Shunyata Delta or Alpha V2 NR vs. AQ Hurricane HC

@w123ale NR or XC?

@audphile1 both. XC into the power conditioner and the NR into the DAC

@w123ale thanks! How long did you allow for break in? I know Shunyata states their KPIP process eliminates or shortens break in, but I’am not so sure about that claim. 

w123ale - Don't mean to nit pick - was the NR version V2? 

So…few weeks spent with the Shunyata Alpha V2 NR I have a pretty good idea on what it does in my system.
By now the cable is fully broken in with over 400hrs on it.
Here’s my take on it based on what I’m hearing in my system in my room.

What it does well:

1. Clarity
2. Space and air
3. Instrument separation
4. Soundstage width

What I don’t like:

1. Overall sonic signature is lean and cool
2. Smaller images, despite the overall soundstage being wide and decent in depth
3. Vocals sound thinner
4. Overall there’s this “hi-fi” flavor to everything and that makes it less natural

There are trade offs here as with any change. When compared to AQ Hurricane, there are some things I like with the Shunyata better (the airiness for example), but overall I prefer the Hurricane despite its own faults. The AQ just sounds more natural and real to me in my system. I will be looking to try the Dragon but it’s going to take a while.