Not to mention the fact that I bought the cables used. I really appreciate it, and look forward to more great cables from Shunyata.
Jason
July 2004
I recently traded in my PS Audio cords for Shunyata cords and not only blew myself away, but my local shop in Eugene, OR as well.
Thanks!
John L.
May 2004
After running the amp for the last 6 hrs, the difference was obvious from the start (my roommate could hear big improvements sitting in the adjacent dinning room). I've died and gone to audio heaven! Unbelievable is all I can say, Shunyata was made for tubes! 3D is an understatement here, and talk about clean sound. Sounds like a whole different system! I'm listening to everything all over again in a more real-like soundstage with articulation and low level information that I didn't know was there. All my CD's sound completely different... And I really understand the PaceSetter name. You were right, I found my self tapping my foot to the music, the attack on each note was quick, and clean, and... real.
Best Regards,
Jim
May 2004
Having both the Taipan Alpha and Python Alpha in my system (along with a Hydra Model-8) I can tell you that I have not experienced such a predictable, consistent and reproducible result from any product-line in my experience. When I add a Shunyata product I have a reasonable idea how it will perform in the context of the system before it is inserted. This makes it much easier to achieve the sonic qualities one values most, kind of like haute cuisine; knowing how ingredients interact as well as the science of food chemistry makes one a superior chef.
Please extend my appreciation to all involved in their production.
Best regards,
Matt K.
April 2004
I never in my wildest dreams could imagine what in the world a $700 or even worse a $1200 power cord could make in a system. Its like I am hearing the system for the very first time. It and they (PowerSnakes) are great! I will definatley order another for the preamp. Thanks Shunyata!
Bryan Anderson (Product: Black Mamba, Cobra)
April 2004
Hi Grant,
I’ve had the Anaconda Vx and Hydra in my system for a few weeks, so now is a good time to offer my observations. First, some history. Before this, I had the King Cobra II feeding a Sony SCD-1 and the Black Mamba on a Bryston 14B ST. Speakers are Harbeth Monitor 40s. All powercords were hooked to a high quality outlet fed by an original King Cobra. I first tried Shunyata products three years ago. I was utterly smitten by what the King Cobra did in freeing musical reproduction from congestion; allow musical expression to flow, and allowing instrumental images to leap out in a more solid fashion. In particular, I appreciated the way it took digital playback so much closer to analogue standards (especially SACDs) in the way it deals with digital A/C noise problems. Thus, when the Anaconda Vx was introduced, I could not imagine how much better it could be than the King Cobra. I supposed that might only be room for subtle changes, since the King Cobra already effected such a drastic improvement. My dealer offered a home demo I had nothing to lose.
However, I had a great deal to gain. Replacing the King Cobra II with the Anaconda Vx brought music reproduction to a new level of realism. I could allude to improved dynamics, imaging or detail, but these terms seem irrelevant with the Anaconda Vx, so radical was the enhanced presence of the instruments and the greater revelation of the intentions musicians were expressing. Adding the new Hydra Model-8 to this setup brought performance to even more elevated level of sonic clarity and a reduction of that buffer zone presented by reproductive means between the original event and the listener. The new Hydra is even more neutral and colouration-free than the older model which I had auditioned in my system.
The musical presentation is so entrancing that one simply wants to enjoy the music without desiring to categorize or quantify the effect. Thoughts of Stardust, certified copper purity, dielectric quality, dyes etc. simply slip away from one’s mind, as they should. These design issues are for Caelin Gabriel to deal with. The Shunyata customers' job is simply to partake in greater enjoyment of music.
The SCD-1 has recently been upgraded to the magnificently fluid, uncolored, responsive and analogue-sounding Krell SACD Standard (which sets new standard for SACD playback.) Powered by Shunyata, the new generation of SACD players perform at their best to deliver vinyl standards of playback from silver discs, and way beyond that even! I dare say that Shunyata IS the equalizing factor between digital and analogue.
The Shunyata Philosophy is 100% in line with my goal of seeking neutral, transparent and colouration-free reproduction. I can’t imagine how these products can get substantially better, but trust Shunyata to relentlessly lead the way in breaking new ground, and to surprise us in days to come with what is yet possible from musical reproduction.
K. Tang, Ph.D
Asst. Prof. in Musicology/Composition, NTU-Singapore
March 2004
TESTIMONIAL
I recently replaced all of my PS Audio power cords with Shunyata cords, and sold my Richard Gray Power Center in order to run the Hydra Model-4. Wow. I'd always thought that adding clarity involved sacrificing musicality, particularly with rock recordings. No more. The Shunyata gear, across the board, broadened the soundstage, deepened and distinguished the images, and lowered the noise floor, and that translated into remarkable gains in musicality. And just to make sure I wasn't crazy, I carted the cords off to some other systems, only to find the same kind of improvements. For example, vocal harmonies, whether two part, five part, or spread across double choirs, now arrive like real voices in dialogue with one another. Similarly, saxaphone choruses, even without harmonies, now greet me less as a wall than as distinct instruments playing together. And with orchestral, performances, well, it's like hearing them for the first time -- conversations within conversations, laid out and palpably present. And yet, with all this added detail, I've never encountered added grain or edginess. In fact, quite the reverse. My system sounds significantly more relaxed and natural. In a favorite rock recording, Sparklehorse's *It's A Wonderful Life,* once abrasive bells now ring true with a startling degree of three-dimensionality. And on the low end, acoustic bass notes, plucked or bowed, unfold with melodic precision and decay with ambient details I hadn't heard before. I was happy as a clam with my previous cords and line conditioner, but I had no idea what my system was capable of until I added the Shunyata gear. Now I'm even happier than a clam.
From: John Lysaker
Stunning sonic, speed, an dynamics improvements in my audio system with your PaceSetter and Noise Reduction powercables. Very pleased with the value of my investment.
Steve W
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