ΞTRON Alpha Digital cord

[Puma Cat]

Thanks, Caelin.

I'm definitely to have to check out Zitron Alpha. My guess is it would best be used both on my Mac Mini and on my DAC. The issue I have with my Wadia 121 is that it uses a power cable that goes from the back of the DAC to a transformer "brick" that accepts an AC power cord from the receptacle. So, while Alpha should help on the DAC, I would still have about a couple of feet of unshielded power cord that goes from the DAC to transformer brick.

[steve ringler]

+1

[medward0]

Just ordered an Alpha PC for my DAC and a Hydra AV for the 2ch stack along with two Venom defenders for other outlets (Subwoofer and HT power conditioner).

I'm hoping that getting all the 2ch gear on a single dedicated 20amp line via the Hydra AV will, among other things, assist in solving some pesky ground loop issues I've been chasing for a long time now. Right now, the pre & amp are on one dedicated line and the Transport & DAC are on another.

I really wanted a Triton, but I just don't have the room in my setup as I have other plans for that empty top shelf in my rack.

And, I could not convince SWMBO that getting another rack was really the long-term solution...her response to a new rack was "you'll just spend way too much money filling it up like you've done with the prior two." Yup, I would.

[Vhiner]

Originally Posted by medwardo

Just ordered an Alpha PC for my DAC and a Hydra AV for the 2ch stack along with two Venom defenders for other outlets (Subwoofer and HT power conditioner). I'm hoping that getting all the 2ch gear on a single dedicated 20amp line via the Hydra AV will, among other things, assist in solving some pesky ground loop issues I've been chasing for a long time now. Right now, the pre & amp are on one dedicated line and the Transport & DAC are on another. I really wanted a Triton, but I just don't have the room in my setup as I have other plans for that empty top shelf in my rack. And, I could not convince SWMBO that getting another rack was really the long-term solution...her response to a new rack was "you'll just spend way too much money filling it up like you've done with the prior two." Yup, I would.

SWMBO. LOL. Didn't know that phrase had graduated to acronym status on the net. I miss Rumpole.

I will be auditioning the Alpha next week. I suspect I'll be negotiating with SWMBO the following week. ;-)

[BlueFox]

I have an Alpha on order myself, along with a Cyclops and an Anaconda. I guess if I was going to be critical I should only install the Alpha on my DAC, and listen for any improvements before adding the rest.

[Puma Cat]

Sounds good, let us know what you find out.

[medward0]

Got the Hydra AV installed last night...what a monster: big, heavy, shiny with very, very sharp stainless steel feet!

While I know that it has to break in, I will reiterate what others have said: out of the box, the system is much quieter and the music is more coherent, engaging, and organic. Running the Comcast cable box on the AV for a week or so, one duplex/day, for some burn in.

One oddity is that my amp got hotter last night than I've ever experienced (e.g., heat sinks too hot to touch after 5 hours of play time!). No wires crossed that I can see anywhere.... Maybe, the ole amp is finally getting the juice it needs.

Alpha Digital PC on the REL for break in as the REL always draws some power. Will move to the DAC in a week or two. Yup, REL sounds more integrated with the system.

One word for Shunyata gear: magical.

[DonBattles]

Wouldn't expect the amp to get hotter. I assume you've played it for five hours before and at a comparable volume?

[medward0]

@donbattles Yea, but it's never gotten this hot when playing for 5 hours (except for summer time, when I use a fan...we don't have AC).

I'll muck about with it today...

[medward0]

Originally Posted by DonBattles

Wouldn't expect the amp to get hotter. I assume you've played it for five hours before and at a comparable volume?

Well, Chalk this one up to a "doh" moment.

I had forgotten that I put the Aurious Pro Max bearings under the amp "just to hear what it sounded like," but I forgot about them and left them under the amp.

Physics being what it is, with the bearings in place, the amp has less overheard clearance to the shelf above and...who would've thought, it got hotter as a result.

Sheesh...I am losing my mind, but I am enjoying the music!