Sigma-X GCG ground cable-WOW!

[Puma Cat]

So, yesterday I installed a single Sigma-X ground cable from Shunyata's newly-launched line of "X-Series" cables between my Lumin P1 and my source-component dedicated Altaira ground hub and....

Whoa!

Mind. Blown.

When I set up my fully-segmented Altaira system (dual-mono for the Constellation amp , i.e., an Altaira for each channel, L/R), and a third Altaira dedicated just for the Lumin P1 and EAR phono stage source components, and the cables required for it, I had standardized on the (original spec) Alpha ground cables for the key components (Lumin P1, Constellation amp, phono stage) for this segmented Altaira system.

I have to say installing just this one Sigma-X ground cable between the Lumin P1* and the source-component dedicated Altaira took the overall system performance s to another level, altogether. (*-and, once again, thank you, Lumin, for putting a proper ground terminal on your fine products; wish all manufacturers did this. ).

Mike's posted about the new Alpha-X and Sigma-X line of cables, and all I can say is that those breakthroughs in noise reduction, clarity, transparency, dynamics, resolution, etc. is fully carried through the the new "X-series" of ground cables as well.

I don't know what Caelin and team have have specifically done from an R&D perspective in developing the new new "X-series" of cables, but I can assure you guys, it truly is a breakthrough.

I'm sure Mike would agree.

Cheers, guys.

 

[a.wayne]

polaroid camera must be down , where are the pics Puma ..?

 

[Puma Cat]

polaroid camera must be down , where are the pics Puma ..?

Ha! Sorry, I don't have Polaroid. Doh! I'll post some pics when I get chance; its been really rainy and dark here in the SF Bay Area last few days. And the winds have been...insane.

 

[Mike]

So, yesterday I installed a single Sigma-X ground cable from Shunyata's newly-launched line of "X-Series" cables between my Lumin P1 and my source-component dedicated Altaira ground hub and....

Whoa!

Mind. Blown.

When I set up my fully-segmented Altaira system (dual-mono for the Constellation amp , i.e., an Altaira for each channel, L/R), and a third Altaira dedicated just for the Lumin P1 and EAR phono stage source components, and the cables required for it, I had standardized on the (original spec) Alpha ground cables for the key components (Lumin P1, Constellation amp, phono stage) for this segmented Altaira system.

I have to say installing just this one Sigma-X ground cable between the Lumin P1* and the source-component dedicated Altaira took the overall system performance s to another level, altogether. (*-and, once again, thank you, Lumin, for putting a proper ground terminal on your fine products; wish all manufacturers did this. ).

Mike's posted about the new Alpha-X and Sigma-X line of cables, and all I can say is that those breakthroughs in noise reduction, clarity, transparency, dynamics, resolution, etc. is fully carried through the the new "X-series" of ground cables as well.

I don't know what Caelin and team have have specifically done from an R&D perspective in developing the new new "X-series" of cables, but I can assure you guys, it truly is a breakthrough.

I'm sure Mike would agree.

Cheers, guys.

Yes!!

 

[Puma Cat]

Yes!!

Isn't it...INSANE? Still trying to get my head around it. Going to get another Sigma-X ground cable along with a '"two-headed" XLR tail so I can connect it to unused L/R XLR jacks on the Constellation integrated to the fully-segmented Altaira SG set-up I use for the Constellation Inspiration integrated amp.

"Yeah, baby, yeah!" –Austin Powers, Intenational Man of Mystery

 

[brodricj]

I'm not getting too carried away by this grounding cable caper. I bought a roll of pure silver PTFE coated milspec cable and cut it to length for my Altaira-SG grounding system. Unless there was a home demo possibility I'll stick with my DIY effort.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

I'm not getting too carried away by this grounding cable caper. I bought a roll of pure silver PTFE coated milspec cable and cut it to length for my Altaira-SG grounding system. Unless there was a home demo possibility I'll stick with my DIY effort.

Don't worry. Shunyata will come out with a new and improved "way better" version in 6 months rendering all the cables people just bought ancient, outdated and worth only pennies on the dollar in used cable forums.

It's interesting to read some of the grumbling from the Shunyata cult about this already on the forums.

I don't use their cables so I don't care one way or the other.

 

[Mikado463]

Wow Stephen, now I'm here on the East coast, so in theory I'll well ahead of you in Manhattan consumption this evening but regardless..............a 'Wow is a Wow' !!

 

[SCAudiophile]

So, yesterday I installed a single Sigma-X ground cable from Shunyata's newly-launched line of "X-Series" cables between my Lumin P1 and my source-component dedicated Altaira ground hub and....

Whoa!

Mind. Blown.

When I set up my fully-segmented Altaira system (dual-mono for the Constellation amp , i.e., an Altaira for each channel, L/R), and a third Altaira dedicated just for the Lumin P1 and EAR phono stage source components, and the cables required for it, I had standardized on the (original spec) Alpha ground cables for the key components (Lumin P1, Constellation amp, phono stage) for this segmented Altaira system.

I have to say installing just this one Sigma-X ground cable between the Lumin P1* and the source-component dedicated Altaira took the overall system performance s to another level, altogether. (*-and, once again, thank you, Lumin, for putting a proper ground terminal on your fine products; wish all manufacturers did this. ).

Mike's posted about the new Alpha-X and Sigma-X line of cables, and all I can say is that those breakthroughs in noise reduction, clarity, transparency, dynamics, resolution, etc. is fully carried through the the new "X-series" of ground cables as well.

I don't know what Caelin and team have have specifically done from an R&D perspective in developing the new new "X-series" of cables, but I can assure you guys, it truly is a breakthrough.

I'm sure Mike would agree.

Cheers, guys.

Did you utilize the Sigma-X as a signal ground or chassis ground link?

The statement regarding a whole other level of performance is intriguing. What cable did the Sigma-X replace?

Have you done a direct comparison between the X and the v3 Sigma by any chance?

 

[Puma Cat]

Did you utilize the Sigma-X as a signal ground or chassis ground link?

The statement regarding a whole other level of performance is intriguing. What cable did the Sigma-X replace?

Have you done a direct comparison between the X and the v3 Sigma by any chance?

Chassis-ground connection to the chassis ground terminal of my Lumin P1. It replaced an original-spec Alpha CGC (prior to the new "-X" series) ground cable.

And no, I didn't do a comparison with Sigma CGC because I don't have one here to compare. I standardized on "original spec" Alpha ground cables for the key components (Lumin, Constellation, etc) back when I implemented my Altaira setup, and Venom for the "lesser" gear, e.g., the internet router, EtherRegen, etc., in the RSR.

 

[crwilli]

This thread and others about X have me questioning the meaning of life. Yes, I have drank the kool-aid and own multiple Shunyata products and cables. Sigma V2, Alpha Grounds, altairas and an Everest.

BUT - Color me spectacularly resistant that a new ground cable gives a ‘mind blown’ level of SQ improvement and that the new X cables blow away the old products.

I am off the hype wagon and don’t care how many orgasms people have, I am not buying it.

 

[brodricj]

I am off the hype wagon and don’t care how many orgasms people have, I am not buying it.

Me neither, with the caveat I haven't tried. The Altaira grounding hub brought an incremental system improvement, but it does my head in that the grounding cable - of any construction - can make any more of a fractional incremental system improvement than what the grounding hub does. My pure silver DIY ground cables with rhodium plated spades look good and do the intended job.

 

[SCAudiophile]

Isn't it...INSANE? Still trying to get my head around it. Going to get another Sigma-X ground cable along with a '"two-headed" XLR tail so I can connect it to unused L/R XLR jacks on the Constellation integrated to the fully-segmented Altaira SG set-up I use for the Constellation Inspiration integrated amp.

"Yeah, baby, yeah!" –Austin Powers, Intenational Man of Mystery

@Puma Cat Would you clarify what you mean by a "two-headed XLR tail"? Does Shunyata now make a VTX or VTX-Ag STIS ground tail that has dual XLRs on the component-end? That could save much money in only a single cable then being required for a stereo component like an amp or pre-amp that has both L and R channel signal ground point opportunities. I know that in my setup, I had to buy two Alpha (and later Sigma v3) cables to signal ground such stereo components (and my dual-mono DAC blocks). It's enticing to think of a future state where those two cables could become one cable with a dual-headed Shunyata VTX-Ag ground tail.

The only thought that comes to mind that I'd need to investigate is whether doing so (single ground cable, dual-headed
ground tail) would, when used with a dual-mono internal build component where the L and R channel circuitry is fully
separated internally as Esoteric and other high-end manufacturers do, then allows for crosstalk/back flow of signal
ground noise between the fully separated L and R circuitry inadvertently. Part of me doubts this is significant issue if the post on the Altaira is an fast enough drain (sink) in this situation in this scenario however the question does arise.

 

[SCAudiophile]

Chassis-ground connection to the chassis ground terminal of my Lumin P1. It replaced an original-spec Alpha CGC (prior to the new "-X" series) ground cable.

And no, I didn't do a comparison with Sigma CGC because I don't have one here to compare. I standardized on "original spec" Alpha ground cables for the key components (Lumin, Constellation, etc) back when I implemented my Altaira setup, and Venom for the "lesser" gear, e.g., the internet router, EtherRegen, etc., in the RSR.

@Puma Cat I can definitely relate to this; as you may remember, I started chassis grounding my system some 15+ years ago (Granite Audio Ground Zero & cables) and as of the last couple years have upgraded, and am squarely all-in with a multi-zone Altaira setup for signal grounding. For chassis grounding, I utilize Everest and Typhon T2_30amp power conditioners in my system and tie all chassis grounding together back to the Everest's CG posts, also tying the two Altaira SG-NR hubs into the Typhon T2_30amp (1) and Everest power conditioner respectively. I have yet to add an Altaira CG-NR for all chassis ground connections (then tie it to the Everest and to the wall of course) but will do so at some future point when finances allow.

I invested in a combination of Delta and Alpha ground cables from 1.5 and 2meter up to several 6-meter for all my chassis and ground cables. When I upgraded all of those cables at once to Sigma v3 cables, the difference was a huge leap in overall sound quality, musical accuracy (tone, pacing, imaging and all important categories of evaluation), imaging, noise floor dropping to incredible levels.

With 25 Sigma v3 ground cables (all with STIS terminations) and 14 VTX-Ag ground tails with various connectors for signal grounding in the mix, it, together with the two Altaira SG-NR, Everest and Typhon T2_30amp were a signficant investment last year. That investment in total has advanced my system in ways I did not imagine and to commensurate levels. The
aural and overall musical difference is not subtle.

As a footnote, similar advancements were made moving up from Sigma to Sigma v2, then to Omega CLOCK-50 BNC and also AES cables on the digital front-end of my system. The Omega AES found a new home in early 2022 as my Grandioso stack works best with ES-LINK4 (dual HDMI for data cables).

Knowing Shunyata as a customer as I do for the 20+ years I've benefitted from the use of aLOT of their products, I am sure the new "X" generation wires are improved in key ways. If a dealer/other is willing to send me a couple Sigma-X 2-meter CGC/SGC cables, I'm more than happy to put in many days of detailed "A vs B" testing on signal grounding where any difference would be readily apparent in my experience. Some test results showing the new cables and their noise dissipation properties would be useful however I'm not sure how realistic that request is.

In the meantime, as others have said, with a 25 cable and 14 STIS ground tail investment in this system that's about a year old, the prospect of moving up to the latest wire is not an idea that happens based upon "wow" and "mind-blowing" reports. Data, details and experience will be required.

 

[Puma Cat]

Me neither, with the caveat I haven't tried. The Altaira grounding hub brought an incremental system improvement, but it does my head in that the grounding cable - of any construction - can make any more of a fractional incremental system improvement than what the grounding hub does. My pure silver DIY ground cables with rhodium plated spades look good and do the intended job.

Then you're "done", and don't need to give this specific topic anymore consideration. Sounds good to me.

 

[Puma Cat]

This thread and others about X have me questioning the meaning of life. Yes, I have drank the kool-aid and own multiple Shunyata products and cables. Sigma V2, Alpha Grounds, altairas and an Everest.

BUT - Color me spectacularly resistant that a new ground cable gives a ‘mind blown’ level of SQ improvement and that the new X cables blow away the old products.

I am off the hype wagon and don’t care how many orgasms people have, I am not buying it.

I didn't have "orgasm" about it, and moreover, I never said in my posts above that the new X-cables "blow away the old products", so most respectfully, I'd appreciate other folks' replies not inaccurately mis-characterizing my comments from installing the Sigma-X ground cable.

When I said, "Mind. Blown." it was a "turn of phrase" because I literally did not expect the magnitude of improvement that installing a single Sigma-X ground cable made to the system and presentation. My thought is that Mike B. would agree with the level of improvement this new cable specification provides.

The new Sigma-X has two in-line combination TAP device/C-mode filters on it, which the original Alpha-specification ground cable does not, so those devices alone will provide superior Trans-Axial Polarization and noise reduction. The Sigma-X also has a larger cable diameter than the original-spec Alpha-X ground cable, so I'd hypothesize it has lower impedance than the original-spec Alpha ground cables.


If folks are curious or interested in what this new line of ground-cables can provide, I'd recommend they contact Mike B for a first-hand demo or audition. Then folks can decide for themselves.

Cheers.

 

[Puma Cat]

@Puma Cat Would you clarify what you mean by a "two-headed XLR tail"? Does Shunyata now make a VTX or VTX-Ag STIS ground tail that has dual XLRs on the component-end?

Yes, Shunyata makes "multi-tails" with a number of different terminations available for use with their ground cables, including XLR, RCA, RJ45 Ethernet, USB, etc. So, for my Constellation integrated, if I want to connect a GCG ground cable from Altaira to the Constellation's unused XLR (or RCA) jacks, I need only one base ground cable with banana plugs at each end, and then a multi-tail with two XLR or RCA connectors. The tail is simply "snapped on" to the component end of the ground cable and the other end, with the banana plug, to the Altaira. So, in my application, I can ground both of the Constellation's unused XLR jacks with just one ground cable.

That could save much money in only a single cable then being required for a stereo component like an amp or pre-amp that has both L and R channel signal ground point opportunities. I know that in my setup, I had to buy two Alpha (and later Sigma v3) cables to signal ground such stereo components (and my dual-mono DAC blocks). It's enticing to think of a future state where those two cables could become one cable with a dual-headed Shunyata VTX-Ag ground tail.

That's right, and that is exactly why Shunyata implemented the series of different ground cable tails for making a variety of connections with a single cable.

The only thought that comes to mind that I'd need to investigate is whether doing so (single ground cable, dual-headed
ground tail) would, when used with a dual-mono internal build component where the L and R channel circuitry is fully
separated internally as Esoteric and other high-end manufacturers do, then allows for crosstalk/back flow of signal
ground noise between the fully separated L and R circuitry inadvertently. Part of me doubts this is significant issue if the post on the Altaira is an fast enough drain (sink) in this situation in this scenario however the question does arise.

Well, I have a "multi-head" ground cable tail an original-spec Alpha GCG for use with my Lumin P1, which is dual-mono, and have not had any problems whatsoever.

Also, these ground cables don't carry "signal". For example, the RCA and XLR cables are specially constructed NOT to carry signal. As best I understand it, the ground cables are a low-impedance path to GROUND. This is why you cannot use a standard RCA or XLR IC as a "ground cable" to connect to an Altaira or Gemini, you must use the Shunyata ground cables as they specifically designed for this function.

Again, my recommendation would to discuss with Mike B. or Richard at Shunyata. Cheers.

 

[SCAudiophile]

Yes, Shunyata makes "multi-tails" with a number of different terminations available for use with their ground cables, including XLR, RCA, RJ45 Ethernet, USB, etc. So, for my Constellation integrated, if I want to connect a GCG ground cable from Altaira to the Constellation's unused XLR (or RCA) jacks, I need only one base ground cable with banana plugs at each end, and then a multi-tail with two XLR or RCA connectors. The tail is simply "snapped on" to the component end of the ground cable and the other end, with the banana plug, to the Altaira. So, in my application, I can ground both of the Constellation's unused XLR jacks with just one ground cable.


That's right, and that is exactly why Shunyata implemented the series of different ground cable tails for making a variety of connections with a single cable.

Well, I have a "multi-head" ground cable tail an original-spec Alpha GCG for use with my Lumin P1, which is dual-mono, and have not had any problems whatsoever.

Also, these ground cables don't carry "signal". For example, the RCA and XLR cables are specially constructed NOT to carry signal. As best I understand it, the ground cables are a low-impedance path to GROUND. This is why you cannot use a standard RCA or XLR IC as a "ground cable" to connect to an Altaira or Gemini, you must use the Shunyata ground cables as they specifically designed for this function.

Again, my recommendation would to discuss with Mike B. or Richard at Shunyata. Cheers.

Yes, with 14 of the VTX-Ag ground tails with XLR/F, XLR/M, RCA and USB/B connectors in my system, I am extremely impressed with the versatility, quality and sonic result using them. The STIS system itself IMHO cannot be beat.

I am also more than familiar with the fact that the CGC/SGC cables are not signal cables. My note above was not
about anything other than what is tapped into viz. noise drain via the ground (pin) connection on the connector.

I think I see the disconnect (no pun intended) after your reply above. When you say "multi-headed" XLR, to me that
means a Y-cable style ground tail with more than one XLR connector on the component side of it. At the time I ordered, and through today the options list on the Shunyata website does not list a multi-connector option; they are 1:1.

If there is a way to special order such a ground tail, that is something I will take up with Shunyata.

If you have one (either RCA or XLR), a picture would be appreciated.

Thanks...

 

[Puma Cat]

Yes, with 14 of the VTX-Ag ground tails with XLR/F, XLR/M, RCA and USB/B connectors in my system, I am extremely impressed with the versatility, quality and sonic result using them. The STIS system itself IMHO cannot be beat.

I am also more than familiar with the fact that the CGC/SGC cables are not signal cables. My note above was not
about anything other than what is tapped into viz. noise drain via the ground (pin) connection on the connector.

I think I see the disconnect (no pun intended) after your reply above. When you say "multi-headed" XLR, to me that
means a Y-cable style ground tail with more than one XLR connector on the component side of it. At the time I ordered, and through today the options list on the Shunyata website does not list a multi-connector option; they are 1:1.

If there is a way to special order such a ground tail, that is something I will take up with Shunyata.

If you have one (either RCA or XLR), a picture would be appreciated.

Thanks...

Yes, agreed, I knew that you would know that the the CGC/SGC cables are not signal cables, I made the point so that others that are not familiar with the Altaira system don't make that mistake.

I'll take some snapshots of the the multi-tail for you tomorrow. Right now, it's getting dark and I'm also watching a theoretical physics video on YT with Dr. Brian Keating and Dr. Stephen Wolfram on the computational nature of the Universe.

Cheers.