I have both. I like the Alpha analog, although it seems to have a slight dip in the upper bass/lower midrange. The Sigma does not have that dip.
As to whether or not it’s worth it, what is the rest of your system? I think it’s great to have good cords, but sometimes the cord is SO good, you won’t hear everything it can do if the rest of your system doesn’t allow it. You might hear 75% of what it can do and not miss the other 25% until you get something that can "show off" that other 25%. So, if you believe you have a good system (I don’t mean $100K: the Shunyata will acquit itself just fine on at $15K system), get the Sigma. It’s just that you know it has more in store for you later). If you have a "good enough" system, get the Alpha Analog. They’re both excellent. Shunyata itself has said that the only cord better than the Alpha HC is the Sigma HC, so they don’t believe the Sigma Analog surpasses the Alpha HC, although clearly the Sigma Analog is price at twice the price of the Alpha. I’ve played everything on my Schiit Yggdrasil, and the Sigma delivered more of the music.
One other thing: I have found the Furutech sound to be extremely "clean," to the point of "antiseptic." That may not be the case with all their products. I lived with the GTX-D gold and then the GTX-D Rhodium. The Rhodium was a bit "bleached out." I should have heard that with the gold, but unfortunately the timing was bad, and I didn't listen as carefully. But I did - later, years later - but their fuses and found them, too, a bit "antiseptic." Not a criticism, it just means a very clean - but lean - sound, in my components. If that is so, combined with the Alpha may push your system even further in that direction. The Sigma has a full palette of colors.
Had you not considered the Alpha NR, which is from the new line, and is $1500? I'm quite impressed with the newer line, maybe even more than with the regular Sigma, although I only have Delta NRs. I imagine the Alpha NR is in the sweet spot, and the newer cables are very "musical" (and not in a euphonic way: they simply sound more like live instruments).
As to whether or not it’s worth it, what is the rest of your system? I think it’s great to have good cords, but sometimes the cord is SO good, you won’t hear everything it can do if the rest of your system doesn’t allow it. You might hear 75% of what it can do and not miss the other 25% until you get something that can "show off" that other 25%. So, if you believe you have a good system (I don’t mean $100K: the Shunyata will acquit itself just fine on at $15K system), get the Sigma. It’s just that you know it has more in store for you later). If you have a "good enough" system, get the Alpha Analog. They’re both excellent. Shunyata itself has said that the only cord better than the Alpha HC is the Sigma HC, so they don’t believe the Sigma Analog surpasses the Alpha HC, although clearly the Sigma Analog is price at twice the price of the Alpha. I’ve played everything on my Schiit Yggdrasil, and the Sigma delivered more of the music.
One other thing: I have found the Furutech sound to be extremely "clean," to the point of "antiseptic." That may not be the case with all their products. I lived with the GTX-D gold and then the GTX-D Rhodium. The Rhodium was a bit "bleached out." I should have heard that with the gold, but unfortunately the timing was bad, and I didn't listen as carefully. But I did - later, years later - but their fuses and found them, too, a bit "antiseptic." Not a criticism, it just means a very clean - but lean - sound, in my components. If that is so, combined with the Alpha may push your system even further in that direction. The Sigma has a full palette of colors.
Had you not considered the Alpha NR, which is from the new line, and is $1500? I'm quite impressed with the newer line, maybe even more than with the regular Sigma, although I only have Delta NRs. I imagine the Alpha NR is in the sweet spot, and the newer cables are very "musical" (and not in a euphonic way: they simply sound more like live instruments).
