Thread: Alpha v2 NR vs Sigma v2 NR

The Sigma v2 NR is "better" in that it will provide more "oomph" and DTCD during dynamic passages and such.

That said, overall their tonal, timbral, and musical qualities are very, very similar.

As such, I use a Sigma NR v2 for amps, where current delivery to speakers is key, and before I got the Lumin P1, I used an Alpha XCs for my First Sound preamp* and I still use an Alpha NR for my EAR 324 phono stage.

If I had to standardize on one specification PC for my entire system, I'd standardize on Alpha NR v2 actually, rather Sigma, because Alpha NR v2 is a really lovely, very musical-sounding PC, perfect for preamps, phono stages, and such. While the Sigma is frickin' amazing for current delivery and "balls to the wall" power, in my small space, I find the Alpha to be, on the whole, in my room, more "musical".

For the Lumin P1, I'm presently using a Omega QR-s PC, but that's because it's a combination streamer, DAC and preamp and the QR-s was specifically designed for sources. The Omega QR-s is actually an Alpha PC with a in-line QR/BB module, so basically, I'm still using an Alpha-spec PC for the Lumin with respect to attributes e.g. DTCD, etc.

So, I were you, for your pre, I'd go with the Alpha NR v2, and put the cost savings into getting an Altaira. An Altaira will make MUCH more of a difference to your system than going from an Alpha NR v2 to a Sigma NRv2 for powering a preamp.

*-the reason I don't use Alpha V2 NRs for the First Sound preamp is the First Sound already has two Shunyata CCI noise filters built into each of it's external dual-mono power supplies, so no need to use an AlphA NR PC.

Originally Posted by brodricj

I own both cables. I can't hear any difference at all. Save your money and get an Altaira. An Altaira is more important than any power cable.

How is your Altaira setup? I also have both use the sigma on the amp alpha on pre and sources with an Everest. Amp plugged into the wall wondering about an Altaira. Thank you


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Originally Posted by brodricj

I have Altaira-SG. I connect the chassis grounding posts of my components to Altaira-SG. I could use another Altaira as some components share a binding post. I wanted to buy a Gemini-Model 8 as I like the dual purpose power + grounding however our local distributor is not bringing these into Australia and they won't do a special order. I have Denali and Everest grounded to Altaira. I made my own grounding cables using 10AWG teflon coated silver wire with rhodium spades.

Interesting forgive me is SG mostly for sources and CG amps, preamps I have to read up on their documentation.

Generally a big improvement with the Altaira? You answered my next question re which grounding cables to use alpha / sigma by using your own. I’ve not grounded anything to the Everest to try yet imagine I’d need the Altaira for any noticeable improvement. Appreciate your help.


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Originally Posted by AndrewR

Interesting forgive me is SG mostly for sources and CG amps, preamps I have to read up on their documentation.

Generally a big improvement with the Altaira? You answered my next question re which grounding cables to use alpha / sigma by using your own. I’ve not grounded anything to the Everest to try yet imagine I’d need the Altaira for any noticeable improvement. Appreciate your help.

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Hey, Andrew,

Most respectfully, none of your assumptions about which hub (SG vs CG) to use for which components, which cables to use, or about the effectiveness of using the GP-NR system of Everest are correct.

It is very important you read ALL the Altaira information before you purchase an (or multiple, for a segmented system) Altaira hub. I can’t emphasize this point enough. Then, work with a trained dealer, e.g. Mike, to select and configure your set-up as to which type and how many hubs, and what type of cables and “tails” to buy.

Busy at the moment, but later this morning, I’ll add some links and references for you to read as foundational material.

Cheers! 😺

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

No, your assumption about which hub (SG vs CG) to use for which components is not correct. It is very important you read ALL the Altaira information before you purchase an (or multiple, for a segmented system) Altaira hub. I can’t emphasize this point enough. Then, work with a trained dealer, e.g. Mike, to select and configure your set-up as to which type and how many hubs, and what type of cables and “tails” to buy.

Thank you figured it would not be as simple would go through the dealer as per usual when ready running all Shunyata for power and an Everest. Richards always been helpful too.

Do you have one and what benefits did you hear and are you using alpha/sigma grounding. Going to try grounding to Everest to a ref6se to try. Thanks for the help.


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Originally Posted by AndrewR

Thank you figured it would not be as simple would go through the dealer as per usual when ready running all Shunyata for power and an Everest. Richards always been helpful too.

Do you have one and what benefits did you hear and are you using alpha/sigma grounding. Going to try grounding to Everest to a ref6se to try. Thanks for the help.


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Ha! I just edited my post above to be more informative and accurate. In just a bit, I’ll get some links and background information for you to read up on. Busy presently at the moment…back in a bit.

Cheers,
Stephen aka PC

Anthony,
Here are a set of URLs to the key backgroud information describing the Altaira ground products, cables and tails.

As mentioned above, it's really important to read all this information prior to configuring an Altaira system.

Altaira Introduction and Overview Video: this is an important informational video; please watch it first before ordering hubs, cables, and tails.



ALTAIRA Road Map - Shunyata Research

Link to the Grounding products brochure: https://shunyata.com/download/22713/

Link to the Ground Concepts Guide:
https://shunyata.com/download/22720/

System profile link: https://shunyata.com/download/22724/

Hub Decision Tree:
https://shunyata.com/download/22729/

Component Continuity Test Sheet:
https://shunyata.com/download/22758/

Altaira Cable Worksheet:
https://shunyata.com/download/22762/

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Anthony,
Here are a set of URLs to the key backgroud information describing the Altaira ground products, cables and tails.

As mentioned above, it's really important to read all this information prior to configuring an Altaira system.

Altaira Introduction and Overview Video: this is an important informational video; please watch it first before ordering hubs, cables, and tails.



ALTAIRA Road Map - Shunyata Research

Link to the Grounding products brochure: https://shunyata.com/download/22713/

Link to the Ground Concepts Guide:
https://shunyata.com/download/22720/

System profile link: https://shunyata.com/download/22724/

Hub Decision Tree:
https://shunyata.com/download/22729/

Component Continuity Test Sheet:
https://shunyata.com/download/22758/

Altaira Cable Worksheet:
https://shunyata.com/download/22762/

Thanks so much for this will do my homework.


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Originally Posted by ack

When I hooked up my preamp and sources to the Everest's ground lugs with Alpha cables I did hear a small but significant improvement, so I can attest to your suggestion

This is helpful do you recall which cables you used to ground? I’d like to try the same. Thank you


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Originally Posted by ack

and FWIW, I've gone Alpha v2 all around - ground, power NR, signal - with a couple of Sigma XC on the Everest and amps for the reasons stated above. It's all the speed, power and purity that I need

Apologies clear as day ground lugs with alpha cables sorry. I haven’t heard much of a difference in the sigma vs alpha also, I’m mostly alpha v2 nr sigma v2 on amp and sigma XC on Everest. Curious to try to ground to the Everest to pre and source but they don’t have ground terminals I believe a screw is used.

Originally Posted by ack

Yes, a chassis screw is where you would attach them; I bought brass screws, copper are also available but not necessary since these STIS terminals are brass themselves

Actually, the STIS terminals are copper.

Originally Posted by AndrewR

This is helpful do you recall which cables you used to ground? I’d like to try the same. Thank you


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Alpha is a good level to standardize at for ground cables.

Originally Posted by ack

You may not have seen the plating?

They are gold-plated copper, but they are not brass.

well, there is a balance of how much and where you want to suppress noise.
shunyata is a bit of a broadband-antibiotica and can sound backwards. as for usb and ethernet, i do find omega very good. regarding powercords, my recommendation would be the delta 2nr. Excellent cable, very balanced. The models above are too much of a construction.
My favorit is to combine shunyata for front end with nordost for amplification and speakers.