Shunyata Diamondback PC with Wattgate connectors

I would be surprised if you noticed any difference at all in a blind test. Visually they will look different and they may be harder to insert into the outlet. Sound-wise I would be very skeptical. Just my two cents.

I think the difference would be negligible as well. I would recommend using the funds required for buying Wattgates and instead buy the next level cable and sell your Diamondback. Eventually you'll probably want new cables and the money you "invested" in modifying your current cable will actually hurt you if you decide to sell that cable because it is not stock. I personally am wary of certain cables that have been user modified because they appear to be knock offs. Just my two cents as well.

Hello, the connectors are not cheap or underperforming. They are reference grade connectors that are crimped and soldered in place. Replacing them would almost inevitably degrade performance due to re-connection. The DiamondBack and Venom 3 connectors are custom-made to spec and are every bit as good as the connectors we apply to our higher end range. They exist solely to eliminate our US hand labor costs and termination, which largely explains those cables low prices.

Just an FWIW.

Grant
Shunyata Research

There is your answer! Thanks Grant.

The original connectors are indeed very good - a much better fit than some marincos I've had on crystal cables.

However, the diamondbacks are very prone to oxidation especially the earlier ones and removing the moulded connectors isn't going to help matters. I have both diamondbacks with the old and new connectors and both cables have turned into a green snake. Zero resale value, I hope you're reading this Grant.

Grant: The male plug on the Venom 3 appears to be plated. Can you tell us what the plating material is and if the IEC is plated as well?

Weird ... always thought that the Shunyata Taipan Alpha was in fact a Diamondback with a better AC and IEC plugs ?

Hfchoi,

There was an early batch of Diamondbacks that had an issue with a porous outer jacket material--not connectors. In more humid conditions this affected the plated copper shield and turned the color of the shield to green. Though it did not affect performance we replaced all models that were reported to us with the newer versions that have not have that issue. We informed our dealers of this replacement offer and I also posted it here about 2 to 3 years ago. I am not sure we have 15A Platinum models left since they have been discontinued for some time, but if you contact us I'll see what can be done.

The Taipan Alpha was a larger 10awg. power cord and had each of its three conductors individually shielded, whereas the Diamondbacks were 12 gauge and had a single shield. We discovered a large leftover spool of Taipan Alpha wire a year or two ago and have been using that to make the current Copperhead model.

For those with questions please send them to us offline. I only drop in here occasionally and do not see all that gets posted due to my travel schedule. I try to keep participation here to simple corrections or clarifications.

Thanks,

Grant
Shunyata Research

Shunyata power cables are great and so is their customer service.
I retired my diamondbacks a few years ago but they're still working great and after using crystal cables for a while I'm now using black mambas, anaconda and hydra 8. All shunyata system is the best.

Thank you all very much for the responses. Audiogon is a great audiophile site.
I only use Shunyata and LAT International as far as cables goes.

Cheers!