I had the oppurtunity to hear this new line at my dealer recently, and I completely agree with your findings. Shunyata has continued to improve their signal cables with each generation and the best thing is these new cables cost considerably less than the previuous Aeros series. Hopefully the fact that it took them four shots at it won't hurt their reputation so much that audiophiles will not grant them the respect they now deserve for their signal cables, which they have had for years, and deservedley so, for their power products. Truly world class. |
I have owned the new Python speaker cables and interconnects for six months and I hear what you hear, Gbmcleod. They replaced my previous reference, the Harmonic Tech Magic Woofer line (stereophile class A for years running). The Python's render a true-to-life 3-D soundstage..not unlike the first world class tube preamp I bought. Nothing subtle here. I have no idea what they'll sound like in other systems, but I hear no colorization or "character." The music just sounds more "real" to me.
I think the new speaker cables and interconnects are even better than the current line of CX power cables, which I also own, in terms of how they outclass other wire I've tried. I never thought speaker and interconnects were as critical as power cords. The Pythons proved me wrong. |
Gbmcleod,
My system is: Thiel CS 3.7's, Conrad Johnson CT5 preamp, Classe' Delta 2200 amplifier, PS Audio Perfect Wave Dac/Transport combo w/Harmonic Tech audio only HDMI interface, Shunyata Python CX's and Anaconda CX's, and the new Shunyata Triton power conditioner. The Pythons replaced my Harmonic Tech Magic II IC's and Magic Woofer speaker cables...which were in the same general price range as the new Pythons.
Our systems are in the same ballpark but none of the equipment is the same. It's interesting that we both hear similar things in the new signal cables. |
I checked Shunyata's as well as MusicDirect site, but could not find a answer to this: Do these come with bi-wire option? The Black Mamba seems interesting...if it is all the "giant killer" as some people say they are. |
Milpai,
You should call Shunyata directly, but I believe they do not recommend bi-wiring and supply a jumper, instead.
I have not heard the Black Mamba, but they are not equipped with the Z-tron technology, which I believe is what puts the Python and Anaconda line in SOTA territory. Still, I've heard that the Mamba's punch far out of their weight class. |
Addendum: I've just learned that the Black Mambas *do* have the Z-tron technology now...another a'goner has posted pictures. |
Vhiner:
I'd say your system is a few light years ahead of mine! A CJ CT5?!? Anaconda CXes?!? AND A TRITON?? You're killin' me with your gracious statement.I wouldn't even put the Hales in the same category as Thiel 3.7s, except that they're both hard to drive, methinks! Resolution-wise, Thiel's a good deal ahead. But not to fear: next year, I'm getting Maggie 1.7s, just so's I have a current, high-resolution speaker. And then another preamp. I'm aiming at a CJ as well.
Nonetheless, it's good we hear the same things. It only shows how consistent Shunyata's products perform in different systems.
I hear Shunyata has new products for CES. Lets see how long we can hang onto to our old stuff: Shunyata's getting too good for my wallet!
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Gbmcleod,
My wallet's tapped out and it's gonna kill me to merely read about the next generation of power cords Shunyata will unveil in January. Apparently, they're applying the same technology we hear in the signal cables.
Btw, I hear the new CJ ET 3 SE preamp is a giant killer. Those Maggie's are amazing. I heard the 1.7's a few months ago and they do some serious magic. |
Gbmcleod:
Last week Santa brought a pair of Python speaker cables (said to be demos). My only frame of reference is with my long term (5 years or so) Kimber 8TC (newest version with WBT term's). With my set up I was somewhat surprised there was not more of a revelation going to the Pythons. Your comments do fit what small differences I heard, however. I have no other experience with Shunyata speaker cables, although I have had mostly Shunyata power and signal cables and Hydra 4 conditioner in my set up for the last 6 years or so. The reason why I describe all this is that the (Shunyata) upgrades leading up to the Python SCs were of greater benefit as my ears have heard. The greatest gain was the addition of the Shunyata Talos; it replaced a Hydra 4. The difference was night and day for the better. I have concluded that the addition of the Talos is on the order of going from a marginal CD player to a great balanced CD player (as I recently have - so I speak from experience). I am not familiar with your equipment but would suggest you attempt to audition a Talos (or Triton) before upgrading this next year.
FYI, my present set up: Shunyata Talos, Anaconda CX, Python CX, Telwire cord, Simaudio Supernova (CD), Simaudio 600i, Sony 5400es (SACD), Python ICs, balanced, Python SCs, Dynaudio Focus 140, Magnapan MMG, and 1.6 (highly modified). Happy listening. |
Dadsears,
I have the Triton and agree it leaves the previous Hydras and V-Rays in the dust.
I'm surprised to hear the Pythons haven't shined so much in your system...I've been curious if what I've been hearing was more system synergy or not. I just heard from someone recently who has the same digital front end as I do and he loves Shunyata's Anaconda speaker cables...they're just a bit out of my price range. It might be interesting to compare the Pythons to the upper end Kimber wire since that brand was working for you |
Vhiner,
I am thinking this new addition of the Shunyata Python SCs may be one of those changes that is heard over the long term vs. short term A/B testing. And I will check the connections as I am unfamiliar with the bananas such as these have. The true test will be when I reinsert the Kimber 8TC back into the system.
As for my experience, it is interesting that the major improvements in musicality have come from the "power side" and not the "signal side". And this is not just about the upgrading to the Triton, but even going from a Shunyata Python CX 20A to a Anaconda CX (20A) between wall and Hydra 4. How the venues made themselves more clearly defined, and with the volume level going up, are only 2 of many noted changes for the better.
I will give the Python SCs time to burn in; thus far the differences are not so easily heard. About the idea of upper end Kimbers: interesting to ponder, frankly I would rather stick with the likes of Shunyata products. The idea being synergy and more of a known sound. Thanks for your comments. |
From what I can deduce about Shunyata, the Triton and the Talos both have the new compound (ZrCa-2000...or 2001! A Space Odyssey! Anyone care to join me on a trip to .....Talos?!) that Shunyata used to put in the power cables. I'm not surprised that more of the difference would show up using the conditioner: if it has the compound in it, it should lower the noise floor in the way the power cords used to do, without the side effect of the soft upper midrange and highs that Shunyata's early products had.
I found the Python's contribution quite a jump over the previous generation, but then, I've had all 4 generations of Shunyata's power co
rds, and even have had holdovers (buy the new ones, sell the old ones later so I can compare), so, for me, it's easy to hear the differences.
HOWEVER, I have the Andromedas and the Gemini (2nd generation speaker cables), and I found the Python speaker cables to be highly improved over the older generations. Still, there ARE some things that account for hearing/not hearing differences, the most important one (besides electricity) being the room itself.
Now, I've had tube traps since 1988 and I know how to set them up extremely well, so I know that nothing in my room is preventing me from hearing the subtlest detail of which my current system is capable. Perhaps that's why I heard more of the improvement.
On the OTHER hand, maybe your Kimber was just really, really good with the WBT connectors. I've found they make a major difference in sonics. Were the demos completely broken in? And has the sound improved since you posted this? Inquiring minds want to know!
I intend to get a Talos eventually -- I prefer to audition things first and then decide. I loved the speaker cables, BUT I thought they were far enough ahead of my CX cables that the CX cables would be "masking" some of the sound since the Python is newer technology.
May I ask what the Telwire is?! I'm not familiar with it. Where is it placed within your system? |
Actually the earlier Hydras had chambers filled with Shunyatas FeSi-1000 noise-reduction compound, which according to the patent uses a ferroelectric compound designed to dissipate high-frequency EMF as heat. So its been around for a while.
For the version 2 Hydra Model-8 and V-Ray they developed a new noise-reduction formulation, ZrCa-2000, that doesnt cause HF rolloff, and is more effective at reducing noise. So that came prior to the Talos. However from what I hear, there is new technology in the Triton and Talos which are purportedly redesigned from the ground up. Also the newest CX power cords are supposed to have the 'Zitron' technology that was introduce in the signal cables. Has anyone heard them? |
Over the last week or so I had taken out the MMG (planar) speakers in my system and used only my Dynaudio Focus 140s to compare the Python speaker cables with the Kimber 8TCs. The Pythons "sound" broken in. My initial findings of only noted small changes for the better using the Pythons with the MMGs has since turned outside down.
The use of the Python speaker cables with the Dynaudios was so much more noticable. No Golden Ears, squinting or doubt about it - the Pythons were so much better than the Kimber 8TC in every regard - there was simply no sense to try and compare the 2. The Pythons are in a league way ahead of the Kimbers. The most obvious points of improvement with the Python speaker cables: greater palpability, better timbre, and a life-like resolution. Finally, the use of the Pythons was such that it made listening easier, and hence allowed for longer listening.
The Telwire "Cord" is a power cord (~$800) I have had for the last 4 or so years, and throughout the upgrades of all Shunyata p.c.s - this Telwire is the best I have found for digital sources up to my acquiring Python CX cords. It has no faults and does several things really well, but not as completely compared to the Python CX. In general, it was about as good as the Python Alpha Helix, but it was able to get better low level detail. It is also unique in that it is almost limp in the hand; it is very flexible, and has a type of soft Tech Flex covering. Never tried it vs. the Black Mamba CX, as I went from the PAH to PCX (then Anaconda CX). Have not heard about the newest (Zitron) Shunyata power cords, but would recommend checking the great deal on the Anaconda CX at MD. Got lotsa' great listen' ahead.
Correction: one of my last posts mentions Triton; I have the Talos. |
I heard the Python's at friends the other night, we both liked them better than his very pricy AudioQuests. Sounded more like music. Sonus Faber speakers, CJ amp's. |
Dadsears,
I agree that one of the Python SC's best qualities Is that they reduce glare and grain...that and the greater realism. Glad you found the "sweet spot" in the line. I'd love to hear if anyone has compared them to the Anaconda's.. |
