Shunyata Research

[Ritmo]

Welcome Leonardo!

Yes, I'll be posting my notes later this weekend. In a nutshell, very impressed.

Mike

[chessman]

Mike ... I am anxious to hear your impressions.

[Leonardo Ragnev]

Thanks !!! I'm from Brazil, and I registered this forum to get information on the new models of signal cables from Shunyata.

Sorry for any mistakes in English... I'm still learning and I count on the help of Google translator... haha

[Ritmo]

All,

I wanted to share with you my listening experience as I did a significant cable upgrade in my system. My selection was the new Shunyata Black Mamba line - including Power Cords (PCs), Interconnects (ICs), Speaker Wire (SW) and speaker jumpers; and Venom 3.

Let me start with the changes:

- PCs
- Black Mamba HC/CX for the ARC DS450 (replaced oem)
- Black Mamba CX for the LS27 (replaced oem)
- Venom 3 for the Oppo 83se (replaced oem)

- ICs*
- Black Mamba XLR for LS27 to DS450 (replaced Tributaries I was using as a temp solution)
- * Kept the Kimber Hero (WBT) for analog between the Oppo 83se and the ARC LS27

- SW
- Black Mamba with spades on both ends (replaced AQ CV8)
- Black Mamba jumpers (replaced Revel plastic bridge)

I will tell you that while I considered performing these changes in a multi step manner, I decided to make all of the upgrades at once and just get on with it. Therefore, I will not be able to share what change had the biggest impact.

Also, I have connected the pre and power amp PCs to the wall directly. I setup two dedicated 20A lines a few months ago. Outlets are PS Audio purchased from the one and only Ivan (thanks Ivan!). I do have a Monster "line conditioner" that will be replaced very soon with either a Shunyata, PurePower or PS Audio.

So, let me get to initial sound impressions:

- My first reaction was - WOW!
- I had to lower the gain in the LS27 from medium to low. No need to run it at a higher level anymore.
- Next, thing I noticed was the added dynamics and additional kick in the bottom frequencies - fabulous.
- Lastly, overall I hear now a much more balanced presentation than before.

While I've had the cables installed for several weeks, my listening time has been limited. Business and travel have a
way of controlling our time sometimes. I will post additional comments as the entire system continues to go through the break in process - ARC gear has now about 150+ hrs so there is more gain to be had...

By the way, I had plans to go with Kimber or Wireworld cables. Ended up with these Shunyatas based on a demo at my dealer in Dallas. We compared in the same system the Kimber selects and the Shunyatas. Did not get a chance to tryout the WWs but I know many of you like them a lot.

So, I'll post some more in the future.

Kind regards,
Mike

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by Ritmo

/Users/mikebauza/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2011/May 18, 2011/IMG_0041.JPG

Mike...the link above does not work. Not sure what you were trying to post there. Just fyi.

[Ritmo]

Cyril - Thanks. I was messing around trying to post some pictures. In any event, I have posted some initial impressions on the Black Mambas. Pictures are forthcoming.

Thanks!

[Ritmo]

Guys,

Just a couple of pictures - not great quality but you get the "picture".

Thanks!
Mike


http://audioaficionado.org/members/r...0-img-0041.jpg


http://audioaficionado.org/members/r...1-img-0043.jpg

[Leonardo Ragnev]

Ritmo, how much you paid for the jumpers ?

[Ritmo]

Leonardo - I believe retail is $400 for both ($200 per speaker) - not what I paid however.

Thanks,
Mike