Shunyata ztron power vs cx cables...


Hi, I have a few Shunyata CX powercords (anaconda cx and king cobra cx). Has anyone done a detailed comparison? What are your thoughts as to the differences?

I did just replace my Hydra vray II with a Hydra Triton, and that was a nice improvement, in clarity, naturalness, ease and dynamics. It was one of those upgrades that once it goes in...wasn't even worth going back to compare...

Thanks in advance
128x128jfrech
I would agree with the assessments everything is system dependent, for certain. In my system that uses 5 King Cobra CX and 5 Anaconda CX PC's along with the Anaconda ZTron signal/speaker cables and Python Ztron XLR digital cable the system synergy is striking.

When my HT blu-ray surround is engaged the imaging precision is striking with unbounded image size, height, width and depth in all dimensions along with superb dynamics and low level data retreival. I am continually shocked at sonic revelations that just appear out of nowhere, many with the knock-your-socks-off startle factor. I can not tell you how many times lately both my wife and I practically jump off the couch.

On my two channel digital which both vhiner and I have the same equipment, I am now enjoying SOTA digital reproduction with the Python XLR ZTron digital cable and Anaconda ZTron signal cables with the King Cobra CX PC's on my Perfect Wave transport and Perfect Wave MK II DAC. I have never heard air like I hear in the finest digital recordings, including red book CD that I never knew existed, or could exist with what was thought to be red book digital least significant bit size @ 16 bits data. The air between, around and above, behind, etc. images can be quite surprising.

The lesson is, that I would agree with Hkmatch23 that system dependency is like with all other components something one must try cables with to determine synergy along with one's own personal preferences. With the all CX PC's I do find immense image size, openness, and precision along with superb bass weight, speed and tonality combined with the ZTron signal/speaker cables.

Everyone's personal mileage will vary.
Hkmatch23,

thanks a lot for sharing your valuable experience.
Of caurse it is all system dependant, but dealers now advising on ztron cables claiming that they are better (in their prcie range) than CX line. It Looks like is not always the case.
After hearing all the good things about the Cirrus cord I thought it would be worth a try. Well what a disappointment , mostly in the mids, not even close to some of the Shunyata stuff I've heard. Back to the drawing board.
The ztrons might be better compared to the cx line in terms of measurement using the DTCD but it does not mean the sound will be better (in your system). Only you can decide that.

There's also a possibility that the true potential of the ztrons were impeded by the rest of the system using the cx line. Perhaps a better comparison should have been an all cx line against an all ztron line. Unfortunately there weren't enough ztron power cords to go around to make that comparison possible.

If possible the best thing is to try both lines. If you prefer the cx line in your system then you are in luck since they are probably going to go down in price.
Hkmatch23,

I think you're absolutely right about cables. While it isn't always economically feasable, creating a "loom" can yield great rewards. Mixing and matching can result in some happy accidents, but I have found that creating a consistent network of wire is a worthy ideal.

I'm sure you've also found that rapid a/b comparisons of cables and other components is like chasing a vapor trail. The best way to assess cables is to live with them for at least a week and then return to one's original wire. If the switch back makes a person long for the new cables, they work.

Because I cannot afford a system-wide Zitron power cord upgrade, I plan on trying out the new Anaconda on my amplifier and then on my Triton to the wall, the idea being that those are the two most critical power cord positions within a system. I could be wrong, so feel free to weigh in if you've discovered a better approach.