Shunyata Guardian Review

reeltrouble1
reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
edited March 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to use the Shunyata Guardian Power supply.

First off, I would like to thank olkiepolkie (Zach) for his generosity in allowing me the demo. After reading about some power concerns I was having he offered up the Shunyata as a possible solution.

I used the Guardian as the power supply for the BAT-VK500 dual mono amplifier. Additionally, a 20 amp IEC Venom Power cord Zach included from the unit to the wall, the Guardian does not come stock with a power cord, however, Shunyata will included one at low cost. The Guardian uses Hubbell outlets and large gauge copper wiring with Shunyata's Venom filter.

So to cut to the chase, I really like this unit. I compared the Shed rigs sound with the Guardian, PS audio UPC-200, and with no power supply running straight from the wall, I used PS Audio Statement Power cords from the Guardian to the BAT amplifier. The rest of the gear is listed in my signature.

What did I like? Without question the Guardian provided greater clarity and focus to the overall sound of my rig. Bass was more detailed and the space between instruments more defined.

The build quality of the unit is excellent, Shunyata uses electromagnetic breakers in lieu of MOV's. The breakers protect from spikes throughout the entire range from 120V to 6000V. It can handle pulse current from 6000 to 10,000 volts.

I absolutely have to own one of these.:D

Once again Thank You Zach.

For anyone in the market or considering power distribution/conditioning I would certainly recommend checking out the Shunyata line as they have many products depending on budget and needs.

Did I mention I really want one of these??

RT1
Post edited by reeltrouble1 on

Comments

  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2007
    Nice write up Ted. I am having a few 20 amp dedicated lines pulled & terminated with hospital grade outlets. I'll have to put some dough aside and check a Shunyata out.
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,553
    edited March 2007
    Hmmmmm.....Looks like I need to check out some Shunyata.
    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

  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited March 2007
    I really liked my Guardians as well. I highly recommend them.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited March 2007
    Nice to hear you like the Guardian. Shunyata has a great reputation & their products get great reviews. When I started putting my system together I went with an Equitech Balanced power unit. My feelings are the same as you using the Guardian. I wouldn't dream of being without it. These type of products make a hugh difference in the way your system performs.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2007
    Nice to hear you like the Guardian. Shunyata has a great reputation & their products get great reviews. When I started putting my system together I went with an Equitech Balanced power unit. My feelings are the same as you using the Guardian. I wouldn't dream of being without it. These type of products make a hugh difference in the way your system performs.
    You need to change your signature to reflect that awesome sounding digital cable you added to your system, maybe do a comparison of that, Mapleshade's and the others you have.
  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited March 2007
    Very cool. Another item to add to our list. What's the price range on their products?
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited March 2007
    The Guardians are about $500.00 to $600.00 or so without the power cord.Without a doubt I will pick some more up in the future.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited March 2007
    For those with extra cash from Uncle Sam, Music Direct has some factory refurbs of the Hydra 8, this thing uses 2.5 lb copper bus bars, anyway, its in a league all its own according to the folks who write about such things.

    The regular price is 2500.00, 1750 refurb at Music Direct, 15-1600 on the Gon.

    So I guess the line runs from 450.00 to 2500.00 plus the 20 amp iec power cord which cost between 20.00 for a standard to 2,000 for their top of line Anaconda cords.

    RT1