[Stu Pitt]

I've been meaning to get around to that actually.  It's a pretty humble system compared to pretty much everyone else here...

Bryston B60
Rega DAC
Apple TV I
Audio Physic Yara Evolution Bookshelf
Kimber Hero w/WBT 0144
Sonicwave Glass Toslink
Shunyata Diamondback Platinum (on B60)
Shunyata Venom (waiting for adapter for Rega DAC)
Audioquest NRG-1 (on ATV)
Canare 4S11

First time I listed my system with all the cables.  The Rega DAC uses a cloverleaf power cord connector, or that's what I think it's called.  Once I get an adapter for it, I can connect the Venom power cord.  I had the Venom on my old Theta DAC and it made a very good improvement.  Didn't think it would make a difference on a component that doesn't use much power, but I was proven wrong.  Same goes for my ATV.  Didn't think a C-7 style power cord would have any effect, especially using optical out. 

[Sasha]

I found that Bryston amplifiers exhibit much less dependence not only on power cords but also various power conditioners, assuming proper power rating of course. Power conditioning did bring significantly bigger changes than various power cords.
But in any case sonic changes were significantly less noticeable with Bryston. Why it was the case I have no clue.

[Diamond Dog]

Headshrinker2:  I have an interesting opportunity coming up - I am currently waiting for delivery on a set of XLO Signature 3 IC's & speaker cables as well as a Bryston BIT 15 ( so much for shipping last Monday, James... ). It'll be a chance to see which makes a bigger difference in my system - could be illuminating. My dealer has already expressed his opinion on which will come out on top. It'll be fun to see if he is right.

D.D.

PS :  What have you done with Headshrinker1 ?

[headshrinker2]

Hey DD,
I may be auditioning a set of XLO IC's and speaker wire this weekend!  We all look forward to your experience with your new upgrades. 

[Diamond Dog]

Which XLO's are you checking out ?

D.D.

[headshrinker2]

I've had XLO Reference 3 (both interconnect and single wire speaker cable)in my system since this morning.  I see you are getting Signature (better stuff!).  Did you also audition the Reference series?

Yesterday, a did a home demo of Shunyata Venom, Diamondback, and Hydra 4.  With everything I have read, I was expecting to love it all.  Not the case.  Especially with the Hydra power conditioner, each power cable changed the overall sound in non-subtle ways.  One day was not long enough to settle in and get used to the various combinations.  A/B comparisons (late at night) drove me crazy!  To my surprise, I actually prefered the less expensive Venom to the Diamondback in some ways.  It could just be my system, but I found the Diamondback tended to smooth things out a bit too much, especially in the upper registers. 

[Diamond Dog]

 Hi Headshrinker2:  I did indeed have a chance to audition the Reference 3 speaker cables ( but unfortunately not the IC's ) and I liked them a lot - you're in for a treat if you're looking for something neutral that opens things up and doesn't roll off the highs ( or accentuate them either for that matter ). I found that they did take a while to break in so patience is the watchword. I had them in my system for about a week and there was a noticable improvement over that time. If you decide to go ahead with the XLO's I hope you don't have to wait as long as I have - apparently there is a component in them which is manufactured in the area of Japan where all hell broke loose earlier this year and XLO has backorders up the wazoo.
Your impressions of the power cables are really interesting. Keep us posted on how this all plays out for you! 

D.D.

[headshrinker2]

Morning DD,
And let us know how things go when your XLO stuff arrives. 

[Diamond Dog]

If it ever arrives...

D.D.

[headshrinker2]

@DD,
"Good things come to those who wait...."