Shunyata X series power cords

I recently had the opportunity to demo a pair of Shunyata Alpha-X NR power cables and to compare them to Cardas Clear and Shunyata Theta and Delta V2 power cables. I found the Alpha-X to be extremely musical and well-balanced, with excellent performance at both frequency extremes combined with a natural presentation in the midrange. These cables present a very wide and realistic soundstage. Bass is clear, tight, and extended. Tone is full and natural - neither too lean nor too fat. These cables are very easy to listen to, with no listening fatigue and an overall sound that is sweet and smooth. Small details are reproduced clearly and with delicacy. I especially like the performance of the Alpha-X on my DAC and streamer.

The Theta power cables represent an excellent value for their cost, but they may not match well with some systems that can come across as bright or edgy. In my system, they were lively and engaging when used to power my Atma-Sphere GaNFET monoblock amps, but they still sounded a bit lean and would have benefitted from more convincing fullness and body. An impression of strong high-frequency energy was more a problem than a strength when the Theta was used to power my DAC and Innuos Pulsar streamer. Fortunately, the combination of the Alpha-X on the upstream digital gear (DAC and streamer) and the Theta on the downstream analog gear (monoblock amps) was a wonderful match, producing sound that was engaging, realistic, and natural. The Cardas Clear combines clarity and body with a hint of warmth, but it did not sound as refined or balanced as the Alpha-X did in my system. However, the Clear did quite well in powering my BHK tube preamp while the Shunyata cables powered the other equipment.

I hope these observations are helpful, but I would strongly recommend an in-home demo before purchasing any of these cables. The Cable Company was very helpful  in setting up a demo for me at a reasonable cost.

@rssb The Delta v2 is kind of my basic default power cable. I have several of them, and they are solid performers in my system. They are a significant step up from the earlier v1 version.

Compared to the new Theta cables, the Delta v2 seem somehow "slower" and less "live" - if that makes sense. Theta also seems to pick up more details of the room in which the recording is being made. 

Compared to the new Alpha-X, the Delta v2 seems less delicate and refined. The Alpha-X also produces tighter and more impactful bass, although the Delta is decent on the low end. The Alpha-X exhibits more natural tone and soundstage depth throughout the frequency range. 

@rssb I really think you have to demo any of these cables in your own system to decide if you like one better than another. In my system, power cables seem to have a more significant effect when powering the DAC and streamer than when powering the amp or preamp.

With respect to the Theta cables, I really enjoy the energy, imaging, and engagement they offer when powering my monoblock amps, although they do offer a bit less tonal body to guitars and upright bass than is ideal for me. The Delta v2 in my system is less engaging and "alive" when used on the amps (compared to Theta), but the Delta v2 cables provide a slightly fuller tonal body on the low end for me. Fortunately, using the Alpha-X cables on my DAC and streamer provides more fullness and body to the overall sound than I get from either the Theta or Delta v2 anywhere in the chain.

Although I fell in love with the "in the room" sound that the Theta can provide, it was too much of a good thing when powering my DAC and streamer. The ideal power cable combination in my system is using the Theta on my amps and the Alpha-x on my DAC and streamer. I already have the two Theta cables in place, and my two Alpha-X cables are scheduled to be delivered on Friday.