Did you use the "Premium Silver" adapters at $249 or the more generic looking $89 version?
Review: Snake River Audio Takshaka power cable
- Thread starter keithc
- Start date
Snake River Audio was actually named after a beautiful place. You can read about it here - https://snakeriveraudio.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=1
Tom
Tom
I'm guessing the comment was about VooDoo Cables. But I suppose Snake River might conger "oil" connections, too.
$89 versions. It would be interesting to see if the $249 silver ones fix things, because for me it was definitely a problem of SQ loss.
In my humble and relatively sophomoric journey compared to many of you, there's nothing more important than direct experience of a new cable/component/accessory in my own system to my own ears. I think all of us have had the experience of buying based on advice or reviews only to be underwhelmed. This is why it is so critical for manufacturers when possible to allow a solid return / trial policy, and for my situation is often a decision factor to try something new. Jonny/SRA is very good about his return policy and allows a user to decide for themselves.
Totally agree! Try.Keep.Not.Return. It should be that simple, but not many manufacturers are willing to offer such option.
I used a Shunyata adapter (will list soon) to test. Not exactly the same, but not much degradation. Basically to see how certain PCs perform in the system before committing with the C19 connector.
Hello and good afternoon gentlemen, we are not other forums, where you can freely go so completely off topic that the thread ends up in a different stratosphere. Some posts have been deleted.
Please stick to the topic, on this and other threads as well. The recent posts were disappointing, to say the least. Here at the WBF, we are better than this.
Tom
Please stick to the topic, on this and other threads as well. The recent posts were disappointing, to say the least. Here at the WBF, we are better than this.
Tom
Here is my take on adapters. You are welcome to accept it or discount it.
If I am not mistaken, @keithc hadn't even heard about Snake River Audio, until a discussion about the SDFB (Swiss Digital Fuse Boxes) adapters came up. Folks did not want to spend another 1 to 17K on another PC in order to use the SDFB without restrictions or a change to their system's performance. My thing was (here and on the 'Gon) that adapters thwart the efforts made by the SDFB itself. In other words, it was restrictive. In further talks with Mark (the designer of the SDFB itself) and other members here and over at the 'Gon, it was revealed that adapters were not a good option and that it hindered to severely hindered the performance of the original cable. This, from many users.
This is why I suggested to Jonny to possibly consider a "Pig-Tail" (a short, 8" Takshaka or Signature PC) into his line up, so that those that had the SDFB would not be hindered, or at least they would have the option of possibly having better than the original cable (no matter what one uses), as to not severely thwart or hamper the system's performance. I have learned that even an RCA to BNC adapter caused months of issues with an Esoteric transport I have. While that may not be a PC, which we are talking about here, it did create issues that basically rendered the unit useless for months on end. Along with a plethora of frustration.
As soon as I got (thanks to Jonny at SRA - and at no cost to me to try BTW) the "proper connections" on my replacement cable? There have been ZERO issues ever since. Like, not even so much as a hiccup. That was a learning curve for me, as I never in a million years would have EVER thought an adapter would make such a difference. I paid for that replacement cable the very day it was delivered. Jonny really DOES care about customer satisfaction.
When it comes to PC's, I have no such experience I can share with you, but I will say this. Why go from a properly and superbly well designed cable with three different metalurgies, along with advanced shielding and other design parameters, only to "Govern" those efforts with an adapter, that can thwart the entire effort and introduce possible EMI/RFI?
This could be the difference between "THE" cable and a cable that.....eh, "made a change for the better". From the micro-dynamics, to the macro. From the presentation to the aura and space. From the full frequencies, to a tonal shift. From palpability to WTF is that smeared or altered image? From a timbre that is unfathomably realistic to one that may be, let's just say....not so on point. These are just but a few of the parameters that can change with an adapter.
All metallurgies have their differing attributes, as well as deficiencies. Snake River Audio has a mix of three, with other technologies mixed into the equation. Why take all of that and add a restricted signal or "governor"? While the connection may be solid and one gets sound with no issue, one does NOT get the full flavor of all of the attributes the original cable has to offer.
I am and always have been a believer of this. Your system is only as good as your weakest link. It's best to get the proper terminations IMO.
Tom
If I am not mistaken, @keithc hadn't even heard about Snake River Audio, until a discussion about the SDFB (Swiss Digital Fuse Boxes) adapters came up. Folks did not want to spend another 1 to 17K on another PC in order to use the SDFB without restrictions or a change to their system's performance. My thing was (here and on the 'Gon) that adapters thwart the efforts made by the SDFB itself. In other words, it was restrictive. In further talks with Mark (the designer of the SDFB itself) and other members here and over at the 'Gon, it was revealed that adapters were not a good option and that it hindered to severely hindered the performance of the original cable. This, from many users.
This is why I suggested to Jonny to possibly consider a "Pig-Tail" (a short, 8" Takshaka or Signature PC) into his line up, so that those that had the SDFB would not be hindered, or at least they would have the option of possibly having better than the original cable (no matter what one uses), as to not severely thwart or hamper the system's performance. I have learned that even an RCA to BNC adapter caused months of issues with an Esoteric transport I have. While that may not be a PC, which we are talking about here, it did create issues that basically rendered the unit useless for months on end. Along with a plethora of frustration.
As soon as I got (thanks to Jonny at SRA - and at no cost to me to try BTW) the "proper connections" on my replacement cable? There have been ZERO issues ever since. Like, not even so much as a hiccup. That was a learning curve for me, as I never in a million years would have EVER thought an adapter would make such a difference. I paid for that replacement cable the very day it was delivered. Jonny really DOES care about customer satisfaction.
When it comes to PC's, I have no such experience I can share with you, but I will say this. Why go from a properly and superbly well designed cable with three different metalurgies, along with advanced shielding and other design parameters, only to "Govern" those efforts with an adapter, that can thwart the entire effort and introduce possible EMI/RFI?
This could be the difference between "THE" cable and a cable that.....eh, "made a change for the better". From the micro-dynamics, to the macro. From the presentation to the aura and space. From the full frequencies, to a tonal shift. From palpability to WTF is that smeared or altered image? From a timbre that is unfathomably realistic to one that may be, let's just say....not so on point. These are just but a few of the parameters that can change with an adapter.
All metallurgies have their differing attributes, as well as deficiencies. Snake River Audio has a mix of three, with other technologies mixed into the equation. Why take all of that and add a restricted signal or "governor"? While the connection may be solid and one gets sound with no issue, one does NOT get the full flavor of all of the attributes the original cable has to offer.
I am and always have been a believer of this. Your system is only as good as your weakest link. It's best to get the proper terminations IMO.
Tom
Here is an example of a custom-made 16-inch Takshaka (0.5m) next to the 8-inch version; I needed something that was slightly longer than the "SDFB shorty" version but for components adjacent to my power conditioner it was less messy than having runs of cables behind my rack. As usual Jonny's workmanship is great and I encourage folks to reach out to him for any specific lengths/needs.
Hi all, I’m new to the forum and wanted to chime in on this thread.
I’m a big fan of SRA cables and I’ve been using them in my system for the past two years. I also had the pleasure of meeting Jonny face-to-face twice over the past two years at capital audio fest. Although I don’t have a full loom, I have his signature Amp series power cord, the Signature series Mamushii interconnects, Signature series speaker, cables, as well as crossover cables and a boomslang USB cable.
Each addition was a game changer in my rig and I’m so glad that Jonny is getting the recognition he deserves!
Thanks to this thread, I was convinced to try a TakShaka shorty and ordered one as part of the July 4 sale. Jonny is breaking it in right now and I anticipate it being shipped by the end of the week. I have previously used Verafi’s piggy, and then later the Amazon adapter, so I’m really hoping the Shorty makes a difference!
I’m a big fan of SRA cables and I’ve been using them in my system for the past two years. I also had the pleasure of meeting Jonny face-to-face twice over the past two years at capital audio fest. Although I don’t have a full loom, I have his signature Amp series power cord, the Signature series Mamushii interconnects, Signature series speaker, cables, as well as crossover cables and a boomslang USB cable.
Each addition was a game changer in my rig and I’m so glad that Jonny is getting the recognition he deserves!
Thanks to this thread, I was convinced to try a TakShaka shorty and ordered one as part of the July 4 sale. Jonny is breaking it in right now and I anticipate it being shipped by the end of the week. I have previously used Verafi’s piggy, and then later the Amazon adapter, so I’m really hoping the Shorty makes a difference!
@keithc thanks for the wonderful review, and @treitz3 thanks for suggesting to Jonny there might be a market for a shorty.
I've thought several times over the past couple years of adding one of Mark's SDFBs to my kit, but I knew in my gut the rat tail was going to seriously hamper performance and, like others, I didn't want to sink $x,xxxx to get the stock cable out of the way. Lovely to see there is a serious option now...
I've thought several times over the past couple years of adding one of Mark's SDFBs to my kit, but I knew in my gut the rat tail was going to seriously hamper performance and, like others, I didn't want to sink $x,xxxx to get the stock cable out of the way. Lovely to see there is a serious option now...
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Co-Owner, Administrator
I cant answer that question but to put things in perspective if you read my review the Snake River PC bested my $17K Master Built Ultra Power cord at a fraction of the cost.If I were to guess it is all in the metallurgy used in the Snake River. I have no pony in the game but it really is exceptional
A Diamond In The Rough-Snake River Audio
There are several threads active presently in WBF regarding the integrity of the High End in our hobby. Questions have been raised as to whether the most expensive are always the top of the heap and the best of the best . There are are also very strong suggestions here that the less than the...
whatsbestforum.com
Wow!
That is a strong statement! I know you have been a big fan of the Masterbuilt, too! Thanks!I cant answer that question but to put things in perspective if you read my review the Snake River PC bested my $17K Master Built Ultra Power cord at a fraction of the cost.If I were to guess it I all in the metallurgy used in the Snake River. I have no pony in the game but it really is exceptional
A Diamond In The Rough-Snake River Audio
There are several threads active presently in WBF regarding the integrity of the High End in our hobby. Questions have been raised as to whether the most expensive are always the top of the heap and the best of the best . There are are also very strong suggestions here that the less than the...
I have no right to ask, but as you do the best you can with an exempliary system; do you intend on replacing the MB Ultra PCs with Snake River Takshaka PCs?I cant answer that question but to put things in perspective if you read my review the Snake River PC bested my $17K Master Built Ultra Power cord at a fraction of the cost.If I were to guess it I all in the metallurgy used in the Snake River. I have no pony in the game but it really is exceptional
A Diamond In The Rough-Snake River Audio
There are several threads active presently in WBF regarding the integrity of the High End in our hobby. Questions have been raised as to whether the most expensive are always the top of the heap and the best of the best . There are are also very strong suggestions here that the less than the...
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Co-Owner, Administrator
Did you read my review. The answer is No. Yet having said that the Snake River clearly bettered my MB ULTRA PC
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Co-Owner, Administrator
If I were ever going to make a change it would be for an entire loom not just a PC
About two months ago I ordered two Takshaka power cables from Snake River (list price of $2,595 for 1.5 meters 15 amps, but discounts are offered and occasionally sales, as is the case right now with a 25% Labor Day sale going on at Snake River) and upon receipt installed them, in place of two five (5) foot 15 amp Synergistic Research Atmosphere SX Euphoria PC's, i.e. within one inch of the same length (list price $3,495, but there are ways to reduce that as well).
Jonny mostly breaks in the cables for you (from my experience I estimate about 80% from what Jonny says, with the customer doing the other 20% once installed). One of these initial two Takshaka PC's was installed to power my preamp (a Boulder 2160) and the other on my phono preamp (a Boulder 1108). The Takshaka power cables made an immediately noticeable improvement to the sound of my system, especially in terms of the width and depth and solidity of the soundstage. With the current Labor Day sale going on I have now ordered three more 1.5 meter 15 amp Takshaka power cords and one 4 meter 20 amp Takshaka power cord, which I am looking forward to receiving in a few weeks.
I find Jonny very willing to talk with you and discuss his cables of all types and very easy to deal with. Just a good decent human being without any airs or pretentions about him who just seems to have a knack for making great cables at comparatively reasonable prices. He approaches this in the way of an artist. He is the kind of guy you can trust to do business with and remain true to his word.
Highest recommendation. Check out snakeriveraudio.com.
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