Shunyata X series power cords

Thank you again @sdl4.  Agree that it is best to try cables in one’s system first.  However, hearing about your experiences, and those of others is valuable in helping narrow down the options and highlighting some of the considerations for identifying the best fit for one’s system.

My budget only allows the Alpha-X (NR or XC) and not the Sigma-X. Has anyone tried or compared the Alpha-X to Furutech DPS4.1/FI-50 (R) NCF? What are the differences in sound quality between the two? 

Lastly, if connecting to a high current integrated amp say from wall outlet directly to amp, which is more suitable, the Alpha-X NR or XC? I presume the latter? 

Thanks. 

I am demoing Theta XC a.t.m. And I know the Furutech DPS 4.1 / NCF 50 combi very well as I have it on my powerblock and have also tried them on my active ATC’s, pre and streamer before. The Theta’s are more open and more energetic and dynamic than the Furutech. However it is because they accentuate the higher frequencies which can be quite bright and fatiguing to be honest. The lack something in the lower mids so body to instruments and voices is gone and therewith, also emotional involvement. Their spatial strength and dynamics are pretty amazing though. The sweetness and natural reverb detail on the Furutech is something they miss, and everything sounds very direct and a bit relentless. In my opinion they are quite opposite cables actually. The Furutech is sweet, silky, rich, full and emotional. The Theta is super open, very impressive highs, direct, dry and very dynamic, extremely lively and rhythmic. It will give your system some steroids in a good way. In my system that shifts the scale too much to relentless but in warmer systems in could easily be a better match than the Furutech. 

@cknd_cnnl thanks for the experience, it’s surely useful since you have the Furutech DPS4.1/FI50 NCF which I also have in my system. The only difference is your current experience with the Shunyata is with the Theta XC while I am looking at the Alpha-X XC. 

Your experience with the Furutech aligns with mine. The Furutech DPS4.1 has great tonality, warm, full, rich and silky but yet sounds dynamic with great bass. Apart from the DPS4.1/FI50(R) NCF, I also have the TCS31/FI28(R). I have swapped the cables between components and power conditioner many times and the system always sounds best when the DPS4.1 goes between the wall and power conditioner, the inferior sounding cable (TCS31) between the power conditioner and component. Music does not sound too good when it’s the other way round, sounding ’weird’ with an unnatural bass response. 

Currently I am seeking a more transparent, airy and open sound, perhaps slightly brighter at the top and better slam in the bass. I’m not sure if I’ll get there with another Furutech DPS4.1 or one of the Shunyatas. I guess I need to try to find out. 

I'm not sure which is the most VFM cable in the Shunyata range ie. the best bang for the buck, the Theta, Alpha-X or Sigma X? My comfortable budget is at the Theta's level but I could stretch to the Alpha-X if required. Sigma-X is a bit too much for me though but I might consider it it's a significant night and day improvement from the Alpha-X. 

I wish it would be either Theta XC or Alpha-X XC though.