New Helix PowerSnakes Cable From Shunyata ?

Guidocorona wrote "The principle appears to b that counterrotating spirals of conductors cause strands to cross at 90 degree angles, minimizing inductance and capacitance. The core of the PC is apparently hollow."

There used to be patents listed for both the winding geometry and the "magic dust" used in these designs on the website.

I read them both. The winding geometry description was difficult to follow and I couldn't tell in what way this layup differs from other cables that use a woven geometry such as Kimber, etc.

It is amazing what can be patented these days. I would have thought that this weave is not sufficiently different to all prior artwork of this type to merit a patent award.

I DIYed a couple of powercords many years ago and used a similar weave. It did seem to work better than the same wires just bundled together.

Soundstage has just posted a review of the Orion Helix speaker cable and Antares Helix IC. Findings are intriguing if not definitive and may give some indication of the sound of the Helix PCs. See:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/shunyata_antares_orion.htm
In the meantime, tomorrow I may have the opportunity of comparing a Shunyata Python Helix VX with an Electraglide Epiphany. I will post my findings.
Willster, the patent for the braided geometry used by Shunyata is not Shunyata's own, but it is applied under license. This may explain some of the usage of similarly braided geometries by other companies such as Siltech.

That would not be accurate, Guidocorona. We license the Patent from Physicist Tierry Budge, formerly of Wilson and Talon Audio. The Patent license is an exclusive one, meaning we are the only company that can use it. Most braids are straightforward and machine made, and yes, they should be superior to bundled wire. Our braid _requires_ that it be hand assembled because of its complexity, and this requires training and a rather long process.

Good luck with your trial.

Grant

Thank you very much Grant for the prompt correction. In the meantime, things are on for tomorrow's comparative auditioning of Python Helix VX, Tai-Pan Helix VX, Purist Venusta, Electraglide Epiphany. . . all will be used to power a well broken in Teac Esoteric X-01. Too bad we do not have an Anaconda Helix VX in the mix!

Guido, a Purist Audio Dominus is a better apples-to-apples cord to compare to the Epiphany, in my opinion.