New Helix PowerSnakes Cable From Shunyata ?

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

Allow me to answer a few questions and clear up some misunderstandings...

There are obvious _differences_ in the new HELIX line, and they are not just "re-labeled". That would be unwise, given that a number of people will compare with previous versions. Were we to just re-badge, that would destroy the credibility we have worked hard to build.

The differences in the new HELIX series lie mainly in changes to the individual gauge of the strands of wire used in the HELIX geometry. Suffice it to say that the patented geometry used is now more complex than before and that there are more wires involved, which requires a more labor-intensive hand-braiding process. Also, there have been changes at the terminations, however these are minor changes, comparatively.

The most obvious change in the line is that the _Taipan Helix_ series now use the patented HELIX geometry, previously only available in the Pythons and Anacondas. The shielded Taipan is no longer available.

The new Python HELIX should clearly outperform the previous series Anaconda, and the Taipan HELIX series should exceed the performance of the previous series Python. We'll let those interested compare and judge for themselves.

All wire used in Shunyata Research products, even in the Hydras, is our own. We import the copper as solid ingots of CDA 101 certified copper, and then send them out to be drawn into all the various wire configurations-- before the wire is sent for braiding. All wire complements are ordered in three-year lots based on sales projections. Nearing the end of the projected cycle, we must determine whether to order another three-years of the same wire, or make changes if significant, to the existing products. Because _we_ felt the improvement was obvious, the decision was made to order the new wire made.

I hope this helps clear up any questions.

My apologies for the link mix up. You are correct, I rushed the link prior to leaving for CEDIA. We'll get it fixed asap.

Regards,

Grant
Shunyata Research

Hi,

The differences between the two designs can be seen clearly on our web, as we have posted pictures of the internals. The Anaconda uses a dual-HELIX weave, meaning two hollow core braids are interlaced with sixteen counter-rotating conductors. The sum total is a 7 gauge aggregate design that is light-weight and easy to maneuver.

The Python is a slightly smaller, 9 gauge aggregate single core braid that is far easier to braid by hand. I am very comfortable with that cord being compared to _anything_ on the market, commercial, internet or DIY.

The Purist Dominus is a fantastic power cord-- from my experience a few years back, as are the Elrod cords--both worthy products deserving of an audition. IMO, Jim Aud and David are designers that deserve support. I'm not familiar at all with the latest e-glide products.

Follow sound procedure, no quick ins and outs, allow settling time and let the music decide.

Best wishes.

Absolutely. Based on our Beta trials, the Python HELIX Series is a significant improvement over the previous Anaconda, and not in a subtle way. The HELIX Taipan, is an improvement over the previous Python, and also, significantly so.

As I said previously, we take change seriously because it represents a large investment on our part, and the update would not have been made if we thought is was in the "tweak" realm.

All that said, the proofs in the putting.

Grant
Shunyata Research