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Shunyata ztron power vs cx cables...

Hi, I have a few Shunyata CX powercords (anaconda cx and king cobra cx). Has anyone done a detailed comparison? What are your thoughts as to the differences?

I did just replace my Hydra vray II with a Hydra Triton, and that was a nice improvement, in clarity, naturalness, ease and dynamics. It was one of those upgrades that once it goes in...wasn't even worth going back to compare...

Thanks in advance
128x128jfrech
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
After hearing all the good things about the Cirrus cord I thought it would be worth a try. Well what a disappointment , mostly in the mids, not even close to some of the Shunyata stuff I've heard. Back to the drawing board.
hkmatch23
5 posts
 
The ztrons might be better compared to the cx line in terms of measurement using the DTCD but it does not mean the sound will be better (in your system). Only you can decide that.

There's also a possibility that the true potential of the ztrons were impeded by the rest of the system using the cx line. Perhaps a better comparison should have been an all cx line against an all ztron line. Unfortunately there weren't enough ztron power cords to go around to make that comparison possible.

If possible the best thing is to try both lines. If you prefer the cx line in your system then you are in luck since they are probably going to go down in price.
vhiner
544 posts
 
Hkmatch23,

I think you're absolutely right about cables. While it isn't always economically feasable, creating a "loom" can yield great rewards. Mixing and matching can result in some happy accidents, but I have found that creating a consistent network of wire is a worthy ideal.

I'm sure you've also found that rapid a/b comparisons of cables and other components is like chasing a vapor trail. The best way to assess cables is to live with them for at least a week and then return to one's original wire. If the switch back makes a person long for the new cables, they work.

Because I cannot afford a system-wide Zitron power cord upgrade, I plan on trying out the new Anaconda on my amplifier and then on my Triton to the wall, the idea being that those are the two most critical power cord positions within a system. I could be wrong, so feel free to weigh in if you've discovered a better approach.
hkmatch23
5 posts
 
Vhiner,

Sometimes there are instances where the moment you try a new component you immediately know something is not right. Listening longer will only lengthen the uneasiness. Of course one must be familiar with the recording to know something is amiss. While there are instances where it takes time for you to realize that you prefer the new component over the old one and vice versa.
The key word will always be "preference".

The best way for you to know which component benefits the most is to try it yourself. However, you will need at least 2 Anacondas if your amp uses a c19 inlet. While I have read that the source should have the biggest effect, in my system it was not the case. The biggest preferable effect came from changing the preamp powercord.
vhiner
544 posts
 
Hkmatch23,

It's true that theory and practice often collide. I have also found, especially with Shunyata's PC's, that it takes a while for my ears and brains to adjust to something substantially different. After many years of pursuing components that would "wow" me, I am now far more interested in components that disappear, allowing me to move ever closer to the music. I find Shunyata wire to be particularly good at that.
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