Any Experience with Denali X?

[Dave Raven]

My Denali X has been running for several weeks. Powered by the Sigma-X XC cable from a dedicated 20A circuit. Only digital front end components being powered from it: Aesthetix Calypso Eclipse preamp, PS Audio CD transport, Grimm MU2, Tempus switch. The preamp and switch with SRA Takshaka cables, the CD transport and MU2 with Shunyata Theta XC cables. A significant widening and deepening of the sound stage, much more nuanced details in the upper register (hearing lots of lower volume stuff in the mix for the first time), and overall a more forward sound presence. I think the later is being contributed to by the Theta XC pc's, particularly powering the MU2. Not harsh or unpleasant, though a little bright at times. I swapped in a Theta NR, which had been powering the preamp at one time, to the MU2 and lost more than I expected in detail and clarity, so the combination of the Theta NR noise reduction function and the Denali-X noise reduction isn't a workable combo apparently. I have two more SRA Takshakas on order, but am curious what others are using for power cords between their Denali-X and front end components. Shunyata recommends the Sigma-X QR or NR, but I'm wondering if there is the potential for negative impact on sound quality.

I'm using the Denali-X with an Omega-X XC with good results. I also hear a more forward presentation with the Denali vs. the older Triton V3.

 

[Devil Horns]

I had a Triton V3 in my system (only thing I had not replaced since that time) and just installed the Denali-X to replace it which is roughly half the weight and size. I love the Shunyata gear but as previously stated it would be nice if they offered an upgrade path given the prices of the gear. That said the new X series is seriously good IMHO. After the Denali-X install my system has more clarity and detail. Mids are more fleshed-out with tight and solid dynamics and a better overall balance. Of course this is compared to an older generation Triton model. I hear this as well with the new Sigma-X XLR's very quiet and fleshed-out with no harshness.
I replaced my Shunyata Omega XC and Omega clock-75 cables with the new X series and experienced a solid jump in performance more than previous generations in my experience. Used to be I would only entertain their power cords but the new digital & IC X-cables are excellent IMHO.

I've got a Sigma-X XLR on order and would love to hear more of your thoughts on it. What did it replace and how does it compare?

 

[PYP]

I had a Triton V3 in my system (only thing I had not replaced since that time) and just installed the Denali-X to replace it which is roughly half the weight and size. I love the Shunyata gear but as previously stated it would be nice if they offered an upgrade path given the prices of the gear. That said the new X series is seriously good IMHO. After the Denali-X install my system has more clarity and detail. Mids are more fleshed-out with tight and solid dynamics and a better overall balance. Of course this is compared to an older generation Triton model. I hear this as well with the new Sigma-X XLR's very quiet and fleshed-out with no harshness.
I replaced my Shunyata Omega XC and Omega clock-75 cables with the new X series and experienced a solid jump in performance more than previous generations in my experience. Used to be I would only entertain their power cords but the new digital & IC X-cables are excellent IMHO.

In my setup, the X sounded good at first, then cycled between good and bad as it settled in. Took more than a month to fully settle in, but was appreciably better at that point than my first impression. Perhaps there is more to come...

 

[Zeotrope]

It’s 2500 from V2 Denali to X
Altaira X is a new product and the X cables are also new. The original Altaira cores are still a current choice.
I have them all . I may sell the original ones since I can’t use both but it is a current product.
Altaira X is 8 completely isolated grounding modules and the X cable is some kind of special silver and uses platinum connectors ( I assume coated)
I am going to update my Denali then o can hear the difference if I don’t sell it first

Hmm, not really.
The original ALTAIRA also has completely isolated cores, but 6 not 8. The Omega ground wire is also silver. ALTAIRA X has platinum coated copper terminals, ALTAIRA has copper only. Still not clear what the ALTAIRA X is more than 3X more expensive, probably part of the reason is they felt that the original is under priced.

 

[Zeotrope]

Nothing but a demure and perhaps misleading X decal on the arse side.

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48 hours later on the mains and my second listening session, with my favorite pressing (Cisco reissue) of Dexter Gordon’s -One Flight Up. Just six years post Kind of Blue, side one, Tanya. Taylor’s drum pedal hammer and stick strikes sound more punctual, more deliberate, more attitude. More weight. While Niels-Henning’s bass partners perfectly in the rhythm with same feel of intensity. All the time with Bird flying free and high above. These cats are locked together in a very cool dance. All while seeming to flow even more effortlessly? Again, is this possible?!

I listen to the side with both the Esuro Urushi Bordeaux and then the Lyra Etna Lambda as they impart a different take on a given recording that I understand intimately. By contrast they often reveal very small effects from upstream system changes. Two competent but different instruments interpretation of the same performance.
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Next up, Chet Atkins -Finger-style Guitar mono RCA pressing from 1956. Played by a Miyajima Zero. Wow boy! So fluid. Again, perhaps a tad more incisive, had a greater sense of mid base coming out of that hollow body Gretsch. Such a live HiFi capture.

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I can say these examples prove to suggest the mains pathway is enhanced from just three weeks ago.

*But all very early in this passion play.

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a parting shot with one of my listening friends, Yusef.

If you want a massive upgrade, ditch those lab PSUs for the field coils. I went through this with my horns. It’s a massive upgrade. Tube rectified or a proper unit like Wolf von Langas will be well worth it. Powering a field coil is not just about providing a stable and clean voltage. The field coil is in the signal path.