Cable swap time.

[DonBattles]

Now that the main components are in a place I'm happy with I'm wanting to swap put my cables and want to go with Shunyata's. Currently I'm running a Hydra 8 and have a Python Helix VX feeding it. So now I'm looking for cables to power up the Luxman 590 and CDP and might consider cables for the VPI SDS and turntable as well if it would yield significant gains. I do have a budget here and would be looking to "older" Shunyata cables to keep the cost where I need them to be. I'm thinking BLACK MAMBA CX for the integrated and CDP and maybe a Copperhead for the SDS and Venom for the turntable motor.
As always and feedback is appreciated

[Glisse]

I would use either a Black Mamba HC CX or Python Alpha Helix on your Luxman. I found the standard Black Mamba CX good on sources, but limited dynamics when used with amps.

[audiot servant]

Am also using the high current (CX HC) versions of the Black Mamba power cables and it is fast and musical, maybe just a touch on the warm side if anything... am due to get delivery of a Cobra pc this week which I am told will be more than worth the wait. Will report back on it when it's in the system.

There have been some good deals on the CX cables out there of late.

Graham

[Ritmo]

I use the Black Mamba CX series in my system. The HC CX for my amp. Very happy with results.

Mike

[audiot servant]

I'm only four days in to listening with the Cobra Zitron pc... and what a great four days... right out of the wrapper it just floored me and also the Black Mamba HCs. I have never heard such a profound improvement from the addition of just one cable.

It is the feed for the Hydra and I still have the Black Mambas as source cables down stream of it... it immediately took my whole system (and my listening joy) to a new level... I have just spent the whole weekend just listening to more and more music and how involving and resolving it has become.

The attack is far more brilliant, timbres are deeper and richer and the fineness of decay of notes is nothing short of exquisite... mesmerising.

$1000 US might seem an investment for a power cable but just one of these in the right place has transformed the whole experience... am completely loving listening more than I have for quite some time. I think this is Shunyata.

Graham

[MyPal]

Originally Posted by audiot servant

I'm only four days in to listening with the Cobra Zitron pc... and what a great four days... right out of the wrapper it just floored me and also the Black Mamba HCs. I have never heard such a profound improvement from the addition of just one cable.

It is the feed for the Hydra and I still have the Black Mambas as source cables down stream of it... it immediately took my whole system (and my listening joy) to a new level... I have just spent the whole weekend just listening to more and more music and how involving and resolving it has become.

The attack is far more brilliant, timbres are deeper and richer and the fineness of decay of notes is nothing short of exquisite... mesmerising.

$1000 US might seem an investment for a power cable but just one of these in the right place has transformed the whole experience... am completely loving listening more than I have for quite some time. I think this is Shunyata.

Graham

Graham...That's remarkable. I heard the Zitron range take around 500-800hrs to truly come of age. Also, they will take a performance dip at around 300hrs before truly starting to blossom.

Would be interested for you to comment further as you reach these milestones.

[audiot servant]

Originally Posted by MyPal

Graham...That's remarkable. I heard the Zitron range take around 500-800hrs to truly come of age. Also, they will take a performance dip at around 300hrs before truly starting to blossom.

Would be interested for you to comment further as you reach these milestones.

Hi Steve,

I'm here listening to a steinway sounding just like a steinway atm... it is plenty of blossom already... Think there has been a lot of promise with the Zitron but is delivering in spades so far.

I'm with you on the settling in thing with cables and gear, I'm starting to think that while the symptoms and experiences may vary the phases might line up into four familiar periods...

The honeymoon period... plenty of upfront bliss (hmmm so good so far)
The great recession... the soundstage moved back but so did all the vitality.
The things coming back together and kinda getting it... maybe just a bit scratchy etchy still.
The coming to wholeness - and happiness or the highway.

Am happy to wait and see but the waiting has been very nice so far.

Graham

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by audiot servant

Hi Steve,

I'm here listening to a steinway sounding just like a steinway atm... it is plenty of blossom already... Think there has been a lot of promise with the Zitron but is delivering in spades so far.

I'm with you on the settling in thing with cables and gear, I'm starting to think that while the symptoms and experiences may vary the phases might line up into four familiar periods...

The honeymoon period... plenty of upfront bliss (hmmm so good so far)
The great recession... the soundstage moved back but so did all the vitality.
The things coming back together and kinda getting it... maybe just a bit scratchy etchy still.
The coming to wholeness - and happiness or the highway.

Am happy to wait and see but the waiting has been very nice so far.

Graham

Graham... I think you forgot the Separate Beds part.

[audiot servant]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Graham... I think you forgot the Separate Beds part.

Thanks Ivan.. yes, living the dream right now was music room 1... now bedroom 2 am probably going to be sleeping with the Shunyata Cyclops soon - very pretty.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by audiot servant

Am also using the high current (CX HC) versions of the Black Mamba power cables and it is fast and musical, maybe just a touch on the warm side if anything... am due to get delivery of a Cobra pc this week which I am told will be more than worth the wait. Will report back on it when it's in the system.

There have been some good deals on the CX cables out there of late.

Graham

Yes, there have been some good deals out there. I just picked up three Venom3s for $99/each (a 3 for $99 each special offer), and a Venom3 extension cord and 15/20amp IEC adapter so I can patch my Hydra 4 into the system. Because the system's wall outlet is occupied, I needed a long run of Venom3 from the receptacle behind the couch over to the audio rack. The extension plus a standard Venom3 gave me a 3.5 meter run. The Hydra 8 has the preamp, both phono stages, both Michell and Rega TTs, and the DAC's power cables going into it, the Hydra 4 is distributing power for the Macbook, Concept, and Squeezebox Touch's power cords and wall warts.

Also snagged a Black Mamba CX 6 ft new for $395 for the Wadia 121!

Looks like I will have to look into the Zitron Cobra, though...