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
Guido,
Thanks for your thoughts on the new King Cobra CX. I currently have the Python CX and based on my experience with the previous versions of the Pythons, the new CX is a leap forward in better performance. You also hit it on the nose with the use of "romantic" in describing the sound. Apparently this romance is a signature of the new CX series. The Python CX, with a 9 gauge total conductor size, performs well on source components. I currently have it alternating on my preamp with other cords I'm experimenting with. Enjoy your new Shunyata cords. (o:
Thank you Sherod, the remarkable thing about King Cobra CX is that it seems to yield a touch of 'romantic' spirit but without any of the overt euphony, imprecisions, glossing over, or bloat often associated with the word. . . . it feels like having the cake and eating it too. . . call it 'romantic neutrality'. . . or 'neutral romanticism'? Furthermore, the transparency, staging, imaging and dynamics of this cord is IMO well above the performance of the Anaconda Helix Alpha. . . . very likeable creature the King Cobra is, really! . . . Am I becoming perhaps an ophidiophile? (grins!) G.
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.


There is one recently on SoundStage (this month) and upcoming in TAS and SP.

Regards,

Grant
Vhiner where did you hear about the new Black Mamba CX cord? I have been to Shunyata's website and all over the internet and can't find any mention of this new cord, or the news that Shunyata is discontinuing the new Sidewinder and Viper CX cords already.Also what is a "HN"? Do you have some kind of inside track to Shunyata?
We do not have the info on the site yet but all of our dealers are aware of the change which is why Vance likely knows. I had posted this earlier but went back to edit and add content and lost the post. The web info is finished but has not been posted yet. Should be there next week.

We did have dealer and distributor feedback about the relative stiffness of the Viper and SideWinder models compared to our up-market CX cords. Based on feedback we opted to make a change. The new Black Mamba and Black Mamba HC (high-current) will go up slightly in price by $100, and $50 respectively over the SideWinder and Viper model cords.

The Black Mambas will have the appearance and flexibility of our other CX models. They are intended to form a system with the less expensive model on sources/pre's and the HC model intended for amps/distribution. Though either will function on any component they have an obvious cumulative effect when used together.

If anyone has follow up or specific questions they are free to contact us directly.

Regards,

Grant
Shunyata Research
Thanks grant for your insight on the older python,really am enjoying what im hearing...unfotunatly just bought one used on agone and would have liked to try the mamba hc.In the future.Wondering what kind of footer you can recomend for hydra 4.got it on thick maple cutting board...but want to further it a bit....are the newer 4,s better now?copper,instead of silver.thanks dave.
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.
Dave-

I have both my Hydra 4 and 2 on HRS pucks and couplers with a HRS plate on top of the unit. This is an expensive but effective way to keep the Hydra's off the ground and made a big difference in sound dynamics. I also really like the dark cable elevators for the power cords. The combination of the two works for me. But Grant knows best....Paulythechef
How is Shunyata's technology really different from Kimber's? Five bucks and an ink-stained napkin will get you a U.S. Patent so don't hand me that one.

Shunyata's technology looks awesome but it seems awfully similar to Kimber's.

Anyone compare the two?
>>>How is Shunyata's technology really different from Kimber's?<<<

Ray makes great signal cables and offers real-world pricing. Hat's off, they
are fantastic products. However, outside of the color coding in some of the
cables and the fact there is a braid in both, there is zero similarity between
the two designs. I am sure each can be distinguished simply by viewing the
posted information on the respective web's.

Everything from the copper's CDA numbers, the cryo process, the
electromagnet process and the hand braiding, even the numbers of
conductors are all explained in detail on the Shunyata web.

>>>"Five bucks and an ink-stained napkin will get you a U.S. Patent so
don't hand me that one"<<<

Really? The patent for that specific signal geometry, which _has to be_ hand
wound belongs to physicist Tierry Budge. Another physicist, Caelin Gabriel
thought enough of it to License the patent, so you have two physicists
involved in bringing that specific tech to market. Now, whether the product
designs themselves are good, bad or indifferent each can judge, but the Helix
patent is not some frivolous "I just made Ma a new hair-net"
patent. The science is explainable, the info is available and there were no ink-
stained napkins involved. Most people that think signal or audio design
patents are cheap and easy to get and protect haven't gone through the
multi-year process to get them.

Regards,

Grant
Shunyata
As a scientist, I clearly appreciate Shunyata's technology. Quite frankly, they appear to have advanced Kimber's concepts beyond the $5.00 napkin stage.
I think I might want to audition them as well as Kimber's new 6000 series SC.
Truthfully, Shunyata's website is a paragon of clarity.
I suspect their cables may contend comparably.
Holy chit man, I just got my new Shunyata Anaconda CX power cord, damn.

I was going to order the Python CX, however they were out of stock due to high demand and have a long backorders. The Python CX is the sweet spot in the new Shunyata lineup. I was offered the Anaconda CX as a substitute for the Python CX, for a reasonable price difference. So I jumped on it.

Compared to my long time reference cable, Neotech with pure OFCC connectors, which BTW, has stood the test of time against Nordost (non- Valhalla), HMS Reference, Silent Wire AC32, Harmonix Reference, Pangea (9 and 14), Hi-Def Audio custom Neotech NEP 3200 with Oyaide P-079 connectors. Both Neotechs had sounded the best on my system compared to everything else. The OEM Neotech I have is the one I keep in use everyday and have compared to the rest. You would not think much of the Neotech OEM; it does not look like much except for the thick black cable and very robust IEC connectors. The Hi-Def Audio Neotech cables sound almost as good, have a colored sheath, and have a more pronounced bass. The Shunyata Anaconda CX is even balanced and provides me with a soundstage that is very expansive. The subtle shades from cymbals, strings, and brass have more bite, not etched, but more of a natural tone. Voices just seem to float from a silent background with an uncanny realism. Surpisingly, the Anaconda CX is very flexible, more so than the Hi-Def Audio. I can feel a what seems like a 1" rubber covering inside the Anaconda CX cable and bending it is real easy, no real connection strain concerns.

Hey, I am not going to say these are the cables to beat for anyone else, because my system is totally modded to suit me, so, these are my evaluation notes for my system. I guess you could say these cables have allowed the tones I have heard previously to be more polished. I don't recall the Gypsy Kings sounding so much in the room and as alive as I have now with the Anaconda CX. These power cables have only 8 hours on them and that is what I am reporting, no etch, no boom, no pronounced frequency, just pure musical bliss. That is all I can say. The new Anaconda CX really gets out of the way of the music. Expect a full review from me later on.

Having run the gamut of power cables at different price points, I would like to add that price is not always a determinant to reach musical bliss. Hence, my OEM Neotech cables which have been my reference for years were not at a price point of any of the higher end name brand power cords I have tried, but priced higher than the Pangeas.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life
I do not use conditioners on my system, at least right now. The CX series cables alone are a worthwhile upgrade, and sound great with a rich, detailed, and expansive sountage.
Try a 20 amp Anaconda CX with any hydra on your front end...but only try this experiment if you have the cash. ;-)
I use a V-Ray with Anagonda's in and out . This setup beat everything I dragged home to test .
After a bunch of experimenting with various generation Anacondas, the best combination I found is:
Anaconda CX from wall to V-Ray II;
Old Anaconda Alpha VX on my EMM cdp;
Anaconda Alpha Helixes on my preamp/headphone amp
and power amp.
Hi, I am a newcomer to the Shunyata cable world, having just purchased my first Anaconda CX and receiving it about a week ago. I immediately placed an order with my dealer for 3 more Anaconda CX's and eventually (financially permitting) hoping to obtain 3 King Cobra's for the preamp, amp and incoming line from the wall to conditioner and then placing all Anaconda's on source components.

So far, even with one in the system I am extremely impressed. I am jumping up from my long time reference - PS Audio Premier SC cables which are silver/copper quad shielded. Immediately, the Anaconda buried the Premier SC so handily I was, and and still, shocked.

Curious with what folks have experienced with differences in the KC vs. Anaconda in terms of additional performance.

Odd
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.
Vhiner, how does the Triton compare to the Hydra? Is it good for the power amps? I have Electrcompaniet NEMO monoblocks and I'm scared the Triton would compromise the dynamics.
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.
just bought my first Shunyata power cable, the Python CX. I'm hopeful it will be an upgrade from my Cardas Golden Reference power cables.

Will the lone Python CX be best optimized on my CDP or preamp?
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!
I concur with Vhiner. Initially, just break in the Python CX until it stabilizes... 100 HRS is a minimum. Not strictly necessary, but it would be great if you can do break in on a higher current device like an amp. I observed progressive beneficial changes on CX cords for about 1.5 to 2 weeks, for a total of about 300 hours. CX series power cords are generalists, in that at least in my system they appear to be equally suitable for low power and high power applications alike.... From CDPs (Esoteric X-01 Ltd) up to power amps (Rowland M312, M625).. It is a perfectly good idea to evaluate the cord initially on your CDP, and then contrast it with its effect on the preamplifier. There is no telling apriori on which device you will prefer Python CX. G.
The Python CX I bought is a dealer demo, so it will probably be broken in. Planning on using it on my Audio Aero Capitol CDP.
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 just confirmed with the dealer that it has at least 400 hours on it. So I would think it will settle in nicely once I have it running for a week or so.
I'm jealous. I don't find break in to be a particularly enjoyable process. Look forward to hearing about your impressions.
I've had the Python CX on my Audio Aero Capitol CDP for about 12 hours or so. I'm very impressed with this cord. Dynamics have improved and there's more air and decay in the notes. Makes me want to add these to my amp and preamp, but my audio spending spree has me over budget, so it will have to wait.
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. ;-)
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