Guys,
I bought some of the first z-tron cables more than a year ago and now have Ztron cables throughout my system as well as the Triton conditioner. I can report that clearly audible changes occur during break in for these cables and that these changes are substantial. I have yet to meet or speak with a fellow owner who does not agree.
The technology is new and reminds me of how long it takes Teflon capacitors to truly open up. I know at least five other owners who concur that 400-500 hours is what it takes before the Ztron cables are at maximum performance level. This can be achieved much more quickly by using the Isotek or Purist burn in CDs.
Once the cables are completely burnt in, I would gladly put them up against any cable at any price. For those of you who
use a digital interconnect, the new Python Ztron cable is even more impressive. I'm about 100 hours away from full burn in and would be happy to report what I hear if anyone's interested.
Finally, I auditioned the Talos two weeks before the Triton and heard substantially more bass weight and micro detail from the Triton. That said, I think I would spend my money on more Ztron cables if I had to prioritize. |
Jfrech,
I have heard the Anaconda Zitron is a monumental leap from the King Cobra CX. I've had the King Cobra CX in my system and it's hard to fathom how it could be that much better. I'll be eager to hear what you experience.
Guy1,
I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but you're going to hear some downright lousy phases as your Zitron speaker cables break in. They tease you with what they can do for the first 150 hours and then, as Grant at Shunyata has confirmed for me, they "collapse" for about 100 hours or so. Then they slowly rise from the ashes and finally exceed anything you've heard so far...right at about 500 hours they just blast off. If I were reading this, I'd be skeptical but I feel compelled to share the warning. The good news is that some people won't be patient and will flip these cables too soon. Keep your eyes out for some deals. You won't be sorry if you buy some at used prices. They're already a bargain considering what they do.
I still have a couple of days to go with the Python digital and will post impressions then. Break in's a bitch. |
Guy1,
I am actually quite enthused about finally having some more people to compare notes with, regarding this new technology. Post your impressions as you live with cables or pm me (does a'gon still allow that?) as things progress. I don't want to rouse the lurking flat earth society and start some debate over break in. I'll say this, though: several others I know report extensive break in with these cables. There appears to be a pattern to this break in...but four people is hardly an emperical study. All i know is what i hear.
As an Anaconda Zitron owner, your experience will be very interesting because it will add to the pool of shared experience. I am utterly bored with and uninterested in theoretical discussions about whether something should or should not work. I've yet to hear an explanation of break in I could follow, but my ears tell me it's real. Can't wait to hear what you experience! |
Wig,
System synergy is undeniable. Which Clarity cables are you comparing them to?
If you can hold out to the 500 mark and then put the Clarity's back in, it would be interesting. I think the Python Zitron's are more balanced than the Cobra's. I hear the Anaconda's are even more refined. |
Guy1,
No apologies needed from you; I just didn't want to rile cable skeptics. I, too, would love to understand the science behind cable break in.
Here's my prediction: the Anacondas won't reach reference level (and I agree that no one should accept anything less from cables this pricey) until a minimum of 400 hours of playback. I was fortunate that my dealer was so confident that he gave me a three-week audition period. If I'd had to make a decision at 250 hours, my cables would've gone back to the store. Good things come to those who wait. ;-)
My system consists of Thiel CS3.7's, Perfect Wave MKII DAC and transport, Conrad-Johnson CT5 preamp and a Classe' Delta 2200 amplifier. Even subtle changes are easy to catch and may explain how I perceive break in. |
Guy1,
I have Python Zitrons and they have well over 3000 hours. I'd be curious as to how they compare to the Anacondas but that would require a helluva lot of break in. LOL |
Odd,
I couldn't agree more with you. It's that emotional connection that makes these cables special...most musical wire I've ever encountered.
Audioquest4life,
This is what I've heard others say, so take this with a large grain of salt:
The Cobra Zitrons best the Python CX in all respects, but don't beat the Anaconda CX. . Some even prefer the Anaconda CX. The Python Zitron is said to be incrementally better than the Anaconda CX. However, the Anaconda Zitron is supposed to be utterly amazing...far better than the King Cobra CX...which I find hard to believe.
Again, this is what I've heard second hand. YMMV. |
Audioquest4life,
The main sources are Music Direct and the Cable Company. I use Galen Carol Audio. Galen's a straight shooter. I'm sure others have their favorites. |
Hkmatch23,
Thanks for sharing what you've experienced. I assume these were broken in loaner cables (?) I have heard from a few others about how the Cobra Zitrons are very fast but lack bass weight compared to CX Anaconda. I was particularly interested in your impression of the Python Zitron PC ..info on that model has been scarce. I'm anxious to hear from someone who has listened to a broken in Anaconda Zitron PC.
I'll be posting some observations about the new Python Zitron XLR digital cable in a few days. |
You should google "Shunyata Zitron Burn in" and read the results. I own several Anacondas and they all required 300 to 500 hours to fully settle. Using fan to accelerate burn in is a good idea. You should also shift from burn in discs, to music, to fan, etc. What you describe is typical. Be prepared for a roller coaster ride of varying sound for a while. The good news is that, if you are patient, you will soon be enjoying the best power cord on the planet, IMHO. |
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. |
Hkmatch23,
It's true that theory and practice often collide. I have also found, especially with Shunyata's PC's, that it takes a while for my ears and brains to adjust to something substantially different. After many years of pursuing components that would "wow" me, I am now far more interested in components that disappear, allowing me to move ever closer to the music. I find Shunyata wire to be particularly good at that. |
Guy1,
I noticed similar issues when I auditioned the Talos. The Triton blew it away...everything in spades. |
With respect to how the Anaconda CX's compare with the Cobra Zitron power cables, the folks at Shunyata have told me that they are aware that some people prefer the Anaconda CX's to the new Cobras because the Anacondas are "warmer and more romantic." The Cobras are very fast and "live." The people I've spoken with freely state that in some applications and systems, the Anaconda CX's may be the better choice. It's one thing I love about the company: they keep b.s. to a minimum and have often steered me to spend less rather than more when selecting an upgrade.
When it comes to cables, it is always best to "try before you buy." I would add one caveat: don't waste your time with quick a/b comparisons. Listen for several days and then remove the cables. If you don't miss them, keep your money.
I'm ordering a Zitron Anaconda for trial tomorrow. It'll be interesting to see how it fairs against my beloved Anaconda CX's. |
Oddeophile has already posted a very well-written and accurate review of the Shunyata Zitron XLR digital but now that mine is fully burnt in, I'd like to add a few notes.
I recently attended a live performance of Brad Meldhau and Joshua Redman at a very intimate jazz bistro. My table was about four feet from the performers, so the sound was stunning. I went home immediately and put on the duo's best recordings. Usually that's a pretty disappointing practice after a good live show. While nothing will ever compare to what I heard in the club, the Zitron XLR digital interconnect brought the music far closer to that immediate, three dimensional sound than I have ever heard before in my system. I can't give an electronic component higher praise than that.
That said, the 500 hour break-in for the Zitron digital cable is very daunting and I fear many people will miss out on just how utterly amazing this cable is.
A close friend of mine just got his and it sounds absolutely underwhelming right now. He will have to hold on for about a month of normal playing before the dang thing blooms. The folks at Shunyata tell me that, based upon user feedback, they are seriously considering pre-burning in the cable before sale. I would have been willing to pay a modest premium for that. In any case, the results are well worth the wait. |
Jfrech,
I'm about 50 hours into my new Anaconda Zitron and I agree with your assessment. I wouldn't dump those KC's cause they may be preferable on some components. The bass weight on the Zitron is pretty stunning. How many hours do you have on yours? |
Jfrech,
I'm about 50 hours into my new Anaconda Zitron and I agree with your assessment. I wouldn't dump those KC's cause they may be preferable on some components. The bass weight on the Zitron is pretty stunning. How many hours do you have on yours? |
Jfrech,
So far I really like the Zitron but you are right about it being a bit less forgiving and the CX's having a bit more warmth. Compared to the Anaconda CX, I favor the Zitron Anaconda. The KC's are a much tougher call. Those Anaconda CX's will be a great bargain because I think they're more balanced than the Cobra Zitrons. |
Jfrech,
Would you mind sharing what amps you're using and whether they go straight to the wall or through a conditioner? My Anaconda Zitron is going straight from my Classe' Delta 2200 to a dedicated 20 amp line. I still have a few days of burn in left to go. So far it's been a bit of a roller coaster...wish I'd had access to that wine cellar refrigerator. ;-) |
Ok, the Anaconda Zitron power cord finally finished cooking on my Classe' Delta 2200 amplifier.
Finally, on day 10 everything came together. The sibilance, harshness and brightness I began to hear on day 5 are gone and now I have the best PC I've ever heard. Bar none. The bass is simply amazing, both in quality and scope. It hits me in the chest and moves air in the room. On the other end, micro details are coming out in ways that very much resemble what I've heard the Python IC's and SC's do. I'm listening to the Beatles' Love CD and I'm hearing things I've never heard before.
I can hear much deeper into the recording and notice room ambience and instrument timbre where I haven't before.
The differences between this and the KC and Anaconda are not subtle. I frankly thought the jump from the old Helix line to the CX's was more evolutionary than revolutionary. This Anaconda Zitron belongs in a whole other class. Bass and dynamics are at least 50 percent better. In my system, the Anaconda Zitron may be a bit less forgiving of lousy recordings than the Anaconda CX and King Cobra CX but this may be just a result of the cord being more revealing and transparent in presentation.
I keep repeating this but it's worth noting that the cord sounded quite strident, harsh and lifeless during the 120-hour break in period. So, beware of quick judgments and critical listening until it gels. I've been told those with tube amplifiers may not experience this unpleasantness but that solid-state owners like myself tend to notice it more. It was worth the wait. |
Guy1,
I have *not* heard the Python Zitron...but those who have tell me the Anaconda beats it by a considerable margin, at least when it is applied to amps and power conditioners to the wall. I've decided I have to have one for my Triton. Thanks for the recommendation, Jfrech! |
Cykeric,
I have a Triton and it took several weeks of normal use to fully break in. If you want to accelerate the process, hook a fan up to the unit and leave it on between music listening sessions. Shunyata also recommends turning the whole system off for a few hours here and there during the break in period. I you do both of these things, you should be in business in about 7 days or so.
Jrfech, Please report on the Typhon once it's sea worthy. |
