Review: Shunyata Zitron Anaconda AES Digital Cable
I came home Monday night, and after waiting almost three weeks, my new Shunyata digital cable, along with a few other things, finally arrived. I immediately replaced the current Zitron Python AES cable with the Anaconda AES, and it has been burning in all week, both idle and in use.
At first, it didn't seem much better than the Python, but by Thursday night I was impressed. On Friday night I decided I am glad I bought the Anaconda since it apparently solved a problem that I never considered a digital IC could be the source. Plus it sounds great.
Let me expand on this. In December I added a second 20 amp line for my amps. Putting the amps on their own circuit removed a layer of haze that resulted in an increase of clarity. This was like being able to listen 'deeper' into the music, or hearing background detail not really heard before.
However, this exposed a high frequency noise on some, mostly rock, CD files. This noise was more apparent at high volumes, and it was at the right frequency to irritate the tinnitus in my left ear. I attributed it to some type of digital artifact, and purchased an Auralic Vega DAC to fight it. While the Vega did clear it up, it could still be heard on some files, but it was suppressed and not irritating as before.
Anyway, with the Anaconda digital cable, the noise appears to be gone. My guess is the Anaconda is working quite well with the Vega in somehow cleaning up the signal. I doubt that the Python was the source of this noise. Otherwise I would expect it to be on all CDs. While the Python is a great digital cable, the Anaconda is in other league. Shunyata has outdone themselves with this cable, IMO.
The music appears to be more open, clearly defined in space, smoother, and much less harsh on my ears at extreme levels. Either the DAC did an amazing burn-in at the same time, or the Anaconda digital is amazing.
I should add that the gear is a Bryston BDP-1 file player and is using a Shunyata Alpha Digital power cable. The DAC is an Auralic Vega and is using a Zitron Cobra power cable.
I can't believe there are still people around who insist it is impossible for digital cables to sound different.
I came home Monday night, and after waiting almost three weeks, my new Shunyata digital cable, along with a few other things, finally arrived. I immediately replaced the current Zitron Python AES cable with the Anaconda AES, and it has been burning in all week, both idle and in use.
At first, it didn't seem much better than the Python, but by Thursday night I was impressed. On Friday night I decided I am glad I bought the Anaconda since it apparently solved a problem that I never considered a digital IC could be the source. Plus it sounds great.
Let me expand on this. In December I added a second 20 amp line for my amps. Putting the amps on their own circuit removed a layer of haze that resulted in an increase of clarity. This was like being able to listen 'deeper' into the music, or hearing background detail not really heard before.
However, this exposed a high frequency noise on some, mostly rock, CD files. This noise was more apparent at high volumes, and it was at the right frequency to irritate the tinnitus in my left ear. I attributed it to some type of digital artifact, and purchased an Auralic Vega DAC to fight it. While the Vega did clear it up, it could still be heard on some files, but it was suppressed and not irritating as before.
Anyway, with the Anaconda digital cable, the noise appears to be gone. My guess is the Anaconda is working quite well with the Vega in somehow cleaning up the signal. I doubt that the Python was the source of this noise. Otherwise I would expect it to be on all CDs. While the Python is a great digital cable, the Anaconda is in other league. Shunyata has outdone themselves with this cable, IMO.
The music appears to be more open, clearly defined in space, smoother, and much less harsh on my ears at extreme levels. Either the DAC did an amazing burn-in at the same time, or the Anaconda digital is amazing.
I should add that the gear is a Bryston BDP-1 file player and is using a Shunyata Alpha Digital power cable. The DAC is an Auralic Vega and is using a Zitron Cobra power cable.
I can't believe there are still people around who insist it is impossible for digital cables to sound different.
