Denali 2000T review

BlueFox

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After going for a few months I have decided it is time, again, to tweak the stereo with some upgrades. As I have posted a few times, my philosophy is clean power, cables, and vibration control are the foundation of a good stereo, and the better the foundation then the better the stereo. A solid foundation allows the other gear to work at its optimum.

Although I was very happy with my system I also knew that improvements were possible, but wasn't overly anxious to try anything. Then for whatever reason, I thought, why not. Let's spend some money. LOL

Since Shunyata had just released their next generation power conditioners and cables, they were a natural upgrade path. Magico also released new spikes with vibration elimination technology, so that too was an option.

After a little thought I decided to buy another Shunyata Denali 2000 power conditioner, and the Magico SPODs. The new Shunyata Sigma cables will be next, but in a month or two. I already had a Denali 2000 I purchased for the TV in the HT, but I later learned the Denali 2000 is designed mainly for amps. It has no current limitation, and uses the noise reduction technology from Shunyata's Medical Science division.

Before today, I was using Shunyata Cyclops v2 power conditioners on my amps, and they sounded great. Certainly better than plugging the amps directly into the wall. However, they did have a slight current lag, but the great noise reduction offset that. After thinking about this I felt the TV just needed the Cyclops. Hence, I ordered another Denali to use on the stereo, and it arrived today.

I installed both Denali at 3 this afternoon, and now 4 hours later, the stereo is starting to warm up.

While I really won't be able to judge it until later tonight as the system warms up, the air cools down, and the ambient noise decrease, my first impression is positive. While the music seems a bit clearer, along with vocals having a better 'edge' to each word, that will have to wait until later to really judge. However, I can say that the bass is more precise and hitting. That jumped right out at me. Hopefully, as the amps, and associated power cables, adjust to the Denali then things will continue to improve.

Since the SPODs are also supposed to tighten up the bass, and overall coherence, in the music then I expect these two upgrades to have an overall effect of getting new speakers. Can't complain about that. :)

The one thing I dislike about the Denali is they stand upright versus the Cyclop, which was flat on the floor. This let me place the Cyclop under the rack, while the Denali has to be on either side of the rack.

Anyway, as I gain more experience with this upgrade I will post it. I will say I have yet to be disappointed with a Shunyata product.

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I forgot to mention I bought this from Suncoast Audio. That is one quality company. I told them on Monday I wanted the Denali and SPODs, and snail mailed the check on Tuesday. Thursday I get a notice from UPS that the Denali will be delivered Friday. :exciting:

I think I will say I want to upgrade my cables to the latest Shunyata Sigma cables, but 'forget' to mail the check. LOL.

Only kidding about the forget part. :)
 
Both are superb products in my experience, though what I have are 6000T and SPOD Plus for S3.

Congrats and thanks for sharing your update. Like you, I'm a believer in getting the foundation right first - power, cables, etc.

I also always try to improve the weakest link in the system first. I have forgotten about the Ethernet cable as streaming isn't big percentage of the usage. Just ordered AQ Diamond and hope to increase my Tidal usage.
 
Congrats Bud! Those Denali 2000T's look like soldiers ready to do battle against the even Gremlin's that live in our power lines.

I use two 2000T's in the big room at the store and they are fantastic.

Congrats.


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Both are superb products in my experience, though what I have are 6000T and SPOD Plus for S3.

Congrats and thanks for sharing your update. Like you, I'm a believer in getting the foundation right first - power, cables, etc.

I also always try to improve the weakest link in the system first. I have forgotten about the Ethernet cable as streaming isn't big percentage of the usage. Just ordered AQ Diamond and hope to increase my Tidal usage.

Do the SPOD's work on the MKI speakers? Adding a set to my S3's would be something to consider, as if I'm upgrading it would be M3's rather than to MKII's.

Also, another satisfied customer here as well using a 6000T. I need to add a few sigma PC's at some point.
 
Do the SPOD's work on the MKI speakers? Adding a set to my S3's would be something to consider, as if I'm upgrading it would be M3's rather than to MKII's.

Also, another satisfied customer here as well using a 6000T. I need to add a few sigma PC's at some point.

Yes. S1/S3 mk1 need what they call SPOD Plus, which has out-trigger attached to it.
 
Congrats on the upgrades! I've been using Shunyata products for a good 5+ years; never disappointed.

Who is this Suncoast dealer? :rolleyes:
 
It is now Saturday afternoon, and the stereo is still going. I have watched some HT, and puttered around in the backyard, but no sleep yet. The music is giving me energy. While nice, it does mess up a weekend. :)

The only other time this has happened is when I bought my first Magico, the S5. That speaker kept me up all night more than once. I have to give credit to the Denali. I was very happy with the Cyclop performance, but am amazed at the improvement.

The only negative aspect is that now I have started to seriously think of an interconnect and speaker cable upgrade. LOL.
 
I forgot to mention I bought this from Suncoast Audio. That is one quality company. I told them on Monday I wanted the Denali and SPODs, and snail mailed the check on Tuesday. Thursday I get a notice from UPS that the Denali will be delivered Friday. :exciting:

I think I will say I want to upgrade my cables to the latest Shunyata Sigma cables, but 'forget' to mail the check. LOL.

Only kidding about the forget part. :)

Wow! , It would be great if Suncoast had a delegation in Spain. I ordered my 6000T at the end of April and I am still waiting .....
 
I have to admit that I really wasn't expecting to much of an improvement with the Denali 2000T over the Cyclop v2, but this is just phenomenal. The clarity, enunciation of words, precise bass, pinpoint imaging, and zero background noise is just outstanding from the Denali. I couldn't ask for a better upgrade. I just wish they had a Cyclop form factor.

I really need to seriously think of upgrading to Sigma speaker and interconnects. :)
 
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