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Thoughts on Shunyata and Transparent?

From what I gather both of these brands are excellent and highly regarded (as long as you are not among the non-believers of the importance of cabling that is).

Has anyone compared the general leanings of the Sigma V2 NR power cords and the Opus Gen 6 power cord?  I know it is heavily system dependent, but typically there are some aspects that come through no matter what you hook them up with, within reason.  For example AudioQuest Hurricane power cords in general have a big and fat sound to them with a bit of exaggerated low end.

I have a Sigma v2 NR demo that Shunyata is kindly preparing for me.  I hope they meet my high expectations and am looking forward to connecting it to my Gryphon Diablo 300 (direct to wall).  
 

I’m wondering how Transparent Opus gen 6 would compare, but unfortunately I was informed no demos are available now.  One of my semi-local dealers also has removed all Transparent pricing from their website so I’m not sure what is going on - been meaning to call them to ask.  Anyone know if Gen 6 Transparent is readily available now?


Once I’m happy with my PC upgrade for my amp, I am planning to upgrade the to the same for my source equipment and also will add a conditioner from whichever vendor I choose.

For reference I have tried the lower end Transparent Reference power cords before and found them to be, well, transparent.  Clean, distinctive tones, good bass without AudioQuest bloom or exaggeration, and musically engaging (couldn’t say the same for the speaker cable though…).

That said, I am really looking forward to testing the Sigma V2 NR and may just go with Shunyata if it all sounds great, without being able to demo the Opus.

Anyone have any thoughts on the general characteristics of these two great cords?  Not asking which is best as i suspect they are equally great…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

nyev
nglazer
845 posts
 

I was skeptical about Shunyata IC's but I now use 2 pairs Sigma AES/EBU V1's and they made me a converted. If I can find used IC Sigma V2's, I will grab those as well. IC's  run from my PS Audio DSD/Bridge II to VTL 7.5iii preamp, and pre to my legendary Krell FPB 300cx amp. All get along famously. Neal

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spearl8
37 posts
 

I have several Shunyata V2 Delta powercords in my system. I compared to alpha v2 extensively and heard almost no difference. When I tried Transparent XL powercords I was blown away. Literally doesn’t even compare to Shunyata. IMO Shunyata is overrated. The Transparent was less noise and more music. The Shunyata was grainier and sterile. 

nyev OP
1,026 posts
 

My Sigma V2 NR demo finally arrived. Shunyata recommended I wait 150 hours to let the cord settle into my system after it’s long stint in the hands of USPS.

But immediately the Sigma NR showed the considerable flaws in my prior cords I was using (Clarus Crimson and AudioQuest Hurricane).

I now see the Hurricane as a decent cord for those who might want to tame an edgy or strident system. It obscures a lot of detail and has a slightly exaggerated rich sound. With the Sigma NR I hear far more detail in all bands. Most noticeably I can hear far more upper mid detail, treble is better resolved, and the bass. Lots of it, and Hurricane just sounds muddy and unresolved in comparison. The Sigma NR also has more of a heavy, punchy impact with rock music, along with the smooth, refined and detailed presentation across all bands.  It is also totally pleasing with my system, despite the added detail.  

This is not a fair comparison as the Sigma NR costs much more; I am simply noting the differences I hear from the cables I’d been using.

I’ll do my critical listening after a few days of breakin.

Another note is how unprecedented Shunyata is. While other vendors tell me to pound sand when I inquire about demo cords (The other vendor told me it is trade show season and they have none), Shunyata jumped through hoops to get a demo into my hands even though they didn’t have any. Also, they are specifically building me an Omega QR power cord even with my colour preference, without any commitment for me to buy anything. Of course I wouldn’t be asking them if I wasn’t sure I was going to buy a set of cords in this caliber range. This level of customer focus by Shunyata is refreshing! And yes, the Sigma NR cord at least is certainly a highly capable cord.

 

ebm
9,311 posts
 

Traransparent overpriced try TARA LABS MUCH BETTER do not know about Shunyata however ,

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