Alpha V2 Speaker Cables

[crwilli]

Any in the field comparisons of the new Shunyata Alpha Speaker Cables?

Are the bananas that are available locking?

[CGabriel]

I think PumaCat on this site has an Alpha v2 speaker cable, not sure about that.

RE: Bananas
They are a pain. We have tried ALL the different types including but not limited to the locking type using expanding blades. If over tightened they can get stuck in the speaker terminal. And the little "flower like" petals can break off. There are other types, like the hollow tube type. These are fragile and can often just snap off.

We have what we believe is the best type of banana. It is not locking but it has a very secure fit. And it is durable and not fragile. Important because having to re-terminate a cable is real pain the as*.

[Antonmb]

FWIW, I have the Alpha v1 bi-wire and am quite happy with them. I’m sure the v2 are an improvement. Unless they’ve changed recently, Shunyata’s bananas are not locking.

[crwilli]

I think I will try thecableco lending library. Then compare them to my WW Gold Eclipse 7.

I hate to spend that $ but I don’t want to buy them without trying them in my system and risk wasting more.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by crwilli

I think I will try thecableco lending library. Then compare them to my WW Gold Eclipse 7.

I hate to spend that $ but I don’t want to buy them without trying them in my system and risk wasting more.

They specialize in "guidance" as well. Over the decades, they have proven to be very reliable at matching the cables to the system, or "what" goes with "what" from experience and a whole bunch of customer feedback as one can imagine! I have tried and found the synergy but I don't really buy that whole notion much myself. I heard what I wanted to hear and often that is the whole point and everyone is happy in the end... YMMV. It is worth a try.

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by crwilli

I think I will try thecableco lending library. Then compare them to my WW Gold Eclipse 7.

I hate to spend that $ but I don’t want to buy them without trying them in my system and risk wasting more.

If you don’t have a local dealer who’ll work with you, that’s the best way to go.

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by CGabriel

I think PumaCat on this site has an Alpha v2 speaker cable, not sure about that.

RE: Bananas
They are a pain. We have tried ALL the different types including but not limited to the locking type using expanding blades. If over tightened they can get stuck in the speaker terminal. And the little "flower like" petals can break off. There are other types, like the hollow tube type. These are fragile and can often just snap off.

We have what we believe is the best type of banana. It is not locking but it has a very secure fit. And it is durable and not fragile. Important because having to re-terminate a cable is real pain the as*.

Thanks Caelin. I have no issue moving to spades in that case.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by crwilli

Any in the field comparisons of the new Shunyata Alpha Speaker Cables?

Are the bananas that are available locking?

Hey Craig,

I've gotten a pair of the new Alpha V2 speaker cables in for evaluation, comparing them to Delta.

High-level impression: Superb transparency, resolution, soundstage, and imaging. Also very quiet.

Installing this SP was something of a revelation, actually. Recordings I've been listening to quite happily recently, e.g. Yuel Eum Son's Mozart Piano Concertos, now seem to be rendered in full color rather than highly detailed black & white.

Notably deeper, wider, and taller soundstage. The ability to hear details and sublteties "into" the presentation is considerably improved. The HARP device does it's magic as well, improving the 3-dimensionality, body and "solidity" of instruments and voices. The presentation becomes so lifelike with it, If you haven't heard what HARP does, then you need to, because I've never experienced anything like it.

Overall, frickin' AMAZING speaker cable.

[crwilli]

I have them on the way from thecableco. Also testing another top of the line SC from a well known vendor. Should be an interesting trial.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by crwilli

I have them on the way from thecableco. Also testing another top of the line SC from a well known vendor. Should be an interesting trial.

Please let us know what you find out.