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Shunyata Research
(20-Oct-2017, 15:22)brit Wrote: I have, over the past month or so, been able to arrange the demo of several pairs of Shunyata cables - the Alpha EF, Delta NR and Delta EF. I must, first of all, own up to being a bit of a cable sceptic, especially where Power cables are concerned, and have always worked on the principle that, as long as they are of sufficient gauge, and of reasonable quality to do the job, then they should be OK. I currently power my 1000pros with a pair of Russ Andrews, Kimber wired, Reference cables, which have seen good service over a number of years, with the various Audio systems I have previously owned - let's say that they are well and truly broken in Smile.  

Well, over to the Shunyatas. I started with a pair of Delta EFs, which I had for the best part of a week, and have to admit that the change in SQ was far from subtle. The first thing that I noted was how much more relaxing the music was to listen to. Some differences are very hard to describe, especially when you have been used to a particular sound over a long period of time, and I had always thought that my system, with the 1000pro, fed over Ethernet, by ROCK installed on a NUC6i5SYH, into my Wilson-Benesch ACT speakers, had sounded fine (to my ears anyway, and that is what counts) but the change, with the Delta EF, was very pronounced. My listening session started without the intention of trying to analyse differences too closely - it was in the evening so I was happy to just relax and listen to music without the aggro of listening to snatches of music, and then switching cables, that was for the next day. What I did notice, however, during that initial session was that I was hearing differences (always being aware of expectation bias), there was more "texture" to instruments - more "blat" to brass, more "zizz" to strings, more "twang" to guitars - this sounds awful as I write it, but I can not think of a better way to describe what I was hearing. I do have a set of favourite tracks I use for demos, so I have a fair idea of what I am listening for, and in all cases there was a distinct improvement in what I was hearing. I am also aware of the danger of listening to new kit at a different gain level, but over the years I have a fairly reasonable idea at what level I use to listen to particular pieces of music, so tried to keep to that whilst using the Deltas. Apart from the improvement in texture, as mentioned above, I had an awareness of better, more controlled, bass, and a more 3D presentation to instruments - imaging, spatial depth and width opened up more - in short, they appeared to give a much larger presentation of music. That much hackneyed phrase, more analogue, comes to mind (it may be that these cables deal with that last residue of digital artefact, or are just "quieter"). Anyway my relaxing evening did produce some very positive, useful, pointers to how these cables performed in my system. 

The next day I again listened to the Deltas and re-confirmed what I had heard, using the same test tracks, and then swopped back to my existing cables, and sure enough they sounded a little "flatter" - not so relaxing, not such a large presentation, not the same degree of texture to instruments, a little "grainier" (if there is such a word!). Don't get me wrong, they still sounded good, but not as good Big Grin. A good result for the Delta EF which, of course, could have been designed with Devialet in mind, i.e. you can still use the cable covers which, in my case is a plus. Finally the cables had to go back and I have got to say that I missed them Sad.

Anyway, a couple of weeks later (we had an intervening holiday) I was able to listen to the Delta NR (the noise reduction version of the Delta) and the new Alpha EF. Starting with the Delta NR, I immediately recalled the sound of the Delta EF. I was, personally, not able to say whether it was better than the EF or not - to my aged ears any differences were too subtle to call. Others, with more acute hearing, may be able to tell, but not me - so the Delta NR was "shelved" in preference to the Delta EF. Next up was the Alpha EF. This, I have got to say, was a step up from the Delta EF (and NR). Differences, in my system, were not as night & day as between the Delta EF and my existing Kimber Reference PC cables, but they were there - that very relaxed presentation, 3D sound staging, realistic presentation of Instrument textures, an excellent, but unfortunately, for me, expensive cable Sad.

So where does this leave me in respect to Shunyata Power Cables? Well it was a terrific opportunity to try a range of top quality products - and yes the Shunyata cables are a quality product, well made, from first class materials, with substantial, heavy duty plugs and sockets (of course they should be at the high price that they command!). I would very much have liked the Alpha EF, but at the price, were too much for me, at the moment - the problem with having the Devialet monos, you need two power cables! If I had a 250pro, and only required one PC, I would have gone for it, but for two ....! The difference between the Delta EF and NR was, to my ears, too close to call - both provided a definite hike in SQ over my existing Power Cords, but for me the Delta EF won out, both in terms of cost, and the fact that I could still use the Devialet cable covers. Upshot is that I now have a pair of Shunyata Delta EF cables on order Big Grin. I hope that I wont regret not going for a pair of Alpha EF cables, but I know that SWMBO is more than happy with my lower (but still substantial) cost choice Tongue.

I must also add that I had the opportunity to try the Shunyata UK 6 Power Block, but given that I already had enough "variables", with the differing cables - only change on thing at a time - I decided to leave that demo for another day, once I have the new Delta EF cables bedded in and I become used to their sound signature. 

David
Hi David, 

Does the Alpha EF still can fit in below the lid ?
Reply
(22-Jan-2018, 04:31)kin_10 Wrote: Does the Alpha EF still can fit in below the lid ?

The EF (stands for extreme flexibility) IEC connectors are flat and fit under the lid of the Devialet. 

Guillaume
Industry disclosure: UK distributor for Shunyata Research

220 PRO, totaldac d1 server with additional external power supply, totaldac d1-seven, Echole PSU for Totaldac, Wilson Audio Sasha 2, Shunyata Research cables, Shunyata Hydra Alpha A10 + DPC-6 v3, Various Entreq ground boxes and cables, Entreq Athena level 3 rack, 2 X SOtM sNH-10G with sCLK-EX + 10MHz Master Clock input + sPS-500 PSU, i5 sonicTransporter w/ 1TB SSD

UK
Reply
(22-Jan-2018, 04:31)kin_10 Wrote:
(20-Oct-2017, 15:22)brit Wrote: I have, over the past month or so, been able to arrange the demo of several pairs of Shunyata cables - the Alpha EF, Delta NR and Delta EF. I must, first of all, own up to being a bit of a cable sceptic, especially where Power cables are concerned, and have always worked on the principle that, as long as they are of sufficient gauge, and of reasonable quality to do the job, then they should be OK. I currently power my 1000pros with a pair of Russ Andrews, Kimber wired, Reference cables, which have seen good service over a number of years, with the various Audio systems I have previously owned - let's say that they are well and truly broken in Smile.  

Well, over to the Shunyatas. I started with a pair of Delta EFs, which I had for the best part of a week, and have to admit that the change in SQ was far from subtle. The first thing that I noted was how much more relaxing the music was to listen to. Some differences are very hard to describe, especially when you have been used to a particular sound over a long period of time, and I had always thought that my system, with the 1000pro, fed over Ethernet, by ROCK installed on a NUC6i5SYH, into my Wilson-Benesch ACT speakers, had sounded fine (to my ears anyway, and that is what counts) but the change, with the Delta EF, was very pronounced. My listening session started without the intention of trying to analyse differences too closely - it was in the evening so I was happy to just relax and listen to music without the aggro of listening to snatches of music, and then switching cables, that was for the next day. What I did notice, however, during that initial session was that I was hearing differences (always being aware of expectation bias), there was more "texture" to instruments - more "blat" to brass, more "zizz" to strings, more "twang" to guitars - this sounds awful as I write it, but I can not think of a better way to describe what I was hearing. I do have a set of favourite tracks I use for demos, so I have a fair idea of what I am listening for, and in all cases there was a distinct improvement in what I was hearing. I am also aware of the danger of listening to new kit at a different gain level, but over the years I have a fairly reasonable idea at what level I use to listen to particular pieces of music, so tried to keep to that whilst using the Deltas. Apart from the improvement in texture, as mentioned above, I had an awareness of better, more controlled, bass, and a more 3D presentation to instruments - imaging, spatial depth and width opened up more - in short, they appeared to give a much larger presentation of music. That much hackneyed phrase, more analogue, comes to mind (it may be that these cables deal with that last residue of digital artefact, or are just "quieter"). Anyway my relaxing evening did produce some very positive, useful, pointers to how these cables performed in my system. 

The next day I again listened to the Deltas and re-confirmed what I had heard, using the same test tracks, and then swopped back to my existing cables, and sure enough they sounded a little "flatter" - not so relaxing, not such a large presentation, not the same degree of texture to instruments, a little "grainier" (if there is such a word!). Don't get me wrong, they still sounded good, but not as good Big Grin. A good result for the Delta EF which, of course, could have been designed with Devialet in mind, i.e. you can still use the cable covers which, in my case is a plus. Finally the cables had to go back and I have got to say that I missed them Sad.

Anyway, a couple of weeks later (we had an intervening holiday) I was able to listen to the Delta NR (the noise reduction version of the Delta) and the new Alpha EF. Starting with the Delta NR, I immediately recalled the sound of the Delta EF. I was, personally, not able to say whether it was better than the EF or not - to my aged ears any differences were too subtle to call. Others, with more acute hearing, may be able to tell, but not me - so the Delta NR was "shelved" in preference to the Delta EF. Next up was the Alpha EF. This, I have got to say, was a step up from the Delta EF (and NR). Differences, in my system, were not as night & day as between the Delta EF and my existing Kimber Reference PC cables, but they were there - that very relaxed presentation, 3D sound staging, realistic presentation of Instrument textures, an excellent, but unfortunately, for me, expensive cable Sad.

So where does this leave me in respect to Shunyata Power Cables? Well it was a terrific opportunity to try a range of top quality products - and yes the Shunyata cables are a quality product, well made, from first class materials, with substantial, heavy duty plugs and sockets (of course they should be at the high price that they command!). I would very much have liked the Alpha EF, but at the price, were too much for me, at the moment - the problem with having the Devialet monos, you need two power cables! If I had a 250pro, and only required one PC, I would have gone for it, but for two ....! The difference between the Delta EF and NR was, to my ears, too close to call - both provided a definite hike in SQ over my existing Power Cords, but for me the Delta EF won out, both in terms of cost, and the fact that I could still use the Devialet cable covers. Upshot is that I now have a pair of Shunyata Delta EF cables on order Big Grin. I hope that I wont regret not going for a pair of Alpha EF cables, but I know that SWMBO is more than happy with my lower (but still substantial) cost choice Tongue.

I must also add that I had the opportunity to try the Shunyata UK 6 Power Block, but given that I already had enough "variables", with the differing cables - only change on thing at a time - I decided to leave that demo for another day, once I have the new Delta EF cables bedded in and I become used to their sound signature. 

David
Hi David, 

Does the Alpha EF still can fit in below the lid ?

Hi @kin_10. Yes I can confirm that the Alpha EF also fits under the lid - I believe that the EF range were almost designed for that reason. I am sure that Guillaume (@GuillaumeB on this forum) can confirm this. The NR versions of the Delta and Alpha do not fit under the lid.

David
1. NUC6i5SYH running ROON ROCK > ROON/AIR > Ethernet > Devialet 1000pro Core Infinity> Wilson-Benesch ACT Speakers,
or, as alternative, 
2. Wyred4Sound MS-2 Server, Devialet 1000pro Core Infinity, Theta Jade CD Transport, Pure 702ES Tuner, Wilson-Benesch ACT Speakers, misc cables

                                       UK
Reply
Thanks David and Guillaume.. just check with the local dealer, they dont have Alpha EF in stock but they have Alpha NR ... I like the NR feature but also like the lid on to keep it tidy.. decision decision decision
Reply
(23-Jan-2018, 07:34)kin_10 Wrote: Thanks David and Guillaume.. just check with the local dealer, they dont have Alpha EF in stock but they have Alpha NR ... I like the NR feature but also like the lid on to keep it tidy.. decision decision decision

Yes very difficult, but unfortunately a decision only you can take Rolleyes. My decision was really taken for me when it came to cost Rolleyes. I did like the Alpha EF, but didn’t like the cost - I didn’t try the Alpha NR, because that was even more pricey  Tongue. When I demo’d the Delta EF and Delta NR, the sound differences were, to my ears - and I stress, it was my aging ears - too close to call. Others, with better hearing, may feel differently. To me, the fact that the EF allowed me to keep the cover on was also an important consideration.

I am sure that your dealer should be able to get an EF for you to try?


David
1. NUC6i5SYH running ROON ROCK > ROON/AIR > Ethernet > Devialet 1000pro Core Infinity> Wilson-Benesch ACT Speakers,
or, as alternative, 
2. Wyred4Sound MS-2 Server, Devialet 1000pro Core Infinity, Theta Jade CD Transport, Pure 702ES Tuner, Wilson-Benesch ACT Speakers, misc cables

                                       UK
Reply
Very excited to announce that we have a new dealer!  Big Grin Cool

The Audiobarn in Old Harlow, Essex. 

They are also a Devialet dealer.

Guillaume
Industry disclosure: UK distributor for Shunyata Research

220 PRO, totaldac d1 server with additional external power supply, totaldac d1-seven, Echole PSU for Totaldac, Wilson Audio Sasha 2, Shunyata Research cables, Shunyata Hydra Alpha A10 + DPC-6 v3, Various Entreq ground boxes and cables, Entreq Athena level 3 rack, 2 X SOtM sNH-10G with sCLK-EX + 10MHz Master Clock input + sPS-500 PSU, i5 sonicTransporter w/ 1TB SSD

UK
Reply
(29-Mar-2018, 14:38)GuillaumeB Wrote: Very excited to announce that we have a new dealer!  Big Grin Cool  

The Audiobarn in Old Harlow, Essex. 

They are also a Devialet dealer.

Guillaume

Congrats!
Aurender N10 - Kharma Enigma Signature AES/EBU - Devialet 400 - MIT SL-Matrix 28s - Audio Physic Virgo 25 Plus - IsoAcoustics Gaia II - AudioQuest Diamond RCA-AES between Master and Companion - Silent Angel Bonn N8 - AudioQuest Diamond Ethernet cable - Keces P3 with Hifi-Tuning Supreme 3 Silver fuse - GigaWatt 16A automatic circuit breaker - Vibex One 6 Cu - Shunyata Research ΞTRON Alpha Digital and ΞTRON Z PC-10 powercords - Qobuz 24 bit Studio

The Netherlands
Reply
The new UK Denali is now on demonstration at KJ West One, actually they have the only unit in the country. 

The UK Denali features an all new design and stunning platinum/silver finish. It's been a long time coming but I think most will be impressed by the results.

Whilst clearly based on the existing US and EU Denali, there have been a few modifications under the hood to meet UK certs and whilst they were at it they tweaked some of the wiring and components to improve its performance.

I literally had the unit here for 24 hours and was pretty amazed by the impact that it had on the Linn Majik system in my living room where I connected TV, Linn MDSM and power amp, switch, Sky box etc. 

Similar story with the Devialet 220 PRO. There is a feeling that dynamics have improved (which IMHO is pretty unusual for a power conditioner), the soundstage is bigger and you can literally hear new detail in the music. 

Guillaume
Industry disclosure: UK distributor for Shunyata Research

220 PRO, totaldac d1 server with additional external power supply, totaldac d1-seven, Echole PSU for Totaldac, Wilson Audio Sasha 2, Shunyata Research cables, Shunyata Hydra Alpha A10 + DPC-6 v3, Various Entreq ground boxes and cables, Entreq Athena level 3 rack, 2 X SOtM sNH-10G with sCLK-EX + 10MHz Master Clock input + sPS-500 PSU, i5 sonicTransporter w/ 1TB SSD

UK
Reply
Any news on the Shunyata cable specifically to link dual-mono Devialet?

Do you know if the tweaked Shunyata Denali wiring and components will make it into the US and EU production runs?

By the way, I'm still enjoying my Denali very much. It improves both the sound and convenience of my system (I use it as a master power switch since the Devialet lack a true off mode).
Reply
(30-Apr-2018, 13:15)deviousalet Wrote: Any news on the Shunyata cable specifically to link dual-mono Devialet?

Do you know if the tweaked Shunyata Denali wiring and components will make it into the US and EU production runs?

By the way, I'm still enjoying my Denali very much. It improves both the sound and convenience of my system (I use it as a master power switch since the Devialet lack a true off mode).

Hi there, I imagine some of the improvements will make their way to the US and EU versions (possibly in a second gen offering), although I understand the silver finish will remain exclusive to the UK version. There has been an effort to try and bridge the gap between Denali and Triton, since the Triton is not available in UK spec (and there are no plans to offer this).

KJ West One were blown away by what the Denali does. It’s an amazing piece of kit! 

As to the link cable we did a fair bit of experimenting but in the end felt that the standard SPDIF worked just as well. I did discuss this with Devialet by the way, since I was surprised to find that the link cable was less sensitive to change than it used to be. They confirmed that there used to be a bug  that resulted in greater jitter between master and companion and that this was fixed through a firmware update. 

Guillaume
Industry disclosure: UK distributor for Shunyata Research

220 PRO, totaldac d1 server with additional external power supply, totaldac d1-seven, Echole PSU for Totaldac, Wilson Audio Sasha 2, Shunyata Research cables, Shunyata Hydra Alpha A10 + DPC-6 v3, Various Entreq ground boxes and cables, Entreq Athena level 3 rack, 2 X SOtM sNH-10G with sCLK-EX + 10MHz Master Clock input + sPS-500 PSU, i5 sonicTransporter w/ 1TB SSD

UK
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