Shunyata Alpha PC

[dan31]

I just picked up three Alpha PC's, two HC's and one analog. I'm guessing the break in will take some time. I guess Shunyata is coming out with a new series of cables so they are unloading what they have for 20% off.

I put the analog on my Spectral preamp and the HC on my DMA-260 amp. The next Alpha HC will go on my Aesthetix Io, it pulls 400 watts.

[Guest]

I just picked up three Alpha PC's, two HC's and one analog. I'm guessing the break in will take some time. I guess Shunyata is coming out with a new series of cables so they are unloading what they have for 20% off.

I put the analog on my Spectral preamp and the HC on my DMA-260 amp. The next Alpha HC will go on my Aesthetix Io, it pulls 400 watts.

What did they replace?

[dan31]

They replaced a Shunuyata venom 3 on the pre amp and a Acrolink 4030 PC (10 gauge) on the amp.

[Hawk]

Shunyata Alpha cables are excellent value and sound great. In particular, the Alpha HC plays way above its price point. Congrats on your purchase.

The Sigma's are great also. A little bit fuller and more dynamic. Of course, Sigma's dig deeper into you pockets then Alpha series. Interesting to see what the new Shunyata cables are like. They have been releasing some really good products. If ever you have a question, their customer service is really exceptional.

[Hawk]

As far as break in, Shunyata cables need quite a bit. Since you already had Venom on pre-amp, you are probably aware. Not sure if your Aesthetix amp is solid state. If it is solid state, I would probably run Alpha HC for 100 hours at low to moderate levels.. If Aesthetix is a tube amp, buy a Shunyata Adapter for $30 bucks or so and let a fan help with the break in process for power cords. With no break in, Alpha cables(Especially Alpha HC) go thru some odd changes in soundstage & focus. Much better and more listenable after 100 hours. Better still after 200 hours.

[dan31]

Thank you for the break in advice. I tried to settle into a just install and play music mode. The Alpha HC cable definitly changes it's character as it breaks in. I have moved my last Alpha HC to my CD player and decided a week or two of playing was more of a route to take. I will give it plenty of time before I pass judgement. Plenty of other users have commented on the Shunyata break in patience that is needed. My Aesthetix Io is a two chassis phono preamp. It has 24 tubes in total so the 400 watts when on is well used.

Thanks again for the help.

[Hawk]

Your Aesthetix lo sounds really impressive. I am slightly embarrassed that i did not know it was a phono stage. I will do a search and learn a little more about it. With all those tubes, it is great you are using the Alpha HC on it. I have a CJ Tea 2 SE for my phono. Your Aesthetix's beats my phono stage by 21 tubes. I think that you will really like the Alpha HC. For lower current sources, the Alpha analog is very good also. Shunyata makes really nice products.