I installed 2 Shunyata Python CX power cords today
BlueFox
Posts: 15,251
About 3 weeks ago I installed two Shunyata Venom 3 (20 amp connectors) on my amps, and immediately was able to hear a positive difference. Not a bad upgrade for only $125 a cable. Not bad at all.
Anyway, I could not leave well enough alone. Ever since I installed the cables my brain has been going “If these are so good then what in the world are the more expensive cables capable of doing.” This is a very dangerous thought process, and can lead to doing crazy things. So, earlier this week I gave in to the demons, and ordered two Shunyata Python CX cables. Santa Fed-X knocked on my door this afternoon with my present.
This week has had two Shunyata events. In addition to ordering the Pythons, the Venom 3 cables completed their burn-in, and really improved. Wednesday night I was listening to the system, and I suddenly realized it was really sounding better. It was so obvious I started wondering if it was because it was raining outside, and the increased humidity was the reason for the improvement, but after thinking, and listening, for a couple of days I suspect it is the power cables reached their optimum sound level (whatever that means
).
Well, the Pythons are now installed and burning in. Initial reaction is the precision and detail of the sound is improved. I am listening to a Paganini Violin Concerto as I type this (from the iPod of course), and there is someone tapping a triangle in the music, and the background ping, ping, ping is just so obvious and precise it is scary. I can put my arm out and touch the spot it is pinging. As the night goes on, and I get more experience with these things I will add an update, or two.
Now the question is what to do with the two Venom 3 cables. Other than the two amps, everything else has 15 amp connectors. I guess I need to find 20A-to-15A adapters, replace the Pangea AC14SE cables on the DAC and pre-amp, and see if the sound improves, gets worse, or stays the same.
I have to admit that Shunyata really seems to have the science of power cords down pat. The sound difference from their cables is overwhelmingly obvious. I cannot stress that enough. For any people who think power cables, or any cables for that matter, do not really matter I can only say give the Venom 3 cables a try. They are inexpensive, and if your gear is even semi-decent, will make an difference over stock black power cables.
Anyway, I could not leave well enough alone. Ever since I installed the cables my brain has been going “If these are so good then what in the world are the more expensive cables capable of doing.” This is a very dangerous thought process, and can lead to doing crazy things. So, earlier this week I gave in to the demons, and ordered two Shunyata Python CX cables. Santa Fed-X knocked on my door this afternoon with my present.
This week has had two Shunyata events. In addition to ordering the Pythons, the Venom 3 cables completed their burn-in, and really improved. Wednesday night I was listening to the system, and I suddenly realized it was really sounding better. It was so obvious I started wondering if it was because it was raining outside, and the increased humidity was the reason for the improvement, but after thinking, and listening, for a couple of days I suspect it is the power cables reached their optimum sound level (whatever that means
).Well, the Pythons are now installed and burning in. Initial reaction is the precision and detail of the sound is improved. I am listening to a Paganini Violin Concerto as I type this (from the iPod of course), and there is someone tapping a triangle in the music, and the background ping, ping, ping is just so obvious and precise it is scary. I can put my arm out and touch the spot it is pinging. As the night goes on, and I get more experience with these things I will add an update, or two.
Now the question is what to do with the two Venom 3 cables. Other than the two amps, everything else has 15 amp connectors. I guess I need to find 20A-to-15A adapters, replace the Pangea AC14SE cables on the DAC and pre-amp, and see if the sound improves, gets worse, or stays the same.
I have to admit that Shunyata really seems to have the science of power cords down pat. The sound difference from their cables is overwhelmingly obvious. I cannot stress that enough. For any people who think power cables, or any cables for that matter, do not really matter I can only say give the Venom 3 cables a try. They are inexpensive, and if your gear is even semi-decent, will make an difference over stock black power cables.
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
Post edited by BlueFox on
Comments
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Ever consider using MIT power cables? Thoughts?- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »Ever consider using MIT power cables? Thoughts?
No, not really. I got involved with the Shunyata because they offered a 20 amp connection.
I currently have MIT Shotgun S1.3 balanced ICs between all my gear, and love it. However, I am now wondering if I should go with Shunyata ICs instead. :rolleyes:Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
I currently have MIT Shotgun S1.3 balanced ICs between all my gear, and love it.
If you change ICs, you should check out Kabala Sosna Fascination or Expression.Linn AV5140 fronts
Linn AV5120 Center
Linn AV5140 Rears
M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
Odyssey Mono-Blocs
SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D -
If you change ICs, you should check out Kubala Sosna Fascination or Expression.
fixed it. JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut) -
I guess I need to find 20A-to-15A adapters
Moon Audio should be able to help with that.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
After having these cables running over 24 hours, and listening during a good part of that period, I have to say these are great. While the Venom 3 cables made an obvious, positive difference, the Pythons bring the sound into focus. It is more balanced from the bottom to top, without any one range being emphasized. The bass is tight and precise, while the highs are detailed, but not bright. You can almost ‘see’ the sound of the note, where it starts, and where it ends, in the air. On the other hand, the low level resolution is incredible. I have been hearing a number of tracks that slowly fade off into nothingness. Hearing how quiet the gear can play has really stood out in my mind.
On the other hand, while the Pythons are 10 times the cost of the Venom 3, I’m not sure if they are 10 times better. However, they are better enough to make the upgrade a good one in my mind. One point I forgot to mention in the first post is the absolute sound reviewed the top 3 Shunyata cables, along with their power conditioner this month, and they were very positive about the gear. One point they made is that the Python’s, while one-third the price of the King Cobras, provide much of the benefit.
If you are in the market for audiophile power cables I have to recommend Shunyata. While I have Pangea on everything else, adding the Shunyata cables to the amps has really been a good move. The Pythons have bought everything together, and really create a smooth, satisfying sound from the system. Definitely worth the price in my mind.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Pangea AC-9 vs Shunyata python
I know this isn't a fair comparison, but I'm curious. Tell me how they compare.
Also, how about the Pangea vs Venom? That's a more fair battle. -
Pangea AC-9 vs Shunyata python
I know this isn't a fair comparison, but I'm curious. Tell me how they compare.
Also, how about the Pangea vs Venom? That's a more fair battle.
LOL. Good questions.
In regard to the "Pangea AC-9 vs Shunyata python", this is what I know.
My Pangea AC-9 is used to connect the wall socket to the power conditioner. The Shunyata Pythons are used to connect each amp to the power conditioner. I bought the Pangea a year or more before the Shunyata.
From a circumference perspective they are about the same. However, the Shunyata is much more manageable. The Pangea is less flexible. Both have made audible improvements to my system when added, but I have never compared them to each other. Although it has been a while since I added the Pangea, I seem to remember the Pythons making the more obvious improvement.
In regard to the other power cables, the Pangea AC-14 power cable (later upgraded to the 14SE) was my first power cord upgrade. At that time, I was really skeptical about power cords making any difference, but even these inexpensive cables made an obvious sonic improvement. So, I replaced all my stock 15 amp cords with the Pangea. However, for whatever reason, my amps have a 20 amp socket (horizontal pins), and Pangea does not sell a cable with both a 15 amp male plug, and a 20 amp female connector.
When I saw that the $120 Shunyata Venom came in that configuration I bought two, and even though they are on the amps, which is supposed to yield the lowest return on power cable sonic upgrades, they made an obvious improvement. In fact it was so good it made me stupid and want more. So, a month later I ordered the Python CX power cords, and they were even better.
I think Shunyata has added mind altering electrical capabilities to their cables that make the user want more. Buyer beware. Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
I agree with you Bluefox. I have a Shunyata Venom power cable that I use with my Denon DVD-3800BDCI Blu ray player and the positive effects on the audio and video are very good. Recommended (relatively) cheap power cable upgrade.
Greg
Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
"I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion."![:\](https://forum.polkaudio.com/resources/emoji/confused.png ":\")
My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....
"Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson
"Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee -
LOL. Good questions.
In regard to the "Pangea AC-9 vs Shunyata python", I have never compared them to each other.
Shoot. Let me know it you ever do compare them. I'd be interested to know the difference in how they sound. My guess is that the Pangea would sound a tad on the warm side and more colored and the Shunyata more neutral and more holographic.
It would be fun to play with the different power cord configurations by placing the Pythons on the gear that is most responsive to upgraded power cords and the Pangea's on the gear that is less responsive. ie. place one python from the wall to the power conditioner and the other on the source or preamp- and putting the Pangeas on the amps. I'm saying this because my amp is also fairly constant sounding no matter what power cord I use and the biggest bang I get is changing the power cord on my source. The wall to the power conditioner also seems like a critical cord too since it sets up the foundation for the whole rig. -
Shoot. Let me know it you ever do compare them. I'd be interested to know the difference in how they sound. My guess is that the Pangea would sound a tad on the warm side and more colored and the Shunyata more neutral and more holographic.
It would be fun to play with the different power cord configurations by placing the Pythons on the gear that is most responsive to upgraded power cords and the Pangea's on the gear that is less responsive. ie. place one python from the wall to the power conditioner and the other on the source or preamp- and putting the Pangeas on the amps. I'm saying this because my amp is also fairly constant sounding no matter what power cord I use and the biggest bang I get is changing the power cord on my source. The wall to the power conditioner also seems like a critical cord too since it sets up the foundation for the whole rig.
I can't do that since the Pythons have 20 amp connectors and only fit the amp. I need to buy another Python with a 15 connector to be able to replace the Pangea.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Ok, well here's something maybe you can help me with.... I'm about to add to my collection my first Paganini cd. I want to start with the violin concertos and I was thinking of getting the Pentatone SACD of #1 & 4: http://www.amazon.com/Paganini-Violin-Concertos-1-4/dp/B000WXR314/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309789292&sr=8-1
Is there a different one you would recommend I start with? An SACD would be preferable but not a deal breaker. -
I scrolled through my iPod, and there is a lot of Paganini on it, but not that CD. I have Sarah Chang, Julie Fisher, and other artists, but none really stand out as better than the other. So, I suspect the SACD is a good starting point. In fact, after looking through my SACDs I see that I do not have it, so I ordered it.
Also, while looking through my SACDs I saw I have 2 copies of Elgar Violin Concerto.
http://www.amazon.com/Elgar-Concerto-Alternative-Cadenza-Polonia/dp/B0044FEZDA/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1310967546&sr=1-1
Send me a PM with your address, and it is yours. Instant karma, so to speak. This is what happens when you like Shunyata cables. :biggrin:Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
I don't believe in anything buy large gauge copper when it comes to power cords. There's no magic in that interconnect as it doesn't have any direct input on the signal path for me. The Shunyata brand is solid but not sure why Pangea is liked so much aside from the fact Audio Advisor pushes them like crack.
I will never buy anything from Moon Audio again. Those IEC adapters are available elsewhere.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
I scrolled through my iPod, and there is a lot of Paganini on it, but not that CD. I have Sarah Chang, Julie Fisher, and other artists, but none really stand out as better than the other. So, I suspect the SACD is a good starting point. In fact, after looking through my SACDs I see that I do not have it, so I ordered it.
Also, while looking through my SACDs I saw I have 2 copies of Elgar Violin Concerto.
http://www.amazon.com/Elgar-Concerto-Alternative-Cadenza-Polonia/dp/B0044FEZDA/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1310967546&sr=1-1
Send me a PM with your address, and it is yours. Instant karma, so to speak. This is what happens when you like Shunyata cables. :biggrin:
Wow! That's super cool thanks!
PM sent -
Got it. You are welcome. I hate it when I buy the same CD twice. I probably will not be able to get to the post office until either Wednesday or Friday, so don't get to impatient for it. Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Might have to give one of these a try. I lost one of my cords when i moved so been using a stock one.Living Room Rig:D
Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
Xbox360/PS3/WII
M.Br. setup:)
Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
Computer Rig:
Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's -
TouchOfEvil wrote: »Might have to give one of these a try. I lost one of my cords when i moved so been using a stock one.
At the least, get a Venom for $99. It will be a cost effective upgrade. Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
BlueFox, I am currently using a Pangea AC-9 with a Moon Audio Adapter for 20 Amp...
If you want to try mine out to compare, you can. Otherwise I would be up for taking one of the Venom 3s off your hands and I can compare...
Let me know,
TedHT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
Outlaw 970 Preamp, Outlaw 7700 Amp, Velodyne SMS-1, Oppo BDP-83,
2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure
Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
