New Venom, Alpha and Sigma Ethernet Cables!

[Masterlu]

We are pleased to announce the release of our Venom, Alpha and Sigma ethernet cables. Extensive research and industry Beta testing has defined each model as possessing performance well beyond any commercial product near their respective price points. Much of the technology used in the now famous USB cables is also applied to the Ethernet models. We have listed the tech features for your benefit.

PMZ Technology
The Venom, Alpha and Sigma ethernet models are hand-built at our factory in Poulsbo, WA. We produce the Venom, Alpha and Sigma ethernet cables using extrusion and shielding processes designed to reduce phase distortion caused by characteristic impedance irregularities. This process, called PMZ (Precision Matched Z) virtually eliminates the micro distortions common to high-speed signal transmission through traditionally extruded conductors. While costly, this process delivers superior timing, clarity and dynamics in sound when compared to any other ethernet cable produced through normal processes.

Common Mode Filter Technology (Alpha and Sigma models)
For the purest signal possible, we apply our own custom-made common mode filter technology to both the Alpha and Sigma ethernet models. As the name implies, these common mode filters (one is applied to the Alpha model, two in the Sigma) eliminate high-frequency noise distortion shared between digital electronics and the area that surrounds them. Without adding any impedance of their own, these custom-made noise filters deliver sound with an analog ease and palpable background silence that will close the gap between digital and analog front end performance.

Kinetic Phase Inversion Process (KPIP)
Prior to being built, this wire undergoes our proprietary KPIP process, which dramatically enhances performance and reduces break-in time in all signal cables. Each cable is rigorously tested and prepared to impress upon first listen. The Alpha and Sigma ethernet models are also outfitted with a Shunyata-designed filter system.

Taken together, the technologies included in each model elevate the performance of the Venom, Alpha and Sigma ethernet cables performance to a level that must be experienced to appreciate. Listen, compare for yourself and discover the best resolution possible from ethernet connected sources!

[Puma Cat]

These new Ethernet cables are in a word, amazing.

I'll be appending my recent Ethernet cable evaluations with my impressions and experiences with these Ethernet cables, but I want to get some of the same musical content Dan used in his review of the Shunyata USB cables to provide some consistency between reviews.

Regardless, if you use any Ethernet cables in your digital streaming configuration, e.g from music server to a router, router to an Ethernet switch, connecting to or from fiber media converters, or connecting to a network bridge, streamer or Ethernet-supported DAC, its my considered opinion that one needs to give serious thought to auditioning this new line of Ethernet cables.

There is significant performance to be obtained at each level....the Venom easily outperformed (by quite a margin, actually) all the cables I discussed in my recent evals, and the Alpha and Sigma just build upon that, not the least of which is a lower noise floor due to the CN (common noise mode) filter(s).

I know there are some folks that hold the view that (theoretically-speaking) Ethernet cables, due to their "specification", cannot influence the quality of the audio presentation. I have audiophile friends who are also IT professionals who unambiguously state they "can't matter".

Well, all I can say is: they absolutely do matter. I'll discuss my hypotheses as to why in my appended Ethernet cable eval thread. What I will say is that, in my system, the new Shunyata Ethernet cables outperform everything I've evaluated to date, and by quite a margin.

Moreover, this new line of Ethernet cables is very, very consistent in quality, both attribute wise and performance-wise to the superlative new line of Alpha and Sigma USB cables, so there is a lot of synergy to be had by using Shunyata Ethernet and USB cables together in your system.

More later, count on it.

[Masterlu]

I already have the Sigma Ethernet, and it is amazing.

[CGabriel]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

I already have the Sigma Ethernet, and it is amazing.

Ivan, I am pretty sure that what you had is the Sigma "beta" prototype. We are sending you the actual production version which is significantly better.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by CGabriel

Ivan, I am pretty sure that what you had is the Sigma "beta" prototype. We are sending you the actual production version which is significantly better.

Looking forward to it!

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by CGabriel

Ivan, I am pretty sure that what you had is the Sigma "beta" prototype. We are sending you the actual production version which is significantly better.

[carlthess40]

How do I get one of these cables to try out?

[Levitator]

Originally Posted by CGabriel

Ivan, I am pretty sure that what you had is the Sigma "beta" prototype. We are sending you the actual production version which is significantly better.

Hi Caelin

Congrats on what sounds like another winner for Shunyata....

In your opinion, would you expect an improvement to be heard in utilising one of your new Ethernet cables in a standard router to streamer connection which is what many people would probably be using?

Thanks again for all your efforts in pushing the boundaries and creating a higher level of musical enjoyment for us all!

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by carlthess40

How do I get one of these cables to try out?

First, become a Subscriber; I can see from your IP you are in my territory, then we’ll talk.

http://www.audioaficionado.org/payments.php

[CGabriel]

Originally Posted by Levitator

Hi Caelin

Congrats on what sounds like another winner for Shunyata....

In your opinion, would you expect an improvement to be heard in utilising one of your new Ethernet cables in a standard router to streamer connection which is what many people would probably be using?

Thanks again for all your efforts in pushing the boundaries and creating a higher level of musical enjoyment for us all!

I think PumaCat, Guillaume and some others here have a lot of experience with various configurations including the effects of optical isolators. So maybe one of them will chime in. I learn a lot from the population just like you do.

But generally speaking, all the cables in the chain make a difference. Usually the last cable (switch or wall feed to DAC) makes an immediate difference. And then the Ethernet cable from the router/modem to the Music server host device.

Some people only need a single Ethernet cable and some need 3 or more in a chain of connected network devices. I like simple systems to test with because it minimizes the variables. And many times the order that you swap out cables makes a big difference in your perceptions of the magnitude of the effect. This is similar to testing power cords in a system. You want to change all the cords first to establish a baseline of what is possible systemically. Then remove one cord and replace it with the old original cord and then listen. This will let hear how much the original “degrades” the performance as opposed to how much does a new shiny cable “improve” or some cases just change the sound quality. I find this method to be the most accurate for subjective testing. I know it is difficult for many of you to get your hands on multiple cables just for testing but if have a REALLY good relationship with a dealer it is the best way to go. Or, you can rely on other people’s experiences that do have the time and resources to do this. Just remember that not every opinion on the internet is equivalent to the next. There are many people with agendas on the forums. It doesn’t mean they are bad people or dishonest, it just means they have bias. So when you get advice you always want to know who the person is and what their relationships are and the context of their system. If you don’t know that then I would highly discounted that opinion. I read some stuff in the forums that I actually DO know about and it actually just makes me shake my head in disbelief. And of course I have a bias - but you know what mine is. So get more opinions.