Shunyata Power Conditioner Advice
 

I am looking to upgrade a Hydra 8 with an Anaconda PC.

Has anyone auditioned the latest Shunyata line up from the Venom to the Denali? Is there a sweet spot when the law of diminishing returns sets in? Would for example the Delta be sufficient?

My requirements are for front end components only as my Jeff Rowland amps have a separate JR PC-1 regenerator. Front end need is for: dCS Bartok, Aurender N10, Krell SACD Player, Roksan TT Power Supply, Modwright Phono Pre, Hovland HP Pre.

Denali is excellent. We had an Alpha A12. We went with the Everest. Wow what a difference! Blacker backgrounds. Absolutely stunning.

Yes. I've had all of them here for product photography in 2020 (I do some commercial product photography work for Shunyata Research). So, of course, I also listened to them.

No. They each provide distinguishable and notable improvements from the model "lower" in the line as you move "up the line" in specification (from Venom V16 ->Delta D6 -> Alpha A12-> Sigma S12, etc.), there are clearly distinguishable benefits and added functionality for each model. What this means with respect to your investment is you obtain maximal VALUE for your dollar as you move up the product line. So, no, there is no "law of dimishing returns" with the Shunyata line of power distributors.

Denali v2 and Everest stand apart from the other lines because they have the amazing QR-BB device in them, which is a breakthrough technology. You have to hear it to...get it.

And...the entry-level Venom V16 is truly excellent (I mean, SERIOUSLY good) and...audibly better than a Triton V1 (and the Triton V1 is a big jump over your Hydra 8; I know because I owned and lived with both of them for years). As as matter-of-fact, I've got a rack mount version of the Venom V16 that's in for products photography, and I could live with it forever and be a happy man.

Also...my advice would be to give full consideration to using a Shunyata power distributor for your amps, as well. My experience with regenerators (based on first-hand comparisons in my home with my system) is...they don't work as well as Shunyata power distributors. That's our fearless leader, MasterLu's experience experience as well, comparing the PS Audio line of PS-series regenerators with the lastest Shunyata power distributors.

Last, you'll want to upgrade your PC if that's in your budget. The latest line of Shunyata power cords are significantly better than the old Anaconda model.

If you give me your budget range, I can help you to determine which power distributor would best meet your needs. Then, MasterLu, who is a Shunyata dealer, can give you an excellent deal if you become a Subscriber.

Cheers.

I can't give you an across-the-line comparison, but I upgraded a Hydra 8 v2 to a Delta D6 in my bedroom "listening reference" system (detailed in my signature block). The Hydra 8 v2 was paired initially with a Black Mamba CX power cord to the wall, and then with a Delta NR v1; the Delta D6 initially with a Delta NR v1, and then a Delta XC v2. In each case, the source components and amplifier were connected to the conditioner. (Note that the amp used has a fixed, non-detachable power cord, so I can't connect it via a Shunyata power cord.)

As good as the Hydra 8 v2 was/is, the Delta D6 introduced a substantial improvement in the rendering of tonality, timbre, image specificity and dimensionality, soundstage breadth and depth, dynamic range and impact, and overall resolution. And what was good initially improved markedly when I updated the Delta power cords to conditioner and source to their respective v2 iterations.

Hi Jim,
Thanks sharing your experiences. The improvements you describe are 100% consistent with the improvements I hear as well.

Hope you're doing well. Cheers.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I am going to audition several models up to the Denali. As a constant I will be using a Shunyata Sigma XC v2 PC to go to the wall. Starting out with the Delta. It should be interesting. I will post my observations.

Excellent plan, 3σ. Let us know what you find out and what you decide.

BTW, my product shots for the Venom V16 power distributor are in a 2-page ad in the December and January issues of The Absolute Sound. I didn't even know these shots were going to be used in the ad, so it was fun surprise. Pretty cool...:D

https://photos.imageevent.com/puma_c...Ad%20TAS-1.jpg

Cheers.

JoeN,
Tight fit for your Everest! Nice rack too - who makes it?
Wilson

Hi,

Yes it is very tight. :thumbsup: But it sits nicely and actually helps a little with cable management. We will be working on more cable magement this coming week when the new speakers arrive.

The racks are Adona Racks. They are extremely nice. Very stable. Each rack in my set up holds 300+ lbs. Good thing as the TT is 183 just by itself.

JoeN,
Beautiful system Joe. Thanks for that link. I have to ask, what's that turntable? Sorry if this thread is getting off track.
Wilson