I've just received my Black Mamba CX cord and, out of the box, without break-in, it is impressive. The clarity and suddenenss of attack of triangles and bells ( specifically on the RCA SACD Daphnis and Chloe) is really, really good with no "halo" around the instruments (what was once called "fuzziness") so that the sound expands (or blooms) into the space surrounding it. This, with only a pair of Hales Revelation 3s, is easily heard. Also, the articulation of voices on cut 11 (where the choirs sing the word "Lu, lu....") over and over again is great. I can hear the aspiration of the female voices so that, instead of it sounding like the word "lu" (pronounced "loo" as in the British word for toilet)it sounds like "hhhhluuuuu" as though they are breathing outwards (the aspiration part). Very lifelike if one is hearing it as the microphones do. I'd be happy even if they didn't break in any furthur, and I have Python CX cords on the Hurricanes as well as the CD player(s), and preamps (First Sound and Convergent). Incidentally, I had the Viper on the preamps.
Considering the Viper, when it came out, cost more than the Black Mamba does - NOT the (black Mamba)HC version, just the "basic" version - this is quite a jump in quality. The difference is, if not staggering, then "stunning". How Shunyata managed to make a far superior cord at a cheaper price is a testament to their desire - and ability - to advance their technology without breaking one's piggy bank. If you have a Viper, just have it upgraded to a Black Mamba. For the cost of the upgrade, you'll be thrilled.
This is a TRULY excellent advance over the Viper power cord, although I'm not sure Grant will want to see this in print.
I'm genuinely impressed. I could easily live with this instead of the Python CX (sorry, Grant, but they really ARE that good). But then, fortunately, I don't have to make that choice.
Excellent work, Shunyata. Excellent.
