Hi @ryder one thing to bear in mind for the Diablo is that XC power cables are usually recommended, straight to the wall for high current loads, especially if you have dedicated mains. That said, with so much variation in power, the Alpha-X NR is a very good cable and may well suit an individual setup due to the additional noise reduction - give both types a try if you can get a demo XC.
Power is one of the fundamentals for a good system.
I have a Sigma-X NR on the DAC and as everyone has experienced, Shunyata delivers in all areas as expected, fantastic.
Although on the list, I need some rewiring before trying Shunyata power cables on the Leonidas, it requires two (dual mono) and both are 3m Furutech atm.
One tip for those that are unfortunate enough to have mains plug fuses is to upgrade the stock AMR Gold fuse that Shunyata fit. Synergistic Research Pink was (yet) another level for imaging and a bit more gravitas.
Seems I’ve become a bit of a Shunyata convert over the last year or so, network, power cables, XLR and S/PDIF. If you want the best from your kit, they deserve to be listened to.
Keep in mind the “XC” power cables are specifically designed to go between the wall and the power distributor (like my Sigma-X XC that connects to my Everest) and not to a component as they omit the noise reduction tech of the “NR” models. I have the Sigma-X NR to my amp from the Everest.
An update. I am now back with the Alpha-X NR. I listened to familiar tracks with the Furutech for about an hour before switching to the Shunyata. I will refrain from repeating myself. The differences as mentioned earlier are undeniable and immediately noticeable after the switch.
I’m now financially exhausted after getting this Shunyata cable. Time will tell if I’ll end up with more Shunyata mains power cables in the future.
Shunyata cables are, without a doubt, very good and I have not even tried their higher end stuff. However, in my experience they all contribute to an overall “darker” sound and that’s something for everyone to decide based on their taste and system. On balance, I now have only one Shunyata cable remaining - an RCA interconnect between my NVC TT and the NSC222 as with changing to an MC cartridge for my Rega it helped keep the sound richer (vs e.g. Chord) - so the previous MM warmth with more MC insight and delicacy if you like. I ended up moving on my Shunyata mains NR cable which was on my 222 previously as I felt it was taking away a bit too much from the lifelike engagement factor, although it was noticeably reducing the noise floor.
I would be interested to know the mains power cable which sound more open, brighter or less dark than the Shunyata NR in your system. Is the Shunyata you tried the Alpha, Sigma or Omega-X mains power cable? I used the Alpha-X NR on the Luxman integrated and did not try it on anywhere else.
In my system there is no loss of lifelike engagement factor. The Shunyata mains power cable brought a level of clarity, detail and nuance to the music which increased the level of engagement in my system. With the Furutech mains power cable everything sounds warmer and less airy with a slight reduction in detail.
It was the Delta (V2 NR), I now use a WW (Silver electra) instead - for me it’s a better balance of noise reduction, life and dynamics, slightly firmer bass may be too.
I have the Silver Electra 7 mains power cable. I tried it with the amp about three or four years ago but the result wasn’t that good so it’s currently used with the streamer. Perhaps I’ll try it on the Luxman again to reconfirm my thoughts when I have the time. If yours is the latest Silver Electra 10 it might be an improved version.
Mine is also the v. 7 and also used with the streaming DAC. And I have the same (not very positive) experience with power/integrated amps and consider the WW source/DAC cables (as is the Shunyata NR).
I don’t quite believe that the newer WW version would change much anything in this respect.
at the moment. 