Shunyata ztron power vs cx cables...

I think like all components of the audio chain they are system dependent and more importantly listener preferences.

I've compared the Cobra ztron with the Python cx and the Anaconda cx with the Python ztron. I preferred the cx combination. In my system the Cobra was indeed faster, livelier, but lost body and bass. Soundstage narrowed and presentation became forward. The difference of the cobra with Python cx is very evident from the start. Comparing Python ztron to the Anaconda cx I found the ztron to sound bigger, more bass and body but slower. Bass is not as tight as Anaconda but soundstage wider and deeper. Overall slightly darker sounding. I heard more details with the Anaconda.

I say system dependent because I use cx all the way from source to amps so that may have contributed to the presentation I heard. If I compared the all cx system with an all ztron system perhaps my findings will be different.

Which ones are better? Who knows. Only you can decide what kind of presentation you like.

If you guys want to burn in your power cables just buy one of the adapter cables Shunyata sells and hook it up to your refrigerator for 24/7 high current cable break-in. Or this for way less $:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10228&cs_id=1022804&p_id=1302&seq=1&format=2

Hkmatch23,

Thanks for sharing what you've experienced. I assume these were broken in loaner cables (?) I have heard from a few others about how the Cobra Zitrons are very fast but lack bass weight compared to CX Anaconda. I was particularly interested in your impression of the Python Zitron PC ..info on that model has been scarce. I'm anxious to hear from someone who has listened to a broken in Anaconda Zitron PC.

I'll be posting some observations about the new Python Zitron XLR digital cable in a few days.

Vhiner,

Yes, your assumption is correct. Both Cobra and Python ztrons have been broken in substantially and given time to settle. I've compared the Cobra ztron against the Python cx but not the Anaconda cx. I've compared the Python ztron against the Anaconda cx. The Python ztron made the presentation darker, and a little slower but made the soundstage wider and deeper. To some that could be a welcome tradeoff but I prefered the Anaconda cx's presentation. I'd welcome the wider and deeper soundstage though if the change in presentation was not obvious.

I would agree with the assessments everything is system dependent, for certain. In my system that uses 5 King Cobra CX and 5 Anaconda CX PC's along with the Anaconda ZTron signal/speaker cables and Python Ztron XLR digital cable the system synergy is striking.

When my HT blu-ray surround is engaged the imaging precision is striking with unbounded image size, height, width and depth in all dimensions along with superb dynamics and low level data retreival. I am continually shocked at sonic revelations that just appear out of nowhere, many with the knock-your-socks-off startle factor. I can not tell you how many times lately both my wife and I practically jump off the couch.

On my two channel digital which both vhiner and I have the same equipment, I am now enjoying SOTA digital reproduction with the Python XLR ZTron digital cable and Anaconda ZTron signal cables with the King Cobra CX PC's on my Perfect Wave transport and Perfect Wave MK II DAC. I have never heard air like I hear in the finest digital recordings, including red book CD that I never knew existed, or could exist with what was thought to be red book digital least significant bit size @ 16 bits data. The air between, around and above, behind, etc. images can be quite surprising.

The lesson is, that I would agree with Hkmatch23 that system dependency is like with all other components something one must try cables with to determine synergy along with one's own personal preferences. With the all CX PC's I do find immense image size, openness, and precision along with superb bass weight, speed and tonality combined with the ZTron signal/speaker cables.

Everyone's personal mileage will vary.