Shunyata Reference Gear Review

[Masterlu]

The Shunyata gear reviewed consisted of the following:

Etron Anaconda-S IC's
Anaconda Zitron speaker cables
Etron Sigma HC Powers Cords
Etron Sigma Digital Powers Cords
Etron Sigma Analog Powers Cords
Hydra Triton V2 Power Conditioner



I have had Shunyata cables and the Hydra Triton V2 in my reference TAD system for quite a few weeks now. Everything was brand new, so I ran them extensively before posting this review.

Build quality and packaging:

Absolutely first rate across the board. The Hydra Triton V2 is built like a tank, and packaging done with the utmost care.

The cables came in very classy aluminum boxes, and prepares you for what is inside.

Shunyata cables are quite substantial in girth, something I was actually able to artfully display in this system.







Listening Impressions:

I am of course very familiar with the TAD R1's as I own 2 pairs of them (one pair in each home) that alone speaks volumes as to how much I enjoy them. I was previously running all Bryston electronics including the 28B-SST amps, and an Esoteric K01-X / G01 clock on the front end. That configuration performed well above it's price point.

Switching to all the TAD electronics including the D600, C600, and M600 monoblocks proved to be a real treat. First, having all the gear between the R1's would also eliminate a very long speaker run of 65'. The original cables are run in the walls and ceiling up and over to where all the Bryston gear is located.

First up is Steve Oliver, Best of So Far. This is an album that I am very familiar with. On the first track "High Noon" Steve's guitar has a more detailed presence with far greater texture and depth. This lends to a new level of realism as the instruments are more accurately rendered across the entire soundstage.

Next up was Brian Simpson, It's all Good from the CD titled same. The Piano and Sax have an extremely relaxed pace, yet with lots of air and separation. This is a terrific album for Jazz and music lovers who may be unfamiliar with his work. It's ever so easy to completely lose yourself in an artists work when it's played back with such effortless accuracy, and realism.

The R1's are an amazing speaker capable of revealing absolutely everything behind them. They love high current SS amps, as well as premium electronics and cables. There is a distinct and undeniable synergy between Shunyata's Hydra Triton, and a full loom of their reference cables.



Final thoughts:

In summation, I would not hesitate to own or recommend these Shunyata products to anyone who is looking for no nonsense high performance cabling, and power conditioning.

[matt_zak]

Nice review and excellent pictures as always Ivan. Are you picking up Shunyata as one of your lines now?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by matt_zak

Nice review and excellent pictures as always Ivan. Are you picking up Shunyata as one of your lines now?

Matt... I think it will be mutually beneficial for both Shunyata and Legend Audio.

[matt_zak]

Couldn't agree more

[BlueFox]

Well great. Now I have to upgrade my gear.

--------------------------------------------
Bud

Lumin S1
Pass XP-20 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 speakers

Shunyata Triton v2/Typhon for source, Cyclops v2 (2) for amps
Shunyata Z Anaconda XLR analog ICs, Z Anaconda speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Revelation Audio Passage Cryo-Silver Reference DB-25 umbilical power cable

Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.

[Ritmo]

Glad you liked the Shunyata products Ivan. I've been a fan for the last four years. Excellent quality and value.

Just upgraded my Triton to V2 and the difference is quite dramatic.

Also, spent some time with Grant at RMAF. I'm about to buy a Typhon.

[Rod#S]

Thanks for the review

[bigblue]

Has the Shunyata set up roughly the same price tag as the WW it replaced in this review?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by bigblue

Has the Shunyata set up roughly the same price tag as the WW it replaced in this review?

The Shunyata set up cost more than the WW Silver series it replaced.

[Rod#S]

Hi Ivan,

I'm curious, in your conversations with Shunyata did it ever come up why the Triton v2 eliminated the dedicated Typhon connection preferring to have it simply pug into the standard outlets thus taking a way an outlet for one piece of gear? I liked the design of having that dedicated connection.