Shunyata ztron power vs cx cables...

Although many seem to report the new Ztron are much better than the previous version (including Shunyata themselves which is no surprise) there's at least one guy I know who owned the new Cobra power cables and said he did not like them because compared to the CX, they are "less precise". He mentioned they are less focused and added "halos" around instruments. He said that he returned them because from his perspective, he could tell the Cobra were "clearly" entry level. Of course, it's only one opinion but I can tell you this guy knows his stuff. Personally, I have 2 of them not broken in yet so it's hard to tell. Also, since I came from the stock cables, adding the Cobra was significant in my system. I'm waiting for another power cable (Ztron Python this time) so I will be able to compare the Cobra and the Python and determine if they are worth the price difference.

With respect to how the Anaconda CX's compare with the Cobra Zitron power cables, the folks at Shunyata have told me that they are aware that some people prefer the Anaconda CX's to the new Cobras because the Anacondas are "warmer and more romantic." The Cobras are very fast and "live." The people I've spoken with freely state that in some applications and systems, the Anaconda CX's may be the better choice. It's one thing I love about the company: they keep b.s. to a minimum and have often steered me to spend less rather than more when selecting an upgrade.

When it comes to cables, it is always best to "try before you buy." I would add one caveat: don't waste your time with quick a/b comparisons. Listen for several days and then remove the cables. If you don't miss them, keep your money.

I'm ordering a Zitron Anaconda for trial tomorrow. It'll be interesting to see how it fairs against my beloved Anaconda CX's.

Well said Vhiner. Thanks for confirming what I felt. I love my CX Anaconda power cords to much to try the Zitron, but I did try and then order a digital XLR Zitron for the transport to DAC connection, it just seem to convey more detail.

I have always used Anacondas over the last 10 years and have several models (Alpha, VX, Helix, CX). The funny thing is that sometimes one is better than the other, regardless of which is newer. In my current system, after much experimentation, I use a VX on CDP, a CX on my power amp, and Alphas and Helixes on preamps/headphone amps for the best results.

The older models have their unique charms and are sometimes better sounding for a particular component than the newer ones.

Oddeophile has already posted a very well-written and accurate review of the Shunyata Zitron XLR digital but now that mine is fully burnt in, I'd like to add a few notes.

I recently attended a live performance of Brad Meldhau and Joshua Redman at a very intimate jazz bistro. My table was about four feet from the performers, so the sound was stunning. I went home immediately and put on the duo's best recordings. Usually that's a pretty disappointing practice after a good live show. While nothing will ever compare to what I heard in the club, the Zitron XLR digital interconnect brought the music far closer to that immediate, three dimensional sound than I have ever heard before in my system. I can't give an electronic component higher praise than that.

That said, the 500 hour break-in for the Zitron digital cable is very daunting and I fear many people will miss out on just how utterly amazing this cable is.
A close friend of mine just got his and it sounds absolutely underwhelming right now. He will have to hold on for about a month of normal playing before the dang thing blooms. The folks at Shunyata tell me that, based upon user feedback, they are seriously considering pre-burning in the cable before sale. I would have been willing to pay a modest premium for that. In any case, the results are well worth the wait.