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Shunyata Vs. Nordost power cables ?

Hi there,
my post re the Thor Vs. Hydra has died a death.
Hence anyone compared the mains cables ?
I know some people firmly entrenched in either camp, a few enlightened individuals who mix & match but no one unbiased to outline the differnces.
I have been a long time Shunyata user (very happily) but the new cyberlinks are revealing a lack of pace and a darkness I'd like to address.
Really enjoyed some things some Electraglides brought to the equation (with judicious matching) but a) they have no ground and b)the connectors are sad & will not grip - if they don't grip, they are not likely to pass current and won't work to best advantage (imo).
Given Nordosts undoubted build quality, I'm wondering if they could be the answer. I don't like their i/c's or speaker cables but could use some of their pace & space, if held in check by the Shunyatas.
Cheers Si
simon74
simon74 OP
216 posts
 
Seurat,

I'd try a used Python/Taipan Alpha and save yourself the grief of listening to a new one burning in.
I think the Accuphase might sound a bit lean with Nordost.
Only my tuppence worth.
Si
moemoney's avatar
moemoney
158 posts
 
Well I have the Shunyata Anaconda Alpha coming from the wall to my Hydra 4
one Anaconda Vx going from my transport to the Hydra
one Taipan Alpha from the pre-amp to the Hydra.
And one Taipan Vx from the Hydra to my DAC.
And I just purchase a Nordost Valhalla Power cord for my Amp. About three weeks ago.

I found that placing the Anaconda Vx on the amp degraded the sound of my system Making it sound somewhat grainy.

I just purchased the Valhalla cord for the amp, but being that my listing room is under construction and has been for about 2 months it will be some time before a can give you my opinion on its sound.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Noemoney, you using a Shunyata VX on a DAC? I once A/Bed a Python alpha vs VX on an Esoteric D70 but found it to be rather grainy compared to the Alpha. You may want to try an Alpha chord on your DAC.
At the time of my audition, the audio consultant strongly suggested that in separate transport/DAC sources the VX should be used only on the transport, while the DAC should be powered by an Alpha. To my ears he was correct.
simon74 OP
216 posts
 
Hi me again, I have experienced the Vx's sounding grainy on most things other than digital. I always wondered about my Anaconda Vx feeding the Hydra but given the Nema connector and the expense to change to an Alpha and the fact it seems to work well?
I found a Python (older model) to be fabulous on various phono stages (even a dc powered Camelot), really nice on digital but positively lethargic on amps.
These observations may be turned on their head when using the new model Hydras.I owned an 8 and at that time found it to be slighty 'bright' and forward sounding compared to the original.
Given the changes to my system I have a horrible feeling that the 8 (6 or 4) would introduce a sparkle that's a bit lacking at the moment.
Interestingly enough I tried using a seperate Hydra 2 for digital which did nothing to my mind. However trying a Hydra 4 for digital with the original running the analogue components made an immediate & obvious improvement.
They are strange stuff and I always tell people to juggle them around and stick with the combination that suits their ears & system the best!
Si
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