Shunyatas New CX series


I looked for the thread where someone inquired if anyone had heard the new Shunyata power cords, but it's gone. Hence, new thread.

In the last 3 weeks, I've purchased the Python CX and then again, I got a new baby -- Viper CX.
As I said in my other post, there's no distinction between Alpha and Helix lines. It's two (slap), two (slap) two cords in 1 (apologies to the old two-mints-in-one commercial).
As I also said before, I wasn't expecting to hear a noticeable difference. BUT. BUT. I did.
Already covered the lowering of grain so that a fine mist - or grain - in the soundfield, is gone. What was the Python.
Having had to endure the Viper CX that came in 10 minutes ago on an Arcam FMJ22 while awaiting the Antique Sound Labs Flora premap's arrival, I wasn't expecting much. Got it, though, and right off the bat. Now, you may say, well, it could sound "exciting" because it's cold. And in other circumstances, I might agree. But I've had every generation of Shunyatas and none, out of the box made me cock my head like a dog who hears something nobody else can hear.
Even on the Viper (and I prefer the more expensive cords because, lets face it, they put more into them), the dynamic jump was obvious, the grain lower and more fluid--just like the Python. Obviously, I'm not going to make up stories about how the soundfield expanded: it's 10 minutes old, dummy! Like I should know from that?!?!? Suffice it to say, for $700, it made me take noitce in a way that my older Python Helix Alpha and VX didn't themselves do, right out of the box. I use the lazy ear approach: pay zero attention and see if your attention is captured despite yourself. I'm not yet captured, but I'm sure snagged. I think Shunyata surpassed their old bugaboos: a slightly soft upper midrange and lower treble (those hits on triangles not only lacked punch, they lacked transient bite and, even more, shimmer). Can't tell about the shimmer now, but I'm taking the day off work. I'm snagged ENOUGH and that works for me. '
I'd recommend starting with a Viper, because I KNOW you'll hear it, and if you can hear it from the lower cords in the range, you can expect jumps from the higher ones. One Python and One Viper today: 2 more Pythons in a couple of weeks (there goes the summer vacation in Ibiza, but given the medical things happening, I'll just have to use my imagination when I'm listening to Chabrie that I'm in sunny Spain or on Ibiza. I think with these cords, I could fool myself [don't worry, I've have the fan on to simulate the breeze]).
Try these out guys. I'm using Ushers, and driven by ASL Hurricanes and the Cambridge Audio 840C with transparent interconnects/speaker cable. (yeah, yeah, stifle yourselves. I have Shunyata speaker cable and interconnects too, but this is what's in the system at the moment and I'm HIGHLY analytical. Never change a compoenent during a controlled experiment)

Oh, one more thing: the tonal quality of groups has improved in the new iteration of cords: brass are a LITTLE golden, strings silvery, and on Balalaika, I actually heard more of the body of the instrument, which is to say, instead of just strings, there's more texture, so it doesn't sound like it could just be a guitar. Quite a jump in the line's resolution, especially the low-level resolution...Maybe it's the midbass-to-lower midrange dynamics, which SEEM more powerful. OR maybe it's the fumes from that Rogaine I just put on my scalp ...
gbmcleod

Showing 19 responses by vhiner

To me, this CX versus Anaconda Helix conundrum is huge. Why spend $900 on a used Anaconda Helix when the entry level CX cord bests it? I hope somebody does a comparison and posts the results.
I recently a/b'd an Anaconda Alpha Helix and a Python CX hooked up to a friend's V-Ray. The Python CX won, hands down. The Python CX had all the clarity and microdynamics the Anaconda is known for but was far more musical and less shrill. There was something else that I'm going to conceed will make skeptics roll their eyes, so don't bother flaming me about it. The CX has this "bringing everything together" quality that I associate with all of their conditioners. It's hard to describe, but the music seems more "of a piece" when it is in place. Just my two cents.
Sherod,

I have the Python CX on my DAC after trying it on my conrad-johnon CT5 tube preamp and my transport. In my system, the CX mated best with the DAC and transport. I have another Python CX running from my Hydra 8 version II and it was a marked improvement over the Python Alpha Helix I had. So far, my conrad-johnson seems to like the PS Audio Statement cable the best...the Shunyata cables (I tried Taipan Helix's as well as the CX) just make things to etched and bright on the preamp but do wonders for the digital. I have no idea why. A friend of mine in Miami, who is also a Shunyata fan, has noticed that the new CX line does not match well with everything in his system...but he loves them on his V-Ray. FWIW.
I have nothing but the highest respect for Shunyata's power snakes. My Thiel CS3.7's have made it possible to hear all of their wonderful iterations with amazing clarity. A number of us who use them have remarked, however, that like the Thiels, the CX line does have a character and the word "articulate" comes to mind. My conrad-johnson is fairly new and not entirely broken in, so maybe I'll put a CX back on at some point
Sherod,

I put the CX on a hyper-break in course and burnt my conrad johnson in further. It's a perfect fit now. You're right about the soundstage!
I think the ground is shifting on this topic..I've noticed a number of blogs by fairly respected hobbyists are concluding that power cords make a far more dramatic difference than interconnects in a high resolution system and that they can make as much difference as a component upgrade. The problem for reviewers is that power cords are so system dependent and that it's hard to recommend one cord over another. There's also the understandable prejudice that the last six feet of electricity can't possibly make a difference. All I can say is that you're right. Hearing is believing.
Gbmcleod,

While I haven't done any a/b comparisions while focusing on percussion, I have noticed that "rim shots" and "skin attack" on drum kits can be very pronounced probably due to the cx's abilitity to bring out detailed microdynamics...which depending upon the recording, is either exciting or a bit much.
I'd love to hear from anyone whose heard the brand new Black Mambo CX and HN. I wonder if Shunyata had trouble selling the "stiff" Viper CX's and Sidewinder CX's... because they're being discontinued in favor of the Black Mambo series.
Grant,

Thanks for the response...honest as always. It's why I keep returning to Shunyata. BTW, the stiffness issue was a deal breaker for me because of my rack and its arrangment. So, I'm glad to hear of the change. I'm still perplexed that we haven't see any substantial reviews of the CX line...it's certainly a leap forward.
Rcrerar,

I have no affiliation with Shuyata except for being a loyal customer. The only inside track with Shunyata you'll ever need is Grant. He's a font of information and understands audio and audiophiles. It's great news that there's another price point in the Shunyata line that allows for relatively easy dressing of cables. I continue to be interested in anyone posting who's actually compared the Black Mamba cables with the Python CX.

In the old the Helix line, the Python Helix was 80 percent of the Anaconda and that was helpful information to have when considering a purchase.
Try a 20 amp Anaconda CX with any hydra on your front end...but only try this experiment if you have the cash. ;-)
Oddeophile,

There's no doubt that the King Cobra is one-of-a-kind. I spent a couple of weeks comparing one with an Anaconda CX on my old Hydra to the wall. To me the KC provided a bit more bass and an even smoother top end than the Anaconda CX. Everything had a bit more weight. That said, I just couldn't justify the extra expense. Instead, I upgraded my Hydra to the new Triton conditioner. The money spent on that provided me with FAR more bang for my buck than a couple of extra King Cobra's. I just didn't think the added performance of the KC nearly justified $1500 more dollars. Of course that's just me and my system. YMMV.
Antonkk,

Per my consultations with Shunyata research, I run my amp directly into a seperate 20 amp line as opposed to running it through the Triton. If I did not have this 20 amp line, they would recommend running it through the Triton. I have a lot of $$ tied up in my system, so I use a Shunyata Guardian to protect it from Midwestern storms...if it degrades the sound a tiny bit, I think it's worth the sacrifice.

The Triton is in a completely different class from the Hydra. It removes so much grunge that I experience a 3-D effect when listening to many recordings. The bass and soundstage are much, much more realistic. Highs are free of much of the grain I heard with the Hydra....no hifi sibilance here...but neither is anything rolled off. It feels like Caelin has really hit the sweet spot with this one. BTW, I understand that Robert Harley has adopted it as his new reference and that a review is forthcoming. Wish my Thiels would play nicely with those NEMO's...nice gear.
Pdreher,

You'll have to try both because every system is different. However, I and several people I know have had good luck starting with the digital front end. The cdp generates the most "noise" in most sytems. In case people haven't told you, you should really wait at least 100 hours before switching to another component. The cable takes a long time to break in and switching during this period can be very misleading. Please post what you hear and congrats on the new toy!
Pdreher,

Per the folks at Shunyata, even previously broken in CX cords need to settle for a couple of days of continuous playing before they reach optimal performance levels. That said, I have bought a number of "demos" and it's worth inquiring if it was a cable that was "demo'd" once as a loaner or used constantly in the store. Often a loaner has no more than a couple of dozen hours on it. If they can't tell you an approximate number of days or weeks of use...you may still be facing break in.(sorry) These cables are nice out of the box but go through a really wretched phase between 50 -100 hours. And Guidocorona is right that they really don't reach maximum performance until 300 or so....some say even more...but it depends on the resolutuion of one's system.

I'm convinced some people are underwhelmed by power cords because they are too quick to assess. I recommend leaving them in one place for a week or two and then removing them. That will tell you everything you need to know.
I'm jealous. I don't find break in to be a particularly enjoyable process. Look forward to hearing about your impressions.
Pdreher,

If you're looking for a cheaper tweak to tide you over between Pythons, you might consider HiFi Tuning Supreme fuses for your amp and preamp...assuming you haven't already done this. To be perfectly honest, I think these fuses provide nearly as much bang as a power cord upgrade on some equipment and they only cost $50-$100 a fuse. A buddy of mine heard them in my system and then bought them for his VTL, D-amps and Maggies. He owns Shunyata cords as well and says the fuses are incredible when you compare the cost. Sorry about your Python jones though...you're probably hooked. ;-)