Has anyone tried the Shunyata Diamondback PC?

Dear Grant of Shunyata Research,

It is very nice to have a manufacturer in the discussion.

I am from europe, and the Diamondback PC I have evaluated was without advertised IEC and AC custom molded connectors - I assume the molding machine at your company simple said not capable to produce SCHUKO europe type AC connectors? Cable was fitted with really low-grade SCHUKO (rubber type) and IEC connectors.

My second concern was about cable length, local dealer was left with only 1 m-type of Shunyata leftovers, and I was bit surprised to see that there is not price difference between 1 m and 2 m Power cords. When everyone around charges more for longer lenght and less for shorter, i found Shunyatas position interesting. I bet there is a reason for this.

mjordanas

Grant,

You and so many other manufacturers are simply missing the point that, just because something is expensive to manufacture, doesn't necessarily make it _materially_ BETTER. Better constructed perhaps, but not necessarily with audible effect - this is what 'materially' refers to. Otherwise, take it as a challenge to provide measurements. I use your Sidewinder CXs in my Spectral system which offer absolutely no improvement over the stock, UL listed, power cord, and simply bought them for looks. Perhaps that stock PC was of very good quality???

Moving on to the Helix construction which allegedly reduces induction-based resistance - perhaps this is applicable to signal cables, but when applied to power cords, it does nothing to improve on the induction-based resistance of miles worth of average-quality wire leading up to our homes. Again, take it as a challenge to *prove* me wrong (not just *claim*).

I use a mix of Shunyata Copperhead, venom and Dioamondback power cords in my system. The only component that isn't using a Shunyata cord is my Magnum Dynalab tuner because there is no IEC connection. I also use Shunyata Guardian 2 and Guardian 4 power conditioners in my system.

I have had Shunyata in my system for 2 years. One day I decided to go back to all stock cords and no filtering. The result was a very bright sounding system with more background noise. I think the lower priced cords give a lot of bang for the buck and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Shunyata products to anyone.

Anyone who thinks their cords are cheaply made can'
t be from this planet! All their products ring of high quality. I have seen many cords from other high end manufacturers that could learn a lesson from Shunyata. They will stay in my system forever.

Bob

Hello Ack,

I have no interest in dragging this into the usual bait and switch circular debate, so I'll address your comments and move on. If you want more info, feel free to e-mail or call.

I took the term "materially better" at its literal meaning. If the poster wanted to say "performance", I assume he would have. The word "Material" can only be twisted so much, even here.

>>>"Otherwise, take it as a challenge to provide measurements"<<<

Oh, that old dog. Actually, we have had obvious, compelling measurements for years but saw no need to expose them. We will be posting them soon. Not that this will end debate. It will only change the arguments of those who come here to argue and relieve their stress risk free.

>>>"I use your Sidewinder CXs in my Spectral system which offer absolutely no improvement over the stock,"<<<

You have a mixed system with a great many variables including a variety of other cable, power and filter elements of which the Sidewiinder is one.

Ask Rick Friar what his dealers say about our products matching to his electronics. Almost all Spectral dealers world wide also sell our power products together with Spectral because they match and perform well. Rick knows this. That your experience was not a positive one could relate to any number of variables. It's not worth trying to guess at here.

Once again, you use the older than dirt "miles of wire" saw horse. This means almost nothing in terms of effect on electronics immediate electrical connections and near-field power products impact on performance. I have posted about this before at some length.

And once again yes, you will see posted measurements that are definitive, peer reviewable and repeatable from us in less than one month. Not that this will satisfy those that like to use forums to criticize and argue. In fact, I'm sure they will only inspire more creative arguments from the arm-chair critic crowd.

Regards,

Grant

Mjordanas,

You are correct about the connectors. We did not make schuko AC molds because at the time ('04) Europe was an emerging market and these cords have to be made in enormous runs to get decent pricing. I believe we will try to do this in the future but I cannot say when that will be exactly..

We have our less expensive wire manufactured in enormous runs so the wire cost is reasonable compared to the US labor that hand terminates these products. Certainly, as length exceeds 2m-3m the cost goes up but at the shorter lengths the wire length cost difference is secondary to the power cable hand-assembly cost. Paying close attention to open contact junctions and termination is part of the reason we believe our products perform well.

If you have other questions, or if I can help further please e-mail. I normally only participate to inform or correct misinformation.