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
Gbmcleod,

The SR 'Tesla Challenge' program allows you to audition any SR cables (or other SR products) for only the cost of shipping to and fro from an authorized SR dealer. If you can get a Shunyata dealer to do the same, let the games begin! I sincerely believe that you will be amazed at the Teslas.

I have a great SR dealer - email me if you are interested in trying the SR cables.

Best,
Dave
Sherod:
I have a few hundred hours on the Shunyatas now.
Sonically, a very significant improvement over the Helix, which, without comparing them, one would not notice the great improvement in airiness. I was rather startled by the transients in the Mercury CD, The Rites of Spring. I've always had power cords by Shunyata, but had never heard the resonance of the strings on the bow of the violin.
This is an excellent upgrade, and one you will hear nearly immediately. Not 10 hour, not 100 hours. Immediately....well, give it 30 minutes to warm up. Double bass, which I heard just 30 minutes ago, have more wood. I think the midbass has improved significantly, as well as the upper midrange, both of which will cause any component to improve.
Try it: you'll LOVE it!!!
I don't have any idea how new cx sounds like but I can tell that I have taken my 20 amp Shunyata Anaconda out(Audio Research Ref 3) and put its black stock cord back. What happened? Nothing! Still sounding perfect! Anybody who is up to buy clearance Shunyata cords has to think twice!

Synergistic Research Tesla challenge?
No Thank you! I have SR Tesla 3 UHC 20 amp. I sometimes use it with Krell Evo 402. You may think both Krell and SR would work well together in theory, in practice Not.
I have never seen such a limiting cable like SR Tesla 3 UHC. It is funny because this cable sold and marketed for UHC capabilities. In reality, even my PAD Ann. 20 amp cord works at least 2.5 times better than SR.

I use modified stock cords together with Krell and ARC gear during these days and it seems they work more than adequate!
It's cliche saying this...but mileage varies. I' wouldn't dump $50.00, let alone a few grand on something if I don't think it was worth while. I got a real good laugh over the thought of high priced USB cables with computer audio until I decided to demo one.

But...if you can't discern a worthwhile improvement, that's a plus considering the $ saved.