Shunyata Research

[GuillaumeB]

Been experimenting over past few days with Shunyata's DPC-6 v3.

This is a mains conditioner/filter specifically designed for computers, NAS drives, switches, display screens etc. It essentially firewalls the noise generated by computer circuitry and associated power supplies, often poor quality SMPS wall warts. It uses very different technologies to those used by the Denali and Triton units (those interested can look it up on Google, fascinating stuff). Shunyata do not recommend plugging regular amps, DACs etc into it.   

I was a bit reluctant to try this thinking that the Denali more than accomplished the task of protecting my hi-fi equipment.

So imagine my surprise when I connected both my Sky box and new AQVOX switch. Actually I started with the Sky box a few days ago as I only had one NEMA IEC C7 power cable. I thought I could hear a bit of an improvement but to be honest it wasn't dramatic, certainly nothing to report here. Adding the AQVOX yesterday (I had been waiting for a Schuko to US adapter ordered from the US) was a different story! Previously the AQVOX was sitting on a dedicated circuit so it was reasonably isolated (I thought). Hmm.

Spent the whole evening grinning from ear to ear and still am.   Essentially I was (and still am) streaming from Qobuz using the Totaldac d1 server. 

This digital journey never ceases to surprise and astonish me. More recently I had the big surprise with the AQVOX. Now I discover that connecting it to the DPC-6 unleashes a whole new level of enjoyment. I'm not sure I could now differentiate Qobuz streaming from locally stored files using ROON. 

When my new IEC 7 cables arrive I will add my Control 4 processor, Apple TV. I also plan to experiment with the Totaldac d1 server's two power supplies. So there could be more to come. 

Ended up having a Skype conversation with Caelin who reminded me he had told me about the DPC-6 on several occasions, urging me to get one and insisting that it was essential to the enjoyment of computer audio (well he would, he invented the thing!). Six months later, me - the UK distributor - finally takes the plunge. Hmmm.   

Guillaume