Triton v2 - First impressions

BlueFox

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I have been using a Shunyata Triton power conditioner for about 3-4 years now, and I have been very happy with its operation. It is a passive device (no active components such as caps, transformers, etc.) that removes noise from the AC power. This works two ways. One, the AC in is cleaned of noise created by your neighbors, and your own devices, such as the refrigerator, air conditioner, etc. Two, it also removes the noise generated by the audio gear power supplies which is then reflected back onto the AC line. Anyway, with the Triton, coupled with Shunyata power cords, I have been given a very quiet system that allows the music to emerge from a noiseless background.

This works so well I have bought a Shunyata Hydra AV for the HT, and two Hydra Cyclops, one for each amp. Additionally, I have extended the filtering of the Triton by adding a Typhon to it. At this point, it is hard to imagine the power getting any cleaner.

Recently, Shunyata introduced the Triton v2 with better filtering, improved AC outlets, and ground lugs to provide a common ground for all your gear. Caelin Gabriel, the founder and power wizard, said the improvement over the v1 Triton was greater than adding a Typhon to the system. Since I haven't bought anything new since the Lumin S1, and I am patriotic by helping the economy, I decided to go with the Cable Company upgrade program. The end price is around $3700, which is less than some crazos pay for a power cable.

Well, this $3700 is one of my better purchases. The v2 arrived yesterday morning via Fed-Ex. That itself was a good sign, since I always seem to be the last person on Fed-Ex and UPS delivery routes. I hooked it up in the garage and attached five fans to it. It burnt in for eight hours yesterday, and I installed it in the rack a little past 6 PM last night. At this point, my system only has two devices using the eight port Triton, the Lumin S1, and the Pass XP-20 preamp.

As soon as I powered up the source gear I knew the sound was better. I immediately 'heard' a quieter background. Remember that I already thought the background was as quiet as it could get, but apparently I was wrong. This thing is freaking awesome. All forms of music are just emerging from the air in front of me. Whether it is a string quartet, a female jazz band, or a basic rock band, the Triton v2 has bought new life to everything. The clarity and articulation from instruments and singers is so much more clear and obvious. I already have a very precise system, and the v2 is letting it work at a higher level. That is without any question, and I expect it to only improve over the next few weeks as it settles in to its new home.

Last night as I listened to various songs I would just break out in laughter and start clapping at how good it sounded. It is that good.

I have to highly recommend the Shunyata Triton v2, the Typhon, and their power cables. The improvement these products have bought to my stereo is exceptional.
 
Bud...congrats and glad that the Triton V2 has made such a nice difference in your SQ. Enjoy it in good health buddy. May it bring you many countless hours of awesome music :thumbsup:
 
Bud,

As you point out, all these Shunyata components are passive devices and can only reduce noise, and can't correct for over or under AC line voltages.

Have you ever measured your AC line voltage?

Unless you got a big discount, it looks like you have $30K of Shunyata gear, I guess there must be a lot of noise on the AC in your home or your neighbors are running some heavy duty equipment.
 
Maybe, just maybe, we should share our knowledge instead of showing bias & derision!
 
My experience with Shunyata Hydra products has been positive when voltage is on the high side of the rating. We get a consistent 247-251v inbound range depending on the time of the day.
 
Steve, this is the same reason that i enjoyed my PurePower bank it was so consistent & had everything on a level field but JAYSUS the support from the mother company was zero, even to country specific importers. The Shunyata gear has had an exemplary run that comes highly recommended.
 
Bud,

As you point out, all these Shunyata components are passive devices and can only reduce noise, and can't correct for over or under AC line voltages.

Have you ever measured your AC line voltage?

Yes.

Unless you got a big discount, it looks like you have $30K of Shunyata gear, I guess there must be a lot of noise on the AC in your home or your neighbors are running some heavy duty equipment.

It does add up. On the other hand, having a solid foundation lets my gear work at its best, which increases my enjoyment of it.
 
I need to answer this from home, but off the top of my head.

Dianna Krall
Melody Gardot
Tierney Sutton
Patricia Barber
Holly Cole

and many more I have bought, and ripped. Then I just play the music, and not pay attention to the artist.
 
Ahhh, female jazz vocalists.... I was wondering if that's what you meant. I was intrigued because I don't think I know of a jazz band that is ALL female...
 
After a week of burn-in, the bass seems more defined and precise with a bit more oomph, to use an audiophile term. :)

I moved my Triton v1 into the HT/surround system, where it displaced the Hydra AV. The AV is now used for the TV, where it displaced a two port Hydra Alpha. All in all, I feel both the sound and picture have improved with this change. I have said it before, but have to say it again. I just cannot get over how audio and video gear improve with cleaner power. I get a much bigger kick out of these improvements than gear changes, which I expect to make a difference. I hope my two Sigma HC cords arrive this week.
 
Re: Triton v2 - Grounding System

After quite a bit of experimentation with the grounding section of the V2, I have concluded that running ground wires from my preamp, phono pre and AF2 to the V2 external grounding terminals results in very obvious improvements in performance. First and foremost, sound is noticeably more open and flowing. Disconnecting any one of the above brings that openness down a notch, disconnecting a second is even more noticeable. I'm able to repeat the experiment easily and quickly leaving no doubt in the results. I was surprised how my system almost seemed muddy when I disconnected all of the grounding wires. It certainly didn't sound that way to me prior to connecting the ground wires.

As Caelin suggested earlier, I tried one connection at a time adding and subtracting as I went along searching for the best combination.

There was no combination where grounding my Pass amps sounded acceptable. Whether grounded by themselves or in conjunction with any of the other components. Highs appeared rolled off, less detail, bass was not as defined.

By the way, the preamp and phono pre are plugged into the Triton V2 in addition to being connected via the external grounding system.

In addition to a more open sound, I hear more air, better separation of instruments and just a general improvement in the soundstage.

I recommend trying the grounding system on the V2 if you haven't already done so. Take nothing for granted. Don't assume because one component doesn't sound good when connected that another might not bring noticeable improvement.

Not only is the V2 a significant step up from the V1 as a conditioner but the new grounding system has proven to be a fantastic and welcome bonus.
 
Re: Triton v2 - Grounding System

Frank, interesting, and good news. I have been meaning to buy some spades and build some ground cables for the Lumin and preamp since that is all I have plugged into the v2. I wouldn't try the amps since they are not plugged into the Triton. Thanks for the feedback. Now I have some motivation.
 
Re: Triton v2 - Grounding System

After quite a bit of experimentation with the grounding section of the V2, I have concluded that running ground wires from my preamp, phono pre and AF2 to the V2 external grounding terminals results in very obvious improvements in performance. First and foremost, sound is noticeably more open and flowing. Disconnecting any one of the above brings that openness down a notch, disconnecting a second is even more noticeable. I'm able to repeat the experiment easily and quickly leaving no doubt in the results. I was surprised how my system almost seemed muddy when I disconnected all of the grounding wires. It certainly didn't sound that way to me prior to connecting the ground wires.

As Caelin suggested earlier, I tried one connection at a time adding and subtracting as I went along searching for the best combination.

There was no combination where grounding my Pass amps sounded acceptable. Whether grounded by themselves or in conjunction with any of the other components. Highs appeared rolled off, less detail, bass was not as defined.

By the way, the preamp and phono pre are plugged into the Triton V2 in addition to being connected via the external grounding system.

In addition to a more open sound, I hear more air, better separation of instruments and just a general improvement in the soundstage.

I recommend trying the grounding system on the V2 if you haven't already done so. Take nothing for granted. Don't assume because one component doesn't sound good when connected that another might not bring noticeable improvement.

Not only is the V2 a significant step up from the V1 as a conditioner but the new grounding system has proven to be a fantastic and welcome bonus.

Maybe grounding works best with tubed products?
 
Re: Triton v2 - Grounding System

Last night, Friday, I added a ground wire between the preamp power supply chassis and the Triton ground lugs. A month or more ago, I added a ground between the Lumin power supply chassis and the Triton. These are the only components currently using the Triton.

When I hooked up the Lumin I felt as if there was an improvement in background quiet and a more precise definition of the music. The same thing occurred with the preamp. Today I was listening to string quartets and I kept thinking I was hearing notes previously missing, or muddled. Obviously, this is all unscientific and just a feeling, but it sure seems better. Since I made the jumpers myself from old 12 gauge speaker wire, I doubt if the $25 cost of spades is biasing my opinion. :)


Anyway, I absolutely agree with Frank750 in post 13.

http://audioshark.org/shunyata-research-78/triton-v2-first-impressions-7315.html#post129547
 
Good to hear Bud. Black backgrounds are so important. I haven't grounded my Lumin since I moved my rack. Thanks for the reminder!
 
I sent my Triton to the factory for the V2 upgrade. I should have it back next week.
 
I did a trade-in with The Cable Company, where they send a v2 and then you send back the v1. However, before I sent it back I put it in the HT, and liked it so much I ended up keeping it. I guess I should get it upgraded someday.
 
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