AQ Pegasus/Thunderbird vs Shunyata Alpha

Panelguy said:

Those of you who have heard these interconnects, how do they compare? Sonic characteristics?
Should be used between an Esoteric K-05XD and a Diablo 300 with Magnepan 3.7.
Your input would be much appreciated.

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I've heard both fairly extensively in my own system. I presently own the Alpha V2s and and Stephen Mejias at AQ (whom I know) sent me a pair of the Thunderbirds for eval. They're both very good ICs, with excellent transparency, resolution, and clarity. The Alpha V2s provide a bit more "body and weight" to the presentation, and the Thunderbirds have what I would describe as a bit more "sparkle" on the high end.

Personally, I've found cables at this level to be a lot like quality singlemalts, like comparing Talisker to Oban. They're both excellent, just...different. Which someone prefers with respect to what they want to live with is very much a matter of personal taste.

You're best bet, IMHO, is to rent both in from a company that "rents" cables (e.g. The Cable Company), and give each a listen in your system, and then decide. Then, you'll actually know with...data, as it were. At the end of the day, all that matters is what you like.

Cheers.

I owned for quite some time the Shunyata Sigma 2. I thought they were dull sounding, no excitement in dynamics, soundstage etc.

Currently I own the AQ Thunderbirds. They took quite a while to fully burn in, but today, I am really amazed at how well the soundstage is lit. At times when there is a solo guitar or a sax etc. it seems like it jumps out at you. Very impressive. Never experienced that with the Shunyata's.

I now own both the AQ Thunderbird XLR interconnects and the Zero and Bass speaker cables. BTW, I also have AQ Dragon power cords and the AQ 7000 power conditioner. So, perhaps there is quite a bit of synergy going on.

ozzy

Thanks Puma Cat and Ozzy
I will try the Alpha xlr next week to find out If it is an improvement over my Synergistic Accelerator.

Panelguy said:

Thanks Puma Cat and Ozzy
I will try the Alpha xlr next week to find out If it is an improvement over my Synergistic Accelerator.

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Compared to my Synergistic Accelerators the Alpha was not an improvement, in MY system, too bright and analytical sounding, lacking in warmth and bass punch.