Originally Posted by Charles
"Buy Shunyata...they are much better cables than anything else mentioned or near to discussion here!!!"
I respectfully disagree. Many other manufacturers make cables, power cords, and conditioners that are competitive with Shunyata and at competitive prices. It is important to understand that Shunyata does not employ silver except in their Sigma USB cable. Almost all truly high end "cable" manufacturers employ solid silver in their top line "cables" and that's where the tremendous cost arises. The top tier AQ solid copper Hurricane power cord is competitive with the Shunyata Sigma power cord. The only difference between a Dragon is the silver content. There is no difference in build quality or technology between a Dragon and a Hurricane other than the silver content. The solid silver Dragon is every bit as expensive as the Synergistics. I own 9 Dragons, 6 of which are HC. I have stated elsewhere that AQ technology and manufacturing are the equal of and competitive with Shunyata. I think you have to be careful of putting your favorite manufacturer on a pedestal because yours may not be mine.
Now one might say regarding silver that this is ridiculous, way over the top, but keep in mind that I kept my MIT gear (Z-Center, Z-Cords, Z-Stabilizer, etc.) that my AQ replaced for 25 years and greatly enjoyed it. I watch my money very closely. But will never have to buy another power cord or conditioner in my lifetime, nor do I plan any further purchases of speaker cables or IC's. My investment is made and now I can sit back and enjoy the music.
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Charles Updated System
Most recent update: AQ Diamond USB replaces AQ Coffee
Amps: McIntosh 1.25KW’s (3) set on floor on custom made cultured marble slabs
Preamp and DAC: McIntosh D1100
Sources: McIntosh MCD1100 SACD player, MVP881 BR player, MVP851 DVD player, MR87 tuner, Marantz 510LV Laser Disc player, ASUS laptop USB (JRiver Media Center 23)
Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx
Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1) horizontal lie and Wilson Watch Controller (abbr: WC)
Cables main system: Audioquest Wel Signature speaker cables and balanced IC (preamp to amps); Wel Signature AES/EBU balanced digital IC for CD playback; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for BR player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Diamond USB cable; McIntosh MCT cable for SACD playback; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for tuner; cables for DVD player not listed
Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC from WC to amp; Wind balanced IC from preamp to WC; Hurricane HC (2) and Dragon HC (1) power cords
Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines with no. 10 wire straight out of fuse box
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) solid walnut cabinet on large casters; holds all sources and preamp; also, Niagara 7000; 11 feet minimum distance from speakers
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes enough to turn the room into a virtual anechoic chamber if desired; however, at present my room is significantly reflective giving me a bright, vibrant, dynamic, highly resolving, smooth sound free of harshness and grain and perfect for my taste; zero slap echo; gorgeous midrange
AC: Dedicated to this room only, an ultra-high efficiency and quiet Trane split system 2.5-ton heat pump with 4 returns; active electrostatic filter and top-grade digital thermostat
Room (mancave): 40’L x 15.5’W A-frame; max ceiling height 8’ min 5’; wall within wall construction built of 2 x 6’s; built over garage with custom hardwood floor with gym seal with over 40 Lowes stiffened wooden I-beams supporting floor; complete isolation from rest of house
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