Can you explain?

[Sonic Guild]

Hello everyone,

I need your help to explain the theory behind cables in particular Shunyata Alpha speaker cable.

I do have a super revealing and super expensive system. I am looking for a speaker cable to drive my speakers.

I do believe in speakers cables and how they make difference, this is based on personal experience. I did compare Nordost and Shunyata in my system.

My understanding that cables are supposed NOT to add or remove anything from the signal casing to the frequency. I also know that cables can ONLY remove (attenuate) parts of the frequency which will lead to an emphasis on some parts of the frequency. For example, some (I said some) copper cables attenuate high frequencies which make them bolder and warmer cables. On the other hand, "pure Silver" cables are supposed to be a superior conductor and supposed to send the whole frequency with no alteration. My questions is, is this applicable on Shunyata cables?

Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to try pure silver cables. Nordost is copper and around 1% silver. This combination cause the high frequencies to travel faster on the outer part of the conductor and cause the forwarded sound signature.

When I compared Nordost and Shunyata, I noticed that Nordost is more forward (which I don't like) and not as relaxing as the Shunyata. Does that mean Shunyata is attenuating highs? What about the Nordost, is it attenuating the low frequency to emphasize on the highs and provide the WOW factor for the first 20 minutes of listening?

I don't need a cable that attenuates something to emphasize on something else. I just need a transparent cable, not forward not laid back. My system is super expensive and the last thing I need is a cable that alter my system's voice.
What about the Shunyata Alpha? is it a transparent cable?

[For The Love of Music]

Why not just stick with the brand you use and carry forward the loom?

[Sonic Guild]

Originally Posted by For The Love of Music

Why not just stick with the brand you use and carry forward the loom?

I am just concerned that if I keep using the same brand, I will keep encountering the same bright signature.

[zettelsm]

Originally Posted by Sonic Guild

I am just concerned that if I keep using the same brand, I will keep encountering the same bright signature.

If you are getting a bright signature using Shunyata cables and interconnects then I would look elsewhere in your system for the source of the brightness. It is unlikely it is coming from the Shunyatas.

Steve Z

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by zettelsm

If you are getting a bright signature using Shunyata cables and interconnects then I would look elsewhere in your system for the source of the brightness. It is unlikely it is coming from the Shunyatas.



Steve Z

+1

[kennyb123]

Originally Posted by Sonic Guild

Hello everyone,
What about the Shunyata Alpha? is it a transparent cable?

Transparent is a relative term. While I have never tried the Alpha speaker cables, I do have Alpha interconnects. They are by far the most transparent interconnects I’ve owned. Previously brands I owned included MIT and Nordost.

I really don’t think you can go wrong with Shunyata’s cables. They also represent a tremendous value. Nordost cables are overpriced in my experience.

My first experience with Shunyata was to replace all my Nordost Brahma power cords and Nordost Quantum power conditioner with just Shunyata Alpha HC power cords. After selling all the Nordost stuff I actually came out ahead while at the same time getting a significant upgrade.

One more thing about Nordost is their signal cables are designed to be used with their power cords. The low frequency attenuation you heard would lessen with the appropriate power cords in place.

[Antonmb]

I have Alpha speaker cables and find them quite transparent. I don’t feel like anything is being attenuated. But of course it depends on your system: what amplification and speakers are you using?

[Sonic Guild]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

I have Alpha speaker cables and find them quite transparent. I don’t feel like anything is being attenuated. But of course it depends on your system: what amplification and speakers are you using?

Speakers ACT One Evo
Amp Lyngdorf 3400

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by Sonic Guild

Speakers ACT One Evo

Amp Lyngdorf 3400

If you like the sound of your setup, no reason I can think of that Shunyata Alphas wouldn’t be a good match.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by Sonic Guild

My understanding that cables are supposed NOT to add or remove anything from the signal casing to the frequency. I also know that cables can ONLY remove (attenuate) parts of the frequency which will lead to an emphasis on some parts of the frequency. For example, some (I said some) copper cables attenuate high frequencies which make them bolder and warmer cables. On the other hand, "pure Silver" cables are supposed to be a superior conductor and supposed to send the whole frequency with no alteration. My questions is, is this applicable on Shunyata cables?

e?

I am in the minority but I disagree that cables shouldn't add or remove anything from the signal. I look at cables just like any other component in my set-up. I A/B (sometimes C) everything before inserting it in nays system. If a component gets the SQ closer to what I want to hear then I don't care if it is adding or removing something.

Audiophiles are always making choices. Tube vs SS, Tubes Brand A vs B, cartridges, Class A, B, AB, Class D etc, planer vs box, vs horn........ If a cable brand A vs B gets me closer to what I want to hear then assuming the price isn't crazy (hard to define) it might get a place in my system.