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  1. #1
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    Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    ALTAIRA Grounding System - Shunyata Research

    We have been using a beta Altaira grounding system since January! WOW! JUST WOW. Folks that were at the Florida Audio Expo got to hear Richard from Shunyata do the A (Altaira on) vs B (Altaira unplugged) demo and WOW. Folks all came away wanting one.

    Well, now it’s here!!!

    ALTAIRA Grounding System - Shunyata Research









    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  2. #2
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Roadmap here:

    ALTAIRA Road Map - Shunyata Research


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  3. #3
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    My head is spinning. I just looked at some of the downloads for Altaira. Color me very confused.
    Contributor to stereotimes.com

  4. #4
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    lol yes, couple of questions....

    great looking product btw, a flat everest somehow.

  5. #5
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    A bit confused here. If I have a simple system do I just go for the Chassis Hub? My integrated, DAC, and server don't have chassis ground terminals. So I'll be connecting via signal ground (e.g., RCA terminal from equipment to Chassis Hub). Is that safe? Somewhere on the internet says Chassis Hub should only be connected to the equipment ground terminal. But the new literature says to use Chassis Hub for a simple system and add Signal Hub for a complex system.

  6. #6
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    At FLAX, Richard suggested the CGS unit was what we should get first and the SGS unit added the topping. But if we already have CGS via an Everest, Triton/Typhon, does that recommendation change?

    TommyC - I think the simple answer is - It is complicated. I have connected my DAC/Pre and Mono Amps to the CGS lugs on my Everest via the screws that hold the IEC plug on those pieces of equipment - that was based on the guidance from my equipment maker. Best to call Shunyata and/or your equipment manufacturers and ask them before connecting a signal input/output to a CGS.
    Main Equipment: Kharma Elegance dB11-S, JL Audio F113v2 X 2, Esoteric Grandioso C1X Solo PreAmp, Bricasti M21 DAC, M32 Mono Amplifiers, Antipodes Kala K-50 Server with 4TB internal SSD
    Power: Shunyata Everest 8000, Sigma XC v2, Sigma NR v2, Alpha NR v2 PCs, Defender, ADDPowr Wizard
    Grounding: Shunyata Altaira CGS - Alpha CGS cables
    Network : Supra Cat 8+, Twin (Nenon) Modified Buffalo GS2016 Switches with fiber in between powered with Keces P3 LPSU,
    Cables: Wireworld Platinum Starlight 2.0 8 USB, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse 8 Speaker cables, 1M & 6M Tubulus Concentus ICs,
    Other: Isoacoustics GAIA I footers on the Kharmas, GIK & Stillpoint Apertures, Stillpoint Ultra SS under
    Everest and Amplifiers, Three dedicated 20 Amp lines w/Furutech GTX - Gold outlets, Adona 5 Shelf rack, ROON, a few HRS weighs

  7. #7
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Hi guys, no dealer can sell the grounding system until they’ve gone through extensive training and are certified. We are scheduled to be the first dealer to do this next week (with Caelin in our store doing the training).

    Once this is completed, we will have a better idea of first steps and the entire process.

    We’ve been using the grounding system and playing with it since January. Phenomenal.


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    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  8. #8
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Is this fundamentally the same as the Nordost Q system?
    Buckeye Farmboy translocated to Boulder. Master and slave to my 10 year old twins
    System: Grimm MU1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Accuphase C3900 pre, TARA Labs 0.8 XLR, Gryphon Essence Stereo Amp, Tara LAbs 0.8 Speaker Cables, Rockport Atria ii's

  9. #9
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Is this fundamentally the same as the Nordost Q system?
    Buckeye Farmboy translocated to Boulder. Master and slave to my 10 year old twins
    System: Grimm MU1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Accuphase C3900 pre, TARA Labs 0.8 XLR, Gryphon Essence Stereo Amp, Tara LAbs 0.8 Speaker Cables, Rockport Atria ii's

  10. #10
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    ...no dealer can sell the grounding system until they’ve gone through extensive training and are certified...
    Count me out then. That will never work in my market.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
    Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
    | Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali

  11. #11
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    Count me out then. That will never work in my market.
    Why? Your dealer/distributor can’t use Zoom?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  12. #12
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    The whole concept of active dealer involvement in any way other than box shifting, in a market where some dealers don't even know they are dealers, and don't stock or demo the brand, will be a bridge too far. It 'aint gonna work.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
    Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
    | Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali

  13. #13
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    The whole concept of active dealer involvement in any way other than box shifting, in a market where some dealers don't even know they are dealers, and don't stock or demo the brand, will be a bridge too far. It 'aint gonna work.
    Wow, Australia sounds challenging. Was this what happened to Bodhi?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  14. #14
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    To buy something Shunyata from local Shunyata dealer the first challenge is to convince the salesman they are actually Shunyata dealers. Then you have to explain to them what it is you want to buy because they don't have a clue what you are talking about. Then they need to look into it and get back to you. And then you need to pay a deposit and place an order sight unseen because they don't stock anything Shunyata. And if you can negotiate all that successfully expect them to up the price after you've placed the order. And if you then cancel the order because they will no longer honor the quoted price you need to wait three months to get your deposit back. So if they want to apply that process to buying ALTAIRA here, I say, good luck with that. It 'aint gonna work.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
    Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
    | Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali

  15. #15
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Mike,

    Is this beyond the performance of the inherent grounding system of the latest Denali?

    Best,

    Jim
    DPT4ME - Dynamics, Presence & Tone for Musical Engagement; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Omega & Sigma USBs; ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; Aqua La Scala II Optologic DAC; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; Ayre Codex dac - updated; Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp; Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE-2 preamp, Quicksilver Mono 120 amps w/Tung-Sol KT150s; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s; Fyne Audio 703s; Symposium Svelte Plus & Ultra Platforms; REL S-812 subwoofers; Duelund DCA12GA speaker cables; AV Room Service EVPs, Stein Music Harmonizers, Duelund DCA16GA & 20GA ICs; Shunyata Denali 6000S/V2; Tripp Lite PCs; Wyred 4 Sound power cords; AudioDharma cable cooker; dedicated custom room; various GIK & ASC room treatments; etc.

    www.getbettersound.com

  16. #16
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Smith View Post
    Mike,

    Is this beyond the performance of the inherent grounding system of the latest Denali?

    Best,

    Jim
    Oh yes


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  17. #17
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Ricky64 View Post
    Is this fundamentally the same as the Nordost Q system?
    AFAIK, the ALTAIRA SG-NR is the closest thing to a qkore-6. I will probably send the qkore-6 down the system and exchange for the SG-NR on my critical components. Thankyou shunyata for the 6+1 on the box.

  18. #18
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Hi guys, no dealer can sell the grounding system until they’ve gone through extensive training and are certified. We are scheduled to be the first dealer to do this next week (with Caelin in our store doing the training).

    Once this is completed, we will have a better idea of first steps and the entire process.
    The information that Shunyata has posted recently is phenomenal - especially the road map. I have fewer than 6 components without an immediate need to separate analog from digital so my path forward is quite clear. Even so, I expect that I might have additional questions so I’m happy to hear that Shunyata will be prepping their dealers.

    I hate to say this, but I think these products are gonna put a strain on their dealers due to the volume of questions. It’ll help though that Shunyata is positioning their documents as something customers should fill out (with the help of their dealer) in advance to plan their implementation. This should cut down on the madness.

    The documents I’m referring to are here: ALTAIRA Road Map - Shunyata Research

    I must say that I especially love the component continuity test worksheet. On another manufacturer’s forum multiple times it had been asked about where best to connect ground cables. I had recommended checking continuity multiple times but I didn’t get the sense that they wanted to hear that answer. Having the process clearly written out will help. Kudos to Shunyata.
    Digital: Antipodes K30 > Shunyata Omega USB > Gustard X26pro DAC
    Amp & Speakers: Spectral DMA-150mk2 > Aerial 10T
    Foundation: Stillpoints Ultra, Shunyata Denali power conditioner, Shunyata Delta power cords, Shunyata Alpha interconnect, Shunyata Sigma Ethernet, MIT Matrix HD60 speaker cables, ASC isothermal tube traps

  19. #19
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    The price for the grounding hub is $2998 MSRP. By the time you've tricked it up with 6 x GC cables you've arrived in Denali price territory.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
    Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
    | Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali

  20. #20
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    The price for the grounding hub is $2998 MSRP. By the time you've tricked it up with 6 x GC cables you've arrived in Denali price territory.
    I know, right? I'm hoping their dealers will provide guidance on when it makes more sense to divert dollars into the conditioner vs. the grounding solution.
    Digital: Antipodes K30 > Shunyata Omega USB > Gustard X26pro DAC
    Amp & Speakers: Spectral DMA-150mk2 > Aerial 10T
    Foundation: Stillpoints Ultra, Shunyata Denali power conditioner, Shunyata Delta power cords, Shunyata Alpha interconnect, Shunyata Sigma Ethernet, MIT Matrix HD60 speaker cables, ASC isothermal tube traps

  21. #21
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    You would think for a fixed budget of play money to spend, if the choice came down to either ALTAIRA + GC cables or a Denali, the smart choice would be Denali.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
    Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
    | Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali

  22. #22

    Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by kennyb123 View Post
    I know, right? I'm hoping their dealers will provide guidance on when it makes more sense to divert dollars into the conditioner vs. the grounding solution.
    The answer is both. Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!! They are completely different ways of improving the sonics. Mutually exclusive.

  23. #23
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by kzhtoo View Post
    The answer is both. Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!! They are completely different ways of improving the sonics. Mutually exclusive.
    "Exclusive"? I think you meant to say "complementary". At least that is the concept as I understand it.

    I am waiting for the first 25 Shark owners to say or
    Contributor to stereotimes.com

  24. #24
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    My dealer, Music Lovers out here in Berkeley was trained a number of months ago. And they came out a few weeks ago to determine a) what components would "play" nicely with the Altaira. Ultimately my collection of gear would do well with only about 3-4 digital devices. And that specifically meant using the Altaira CG box since I wouldn't be segmenting my system or in need of more than 6 cables. The main components I've been using/testing are dCS DAC, dCS Upsampler and an Uptone etherREGEN network switch. Will add in a dCS Clock today to see if it does much for what I've already experienced. What I have heard so far has been a quieter system, able to pull out more details and consequently providing greater apparent dynamic contrasts and clarity across the board.
    Steve Schaffer
    Wilson Alexia V, Wilson Lōkē subs, Spectral preamp/amps, dCS Vivaldi stack, Grimm MU1, Shunyata Everest, Shunyata Omega interconnects and power cables, and Spectral-MIT speaker and power cables, Transparent XL clock cables, Cybershaft master clock, EtherREGEN, Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 75 cables for switch and clock

  25. #25
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by stevebythebay View Post
    My dealer, Music Lovers out here in Berkeley was trained a number of months ago. And they came out a few weeks ago to determine a) what components would "play" nicely with the Altaira. Ultimately my collection of gear would do well with only about 3-4 digital devices. And that specifically meant using the Altaira CG box since I wouldn't be segmenting my system or in need of more than 6 cables. The main components I've been using/testing are dCS DAC, dCS Upsampler and an Uptone etherREGEN network switch. Will add in a dCS Clock today to see if it does much for what I've already experienced. What I have heard so far has been a quieter system, able to pull out more details and consequently providing greater apparent dynamic contrasts and clarity across the board.
    Steve, was the improvement commensurate with the cost? I have gotten similar but minor results with a few hundred dollars in isolation footers. Many thousands of dollars and a new box and more wires demands serious improvement before I go there.
    Contributor to stereotimes.com

  26. #26
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    The whole area of grounding is a bit mysterious to most of us. This guide is nice in terms of what the Shunyata power distributors do https://shunyata.com/download/15436/ in this area. The power distributors only deal with chassis ground, not signal ground. The new Altaira documentation delves into how this technology seeks to mitigate noise in a more targeted way, especially for signal grounding, rather than the ground plane noise reduction works for the power distributors.

    Dealers trained on the tech will be in the best position to help customers properly setup and test their own environment. I personally came to understand that none of my analog gear would play, for a variety of reasons, into the Altaira solution. So, your own system is determinant of what will work.
    Steve Schaffer
    Wilson Alexia V, Wilson Lōkē subs, Spectral preamp/amps, dCS Vivaldi stack, Grimm MU1, Shunyata Everest, Shunyata Omega interconnects and power cables, and Spectral-MIT speaker and power cables, Transparent XL clock cables, Cybershaft master clock, EtherREGEN, Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 75 cables for switch and clock

  27. #27
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Dizzie View Post
    Steve, was the improvement commensurate with the cost? I have gotten similar but minor results with a few hundred dollars in isolation footers. Many thousands of dollars and a new box and more wires demands serious improvement before I go there.
    What you point out is exactly why you must use a dealer who's been trained by Shunyata to visit you with their kit of CG and SG and all the possible cabling and tails of various types and lengths. This is not just a simple matter of plug 'n play.
    Sorry if that's a bit disconcerting, but that's reality. I've had my share of try and buy which often leads to making quick and ultimately poor decisions. If you cannot or are unwilling to do so, then don't bother. As is often said at the gym - "no pain, no gain".
    Steve Schaffer
    Wilson Alexia V, Wilson Lōkē subs, Spectral preamp/amps, dCS Vivaldi stack, Grimm MU1, Shunyata Everest, Shunyata Omega interconnects and power cables, and Spectral-MIT speaker and power cables, Transparent XL clock cables, Cybershaft master clock, EtherREGEN, Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 75 cables for switch and clock

  28. #28

    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Dizzie View Post
    "Exclusive"? I think you meant to say "complementary". At least that is the concept as I understand it.

    I am waiting for the first 25 Shark owners to say or
    My bad. Meant to say NOT mutually exclusive. You can get both devices and they won’t get in the way of each other.

  29. #29
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    IMHO, starting with chassis ground is fine (CG-NR). But I’m curious why Steve also didn’t add a signal ground (SG-NR) to the dcs stack and etherregen? That can sometimes be more pronounced than what is described from using chassis grounding only(?)

    Also, why not signal/chassis grounding on preamp?

  30. #30
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    The chassis ground covers the initial 6 attached devices and is recommended strongly for such applications. As you can see from my signature I’ve quite a few potential candidates for the Altaira. And if all could be deployed I would have used a pair of the signal ground versions, splitting them in the recommended manner - one for analog and the other for digital.

    When my dealer came, the first thing he did was to “survey” all and use his multimeter to check each component. Turns out my Spectral gear does not play well with any external grounding (the amps rely on the preamp for grounding protection and it’s even necessary to float these mono block’s ground to The AC wall receptacle).

    A nasty surprise awaited us when attempting to connect the Spectral preamp to the Altaira. Turning on one of the mono block amps resulted in a noise I do not wish to hear again. So, do not think about messing with Spectral’s ground! They have their own highly sensitive “ecosystem”.

    That left only my powered subs, which it turns out, are internally grounded. So, that left me with the DAC, Upsampler, a pair of clocks, network switch, and a couple of LPS’s.

    After lots of actual listening it became clear that testing chassis ground for the LPS’s yielded zero benefit - no great surprise there.

    Connecting the dCS DAC and Upsampler yielded benefits. However,
    connecting the dCS Clock via BNC yielded a less favorable result than not connecting at all. Given the nature of how the clock must be operating vis a vis the DAC and Upsampler, an impact of some kind creates a lack of coherence in the sonic image.

    The Uptone etherREGEN network switch benefits from grounding as well as using an external clock, and it was the most obvious candidate for the Altaira. And it proved very much the case. This is by design. At Uptone, John made specific propionate for external grounding and circuitry for external master clock. The etherREGEN, as well as dCS Clock are “commanded” by the Cybershaft clock.

    What was unexpected happened when I connected an available port on the Cybershaft clock to the Altaira, and set all the individual wired output grounding switches on the clock: to chassis ground, from isolated. The overall sonic benefits I’d heard to that point improved a bit more.

    Sorry for the lengthy post but I hoped to provide a real play-by-play of how and a bit of why each home environment can differ.
    Steve Schaffer
    Wilson Alexia V, Wilson Lōkē subs, Spectral preamp/amps, dCS Vivaldi stack, Grimm MU1, Shunyata Everest, Shunyata Omega interconnects and power cables, and Spectral-MIT speaker and power cables, Transparent XL clock cables, Cybershaft master clock, EtherREGEN, Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 75 cables for switch and clock

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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Thankyou Steve for sharing that journey. I bet spectral owners appreciate to know this.

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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Mike,

    Steve's post got me thinking. Would the "multimeter survey" always be the same for a component or would it depend upon the individual hook up situation (main power and power conditioning in use)?

    If the multimeter test would always be the same it might be possible to create a master list of how specific equipment responds to Altaira chassis grounding. Wishful thinking.
    Contributor to stereotimes.com

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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Best to review the docs: ALTAIRA Road Map - Shunyata Research and in particular: https://shunyata.com//wp-content/upl...-Worksheet.pdf

    Note that you're measuring very specific points as you answer the questions in order. For example, in my case with my powered subs, I have neither a dedicated ground terminal nor dedicated ground pin (only using a two prong cable into the sub). So not a candidate for Altaira.

    By the way, for components with numerous input/output connections, it might, and I say might, be both possible and beneficial to use multiple grounding cables from the component to an Altaira. But it again comes down to testing.
    Steve Schaffer
    Wilson Alexia V, Wilson Lōkē subs, Spectral preamp/amps, dCS Vivaldi stack, Grimm MU1, Shunyata Everest, Shunyata Omega interconnects and power cables, and Spectral-MIT speaker and power cables, Transparent XL clock cables, Cybershaft master clock, EtherREGEN, Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 75 cables for switch and clock

  34. #34

    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by stevebythebay View Post
    When my dealer came, the first thing he did was to “survey” all and use his multimeter to check each component. Turns out my Spectral gear does not play well with any external grounding (the amps rely on the preamp for grounding protection and it’s even necessary to float these mono block’s ground to The AC wall receptacle).

    A nasty surprise awaited us when attempting to connect the Spectral preamp to the Altaira. Turning on one of the mono block amps resulted in a noise I do not wish to hear again. So, do not think about messing with Spectral’s ground! They have their own highly sensitive “ecosystem”.
    Thank you, noted. I also float my Spectral amps as instructed, and I can also hear and measure ground leakage if I connect their grounds, using my phono which will hum a little. So either float the amps or the phono, and it's best to float the amps. They also sound better that way, with all sources. I just wish I could find a really, really good cheater plug. Will steer clear from grounding solutions like the Altaira.
    - VPI Aries 3, custom suspension & platter interface; VPI JMW 10.5i - magnetically stabilized; Ortofon Verismo; VPI SDS speed controller​. Pass XP-25 - modded & fully shielded + Tubulus umbilical
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    - Spectral 4000SV
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  35. #35
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Yep! Wish it was “safe” to simply rewire my two dedicated 20 amp circuits for the mono blocks to avoid cheaters. So, I’ve been using some from Synergistic Research I got years ago. But there may be others.
    Steve Schaffer
    Wilson Alexia V, Wilson Lōkē subs, Spectral preamp/amps, dCS Vivaldi stack, Grimm MU1, Shunyata Everest, Shunyata Omega interconnects and power cables, and Spectral-MIT speaker and power cables, Transparent XL clock cables, Cybershaft master clock, EtherREGEN, Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 75 cables for switch and clock

  36. #36

    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Steve, curious, did your dealer measure for continuity before implementing anything as instructed by Shunyata? and did he find a zero-impedance path from preamp ground, via the Altaira, to earth ground?
    - VPI Aries 3, custom suspension & platter interface; VPI JMW 10.5i - magnetically stabilized; Ortofon Verismo; VPI SDS speed controller​. Pass XP-25 - modded & fully shielded + Tubulus umbilical
    - Magnum Dynalab MD-90SE/105
    - Spectral 4000SV
    - Spectral DMC-30SV, Spectral DMA-500AR
    - Custom MartinLogan hybrids, REL Stadium III sub - modded
    - MIT MA-X phono,90.1 speaker - shielded; Shunyata Everest, Alpha v2 NR, Sigma XC, Alpha v3 CGC
    - Isodamp, mumetal, 3M AB5100, Carbon Fiber sheets, Dynamat, Copper foil; Vishay diodes, resistors; Mundorf crossover coils & capacitors; custom electrostatic step-up transformers

  37. #37
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by stevebythebay View Post
    What you point out is exactly why you must use a dealer who's been trained by Shunyata to visit you with their kit of CG and SG and all the possible cabling and tails of various types and lengths. This is not just a simple matter of plug 'n play.
    Sorry if that's a bit disconcerting, but that's reality. I've had my share of try and buy which often leads to making quick and ultimately poor decisions. If you cannot or are unwilling to do so, then don't bother. As is often said at the gym - "no pain, no gain".
    EXACTLY! No dealer has been trained. We will be the first on Wednesday. No dealer should have attempted this without certification.


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    Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by stevebythebay View Post
    My dealer, Music Lovers out here in Berkeley was trained a number of months ago.
    Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!! The training docs were just finished.


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    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

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  39. #39
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by kennyb123 View Post

    I hate to say this, but I think these products are gonna put a strain on their dealers due to the volume of questions. It’ll help though that Shunyata is positioning their documents as something customers should fill out (with the help of their dealer) in advance to plan their implementation. This should cut down on the madness.
    Fingers crossed! I passionately believe in grounding, I’ve heard the differences, so it will be worth it.


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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by ack View Post
    Steve, curious, did your dealer measure for continuity before implementing anything as instructed by Shunyata? and did he find a zero-impedance path from preamp ground, via the Altaira, to earth ground?
    Yes he did. And it was appropriately <1 ohm for inlet ground pin to BNC. So, we got a real surprise once we wired up from SPDIF 3 to the Altaira, and turned on the amp.
    Steve Schaffer
    Wilson Alexia V, Wilson Lōkē subs, Spectral preamp/amps, dCS Vivaldi stack, Grimm MU1, Shunyata Everest, Shunyata Omega interconnects and power cables, and Spectral-MIT speaker and power cables, Transparent XL clock cables, Cybershaft master clock, EtherREGEN, Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 75 cables for switch and clock

  41. #41
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Not to blindside you, but Music Lovers, out here in the BayArea, received training quite some time ago (visited by by Shunyata). I listened to the Altaira initially the middle of August at their store, and was impressed enough that a number of weeks ago we began testing at my home with a couple of SG and CG and quite the collection of cables. It’s been a revealing slog that’s nearing its end, I hope.
    Steve Schaffer
    Wilson Alexia V, Wilson Lōkē subs, Spectral preamp/amps, dCS Vivaldi stack, Grimm MU1, Shunyata Everest, Shunyata Omega interconnects and power cables, and Spectral-MIT speaker and power cables, Transparent XL clock cables, Cybershaft master clock, EtherREGEN, Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 75 cables for switch and clock

  42. #42
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by stevebythebay View Post
    Not to blindside you, but Music Lovers, out here in the BayArea, received training quite some time ago (visited by by Shunyata). I listened to the Altaira initially the middle of August at their store, and was impressed enough that a number of weeks ago we began testing at my home with a couple of SG and CG and quite the collection of cables. It’s been a revealing slog that’s nearing its end, I hope.
    If you refer back to the visit from Caelin a few months ago (posted here), we received the same initial training, but it wasn’t finalized. We’ve also had the grounding systems since January to boot. However, we thought it prudent to not start Willy nilly running around to customers trying the grounding system until the training was fully finalized and we were certified.

    With regard to your situation, my guess is that Spectral and grounding aren’t a good match.


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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    If you refer back to the visit from Caelin a few months ago (posted here), we received the same initial training, but it wasnÂ’t finalized. WeÂ’ve also had the grounding systems since January to boot. However, we thought it prudent to not start Willy nilly running around to customers trying the grounding system until the training was fully finalized and we were certified.

    With regard to your situation, my guess is that Spectral and grounding arenÂ’t a good match.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    OK. I wasn’t a party to the particulars, so I don’t know about any “certification”. Just that Grant came down to the dealership and did extensive training within the past month or so. And I’d been communicating with members of their team since Richard happened to broach this project over a year ago. So, I’m a bit of a quasi beta customer, I suppose.

    You bet about Spectral. Seems Keith Johnson had already dealt with grounding in the Spectral design, to an extent that precludes any mucking with “outsider” components.
    Steve Schaffer
    Wilson Alexia V, Wilson Lōkē subs, Spectral preamp/amps, dCS Vivaldi stack, Grimm MU1, Shunyata Everest, Shunyata Omega interconnects and power cables, and Spectral-MIT speaker and power cables, Transparent XL clock cables, Cybershaft master clock, EtherREGEN, Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 75 cables for switch and clock

  44. #44
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by ack View Post
    I just wish I could find a really, really good cheater plug. Will steer clear from grounding solutions like the Altaira.
    If it weren’t for the fact that you would easily be able to return this within 30 days, I wouldn’t post a link to this. I’m dubious but I have no doubt you’d give it a fair shake were you to try one yourself.
    Digital: Antipodes K30 > Shunyata Omega USB > Gustard X26pro DAC
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    Foundation: Stillpoints Ultra, Shunyata Denali power conditioner, Shunyata Delta power cords, Shunyata Alpha interconnect, Shunyata Sigma Ethernet, MIT Matrix HD60 speaker cables, ASC isothermal tube traps

  45. #45
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by stevebythebay View Post
    A nasty surprise awaited us when attempting to connect the Spectral preamp to the Altaira. Turning on one of the mono block amps resulted in a noise I do not wish to hear again. So, do not think about messing with Spectral’s ground! They have their own highly sensitive “ecosystem”.
    Excellent and very helpful report, Steve. Would you clarify though that you were specifically talking about signal grounding with Spectral? I can’t imagine that things would go amiss with chassis grounding but I just wanted to make sure.

    As far as the EtherRegen, I imagined it would benefit so thanks for confirming. At present this is the only thing I have connected to the CGS terminal on my Denali v1. I need to provide it with a better ground cable though.
    Digital: Antipodes K30 > Shunyata Omega USB > Gustard X26pro DAC
    Amp & Speakers: Spectral DMA-150mk2 > Aerial 10T
    Foundation: Stillpoints Ultra, Shunyata Denali power conditioner, Shunyata Delta power cords, Shunyata Alpha interconnect, Shunyata Sigma Ethernet, MIT Matrix HD60 speaker cables, ASC isothermal tube traps

  46. #46

    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by kennyb123 View Post
    If it weren’t for the fact that you would easily be able to return this within 30 days, I wouldn’t post a link to this. I’m dubious but I have no doubt you’d give it a fair shake were you to try one yourself.
    That's just a cheap Leviton with folded metal prongs, with a fancy sticker on it
    - VPI Aries 3, custom suspension & platter interface; VPI JMW 10.5i - magnetically stabilized; Ortofon Verismo; VPI SDS speed controller​. Pass XP-25 - modded & fully shielded + Tubulus umbilical
    - Magnum Dynalab MD-90SE/105
    - Spectral 4000SV
    - Spectral DMC-30SV, Spectral DMA-500AR
    - Custom MartinLogan hybrids, REL Stadium III sub - modded
    - MIT MA-X phono,90.1 speaker - shielded; Shunyata Everest, Alpha v2 NR, Sigma XC, Alpha v3 CGC
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by ack View Post
    That's just a cheap Leviton with folded metal prongs, with a fancy sticker on it
    Yeah it sure looks that way. But do their enhancements make it into something better is the question. Not something to be answered in this thread so I’ll just leave it at that. Plus, if I was stuck having to use a cheater, I’d probably arrange to have a Leviton put through the QSA process.
    Digital: Antipodes K30 > Shunyata Omega USB > Gustard X26pro DAC
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    Foundation: Stillpoints Ultra, Shunyata Denali power conditioner, Shunyata Delta power cords, Shunyata Alpha interconnect, Shunyata Sigma Ethernet, MIT Matrix HD60 speaker cables, ASC isothermal tube traps

  48. #48

    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by kennyb123 View Post
    Yeah it sure looks that way. But do their enhancements make it into something better is the question. Not something to be answered in this thread so I’ll just leave it at that. Plus, if I was stuck having to use a cheater, I’d probably arrange to have a Leviton put through the QSA process.
    Here are the only cheater plugs that I have found sporting true solid prongs with a very firm grip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TXMFRY2...roduct_details
    I have tested at least half a dozen plugs over the years
    - VPI Aries 3, custom suspension & platter interface; VPI JMW 10.5i - magnetically stabilized; Ortofon Verismo; VPI SDS speed controller​. Pass XP-25 - modded & fully shielded + Tubulus umbilical
    - Magnum Dynalab MD-90SE/105
    - Spectral 4000SV
    - Spectral DMC-30SV, Spectral DMA-500AR
    - Custom MartinLogan hybrids, REL Stadium III sub - modded
    - MIT MA-X phono,90.1 speaker - shielded; Shunyata Everest, Alpha v2 NR, Sigma XC, Alpha v3 CGC
    - Isodamp, mumetal, 3M AB5100, Carbon Fiber sheets, Dynamat, Copper foil; Vishay diodes, resistors; Mundorf crossover coils & capacitors; custom electrostatic step-up transformers

  49. #49
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    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by kennyb123 View Post
    Excellent and very helpful report, Steve. Would you clarify though that you were specifically talking about signal grounding with Spectral? I can’t imagine that things would go amiss with chassis grounding but I just wanted to make sure.

    As far as the EtherRegen, I imagined it would benefit so thanks for confirming. At present this is the only thing I have connected to the CGS terminal on my Denali v1. I need to provide it with a better ground cable though.
    After testing my Spectral preamp with the multimeter and verifying it was a candidate for using the Altaira SG we tested as I'd previously indicated, with a less than happy result. Given that it seems Spectral equipment is such an odd "edge" case for grounding, as evidenced by the need to float mono block amp inputs (and this dates back to my prior experience with earlier mono block and their 260 stereo amp), it should not have come as such a surprise that this combination of preamp and amps act in concert to mitigate such ground related issues on their own. As I said before, the designer, Keith Johnson, must have worked quite diligently on this and other aspects all along. And its part and parcel of their demand that customers follow their guidance in using specified speaker and interconnect cabling from MIT that they worked on with Bruce Brisson, as well as MIT power cabling. I wouldn't have stuck with their gear all these years if I didn't believe in what they are doing, and of course the sonic results.

    As for other equipment I know about that have successfully mated with the Altaira CG and SG components, they've included top end tube and solid state stereo amps with no issues and solid results

    Glad to hear you've experienced success with the etherREGEN and Denali. Others who've used the SG with the etherREGEN have remarked as well on the big impact Altaira has made in their system.

    I urge anyone, who's interested in improving their system, to consider engaging their Shunyata dealer, once they've received approval from the company, to first listen at the dealer location. If they're satisfied with what they are hearing, have the dealer bring out the requisite Altaira components and cabling to see how they could perform in their home system.
    Steve Schaffer
    Wilson Alexia V, Wilson Lōkē subs, Spectral preamp/amps, dCS Vivaldi stack, Grimm MU1, Shunyata Everest, Shunyata Omega interconnects and power cables, and Spectral-MIT speaker and power cables, Transparent XL clock cables, Cybershaft master clock, EtherREGEN, Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 75 cables for switch and clock

  50. #50

    Re: Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

    Quote Originally Posted by stevebythebay View Post
    After testing my Spectral preamp with the multimeter and verifying it was a candidate for using the Altaira SG we tested as I'd previously indicated, with a less than happy result.
    Steve, did the dealer try the same thing at his store first, with his own Spectral gear? And was that successful?
    - VPI Aries 3, custom suspension & platter interface; VPI JMW 10.5i - magnetically stabilized; Ortofon Verismo; VPI SDS speed controller​. Pass XP-25 - modded & fully shielded + Tubulus umbilical
    - Magnum Dynalab MD-90SE/105
    - Spectral 4000SV
    - Spectral DMC-30SV, Spectral DMA-500AR
    - Custom MartinLogan hybrids, REL Stadium III sub - modded
    - MIT MA-X phono,90.1 speaker - shielded; Shunyata Everest, Alpha v2 NR, Sigma XC, Alpha v3 CGC
    - Isodamp, mumetal, 3M AB5100, Carbon Fiber sheets, Dynamat, Copper foil; Vishay diodes, resistors; Mundorf crossover coils & capacitors; custom electrostatic step-up transformers

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Shunyata Launches - ALTAIRA GROUNDING SYSTEM!!

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