Here's my 2 cents. I had all Alpha HC power cords and replaced them with Sigma NR power cords in my 2 channel system. Prior to that I had purchased a Delta NR power cord for my projector. So when I took the Alpha HC's out, I figured let me try that on my projector instead of the Delta NR. It was night and day difference. Let me say that again, NIGHT and DAY difference. With the Alpha HC the colors had more pop, better contrast, and a brighter cleaner image.
Alpha NR over Alpha HC, but not Delta NR over Alpha HC.
I cannot compare the Delta NR directly to the older Zitron cables. But, I replaced the Venom Digital on my Rega DAC R with a Delta NR. The Delta NR is significantly better than the already very good Venom Digital. Lower noise and simply more music and details.
Some very interesting points and reviews. I had on loan recently from the Cable Company a Delta NR and was instructed to use it on my Marantz SA11-S2 CDP. My amp is a BAT VK-55 and preamp a VK-31SE. The Delta was a big improvement over my previous cable. Then curiosity got the best of me. What does the Alpha NR bring to the table so the Cable Co sent me one. In a nutshell more air, dynamics, bass and I really hear "into" the music more. However, there is more clarity but this clarity can make some music sound thin and brighter which to my ears can be fatiguing over a period of time. Don't get me wrong I do like the Alpha NR but I feel I am wanting another cable to offset its tone or clarity. Of course this is in my system so others mileage may vary. I think these NR cables are great for source components but no so much amps or that has been my findings. The Alpha didn't sound like I thought it would with my Mark Levinson 27.5 amp. The Cable Co told me different components react differently to various cables so again without trying numerous cables it is hard to know what cables will do what.[/QUOTE
I haven't heard the Alpha NR but can identify with that you said when switching to it. I had tried a Sigma Digital power cord and felt the same way you did when I compared it to my Alpha HC. I sold it and purchased a Sigma NR, which was an upgrade period.
You should look around and see if you can find an Alpha HC. They are not always easy to find, but you can get it in the $600.00 range. I would bet you would be happy with that on your amp.
Some very interesting points and reviews. I had on loan recently from the Cable Company a Delta NR and was instructed to use it on my Marantz SA11-S2 CDP. My amp is a BAT VK-55 and preamp a VK-31SE. The Delta was a big improvement over my previous cable. Then curiosity got the best of me. What does the Alpha NR bring to the table so the Cable Co sent me one. In a nutshell more air, dynamics, bass and I really hear "into" the music more. However, there is more clarity but this clarity can make some music sound thin and brighter which to my ears can be fatiguing over a period of time. Don't get me wrong I do like the Alpha NR but I feel I am wanting another cable to offset its tone or clarity. Of course this is in my system so others mileage may vary. I think these NR cables are great for source components but no so much amps or that has been my findings. The Alpha didn't sound like I thought it would with my Mark Levinson 27.5 amp. The Cable Co told me different components react differently to various cables so again without trying numerous cables it is hard to know what cables will do what.[/QUOTE
I haven't heard the Alpha NR but can identify with that you said when switching to it. I had tried a Sigma Digital power cord and felt the same way you did when I compared it to my Alpha HC. I sold it and purchased a Sigma NR, which was an upgrade period.
You should look around and see if you can find an Alpha HC. They are not always easy to find, but you can get it in the $600.00 range. I would bet you would be happy with that on your amp.
What was your "previous cable"? You didn't mention was it was.
What was your "previous cable"? You didn't mention was it was.
Do you mean previous to the Alpha? If so, it was the stock power cable. The Alpha HC was my first after market power cable.I went like 25 years with high end equipment and stock power cable until this past year. Crazy huh?
Going back to what I had said, I had the Alpha HC, then tried the Sigma Digital, and thought it sounded thin. I then tried the Sigma NR and found that to be the best. If I didn't have the money to spend, I could have been very happy staying with the Alpha HC.
Btw, I remember back in the day that Madrigal Labs (Mark Levinson) had said not to use either an after market power cord or power conditioner. I don't remember which. That "back in the day" would have been your era ML or maybe later during the 331, 332, 333 series. I don't know why they said that, or if that was a generic statement.
Thanks Mcbrion and yes please report back your findings. And I can't afford a Sigma either lol. I saw where a Alpha HC popped up on Audiogon ($750) and has my interest but you seem to think the Delta NR performs better correct?
Ken, how long did you have the Alpha?
It's interesting that the Alpha sounded thin, but then, I've not heard one. I can't imagine that the Delta would have such body (compared to a Cobra ZiTron) and then the Alpha was thin-sounding. Usually, as you go up the line, you get more body and weight. Was the cord with you for an extended period. I've been listening to my system, and it seemed - last night - a little closed down, yet I could hear instruments in the mix that clearly hadn't been easily audible before.
I considered, after my initial posting, that with the cords I now have, that the system has (obviously) reached a much higher level of functioning, but like you, when I got the Sigma, I was...underwhelmed, fine cord though it was. It really does seem to me (and my Nola 12" Thunderbolt subwoofers agree) that there is low bass making an appearance, whereas before, it simply wan't obvious. Now, at that time, I had one Nordost Frey 2 power cord in the system, along with the other Shunyata, but I wouldn't have thought that that would make a difference, especially since I could simply remove the Yggdrasil and play directly from my Arcam FMJ 23 into the integrated. And I DID have that setup for a while.The Frey 2 - a wonderful cord - did not do what the Delta does (puzzling to me, since they Frey 2 is around $2,000 new). And yet, the Delta, I would swear, did things the Frey did - but less of - such as the bass weight and power and a few other things. 'Tis a mystery.
What was your "previous cable"? You didn't mention was it was.
Previous cable before the Delta was a VH Audio Airsine that I consistently used on my Marantz CDP.
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