The Hidden Foundation: Shunyata Research Everest 8000 Power Distributor & Sigma CX Upgrade.

[craigr]

Hello,

Why do you advise this?

I had some cardas cables that I replaced with the Shunyata. The sound became "more", less "restricted" , i.e. there was more "sound" with less noise, the tonal quality was fuller and more accurate, the bass tighter, fuller and the midrange also was "denser" with everything more coherent.

 

[exupgh12]

I have not found that kind of variability with the Kubala-Sosna cables (at least to my ears, setup). Perhaps that is due to using them exclusively, as you use Cardas. With previous cables, when you found variability, were you mixing and matching manufacturers?

Im using Cardes Clear "full Lum" for about the last 6 years. before that I used different kind of vendors - like Chord company, QED, Purist, Cardes, vandenhul, and Nordost. at the end I took several sets home, tried and got hooked by Cardes. it took me some time to complete a full Cardas Clear cable setup ( I think that they give great results at reasonable value).

I'm wondering if using one brand throughout reduces variability. Although I only use KS, I do use a variety of "levels" of their power cords. For example, the highest level for the Grimm streamer/DAC and a lower level for a switch.

I prefer using one brand and one series as it usually maintain the same sound characteristic through that line.

Completely agree that the prices are absurd at the top level ICs and speaker cables and that the job of a cable is to pass the signal.

Your turntable is visually beautiful. Digital gear just doesn't reach the level of an architectural statement.

Thank you sir.
I never thought I will return to vinyl - used to hate it when I was teenager. around 8 or seven years ago I was exposed to couple of excellent and modern vinyl setups and got hooked. started out with Michael Gyro SE, then Brinkmann Bardo, and about 4 years ago I upgraded to the Brinkmann Balance.

 

[Motoman]

I too added an Everest with a Sigma XC to my system (which has a full loom of Shunyata Sigma cables) and I found the difference to be extraordinary. The Everest is a "component" in its own right, and in addition to all of the things that the OP heard, I found that the depth of the soundstage was much improved. Prior to the Everest, I always felt that although my soundstage was wide, it lacked depth. No longer. The Everest was a surprising investment and highly recommended. I don't know how it works, really, but it does! I have mine on a wooden platform with isolation feet, which I would also recommend in order to isolate it from vibration from the hard floor that you currently have it on.

 

[exupgh12]

I too added an Everest with a Sigma XC to my system (which has a full loom of Shunyata Sigma cables) and I found the difference to be extraordinary. The Everest is a "component" in its own right, and in addition to all of the things that the OP heard, I found that the depth of the soundstage was much improved. Prior to the Everest, I always felt that although my soundstage was wide, it lacked depth. No longer. The Everest was a surprising investment and highly recommended. I don't know how it works, really, but it does! I have mine on a wooden platform with isolation feet, which I would also recommend in order to isolate it from vibration from the hard floor that you currently have it on.

Thank you for adding your experience and perspective.
I'm still waiting for my HRS isolation platform, hopefully, it will arrive this or next week.

 

[exupgh12]

Finally got the HRS platform for the Everest

 

[itay123]

I recommend giving the EVEREST on an insulated platform.

Congrts & Enjoy,
What differences do you feel between being on the floor or on or an insulated platform?

 

[exupgh12]

Congrts & Enjoy,
What differences do you feel between being on the floor or on or an insulated platform?

Thank you Itaiy
After putting the platform, I didn't have enough time to listen to the system. - I had to say that the platform brings a minor change in clarity, but I'll be able to check it more thoroughly during the weekend.

 

[Arewethereyet]

Thank you Itaiy
After putting the platform, I didn't have enough time to listen to the system. - I had to say that the platform brings a minor change in clarity, but I'll be able to check it more thoroughly during the weekend.

Any update on the benefits of the HRS platform under your Everest? Which model and size is this HRS platform? Thx

 

[exupgh12]

Any update on the benefits of the HRS platform under your Everest? Which model and size is this HRS platform? Thx

Hi,

I didn't find that adding the HRS platform made any dramatic sonic improvement. It could be due to the Everest placement or positioning, or because it stands on the concrete floor covered with tiles. Anyway, the aesthetics still look cool.

 

[Motoman]

I agree that the aesthetics of the HRS are nice. However, the Everest already has isolation feet, but according to Shunyata, should still be isolated from the floor. I did a cheap DIY platform by taking a thick butcher block cutting board and replacing its rubber feet with isofluorane rubber feet for isolating components. That works great, with a minor improvement. Total cost: $40

 

[exupgh12]

I agree that the aesthetics of the HRS are nice. However, the Everest already has isolation feet, but according to Shunyata, should still be isolated from the floor. I did a cheap DIY platform by taking a thick butcher block cutting board and replacing its rubber feet with isofluorane rubber feet for isolating components. That works great, with a minor improvement. Total cost: $40

Whats the floor your Everest\platform on ?

 

[Motoman]

Thin carpet over a wood floor. Works great

 

[Arewethereyet]

Still interested in knowing more about which HRS base that is if someone could share. Apologies if I missed that info from a prior post.

 

[exupgh12]

Still interested in knowing more about which HRS base that is if someone could share. Apologies if I missed that info from a prior post.

E1X Isolation Base | Harmonic Resolution Systems

The E1 Isolation Base is for customers who want true HRS performance in a very cost-effective design configuration.

avisolation.com

 

[treitz3]

I’ve always seen cables as a kind of unpredictable equalizer. They do make a difference, but there’s no way to predict how they’ll interact with different equipment.

A cable might complement one component perfectly, be mediocre with another, and completely miss the mark elsewhere. The outcome is never certain.

Absoutely!

Tom

 

[Brad OToole]

Hi,

I didn't find that adding the HRS platform made any dramatic sonic improvement. It could be due to the Everest placement or positioning, or because it stands on the concrete floor covered with tiles. Anyway, the aesthetics still look cool.

Hello,

I find this result surprising, considering that using the HRS around the world has yielded universal praise, including at the Shunyata factory listening space. For those who are interested, this is a 9.5-inch wide by 17-inch deep constrained layer plinth made of custom high-density materials designed by HRS engineering. It is mounted on grounding feet (G7) and then placed on top of G-Link stainless steel spikes, and for tile/wood floors, floor protectors. This three-part system should drop the background noise noticeably. Exupgh12, if you are not using the G-Link spikes, you should borrow them and try them. If you are and are still not hearing results, let your dealer know, and we can set an appointment with engineering. HRS is always interested in the exceptions that help improve the product when studied. I am pleased you like the look.

 

[Ron Resnick]

I didn't find that adding the HRS platform made any dramatic sonic improvement.

I find this result surprising, considering that using the HRS around the world has yielded universal praise

Hello Brad,

Could this be a simple matter of different adjectives?

Perhaps exupgh12 found the improvement in the HRS platform to be worthy of "praise" -- a sonic improvement -- but just not to be a "dramatic" sonic improvement?

 

[exupgh12]

Hello,

I find this result surprising, considering that using the HRS around the world has yielded universal praise, including at the Shunyata factory listening space. For those who are interested, this is a 9.5-inch wide by 17-inch deep constrained layer plinth made of custom high-density materials designed by HRS engineering. It is mounted on grounding feet (G7) and then placed on top of G-Link stainless steel spikes, and for tile/wood floors, floor protectors. This three-part system should drop the background noise noticeably. Exupgh12, if you are not using the G-Link spikes, you should borrow them and try them. If you are and are still not hearing results, let your dealer know, and we can set an appointment with engineering. HRS is always interested in the exceptions that help improve the product when studied. I am pleased you like the look.

Hello @Brad OToole

I can’t speak for how other users set up their platforms, but from my experience, flooring in most U.S. and European homes is quite different from what we have here. Over there, wooden floors are common, while here it’s usually ceramic tiles laid over concrete with sand and adhesive. Because of that, spikes are less effective than coupling legs on our type of floors.

As Ron mentioned, I never claimed there’s no difference, only that it’s not “dramatic.” I wouldn’t expect a major improvement from adding a platform beneath a high-quality distributor that already comes with coupling legs.