Decware Audio Forums
09/10/26 at 21:35:44



Most recent 50 posts
Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register

Pages: 1
Send Topic Print
ZSTYX shielding (Read 90 times)
JHC
Seasoned Member
****
Online



Posts: 162

ZSTYX shielding
Today at 14:41:55
 
I have read some very good things about the zstyx speaker cables. I am having some issues with RFI—my current speaker cables (Signal Cable Silver Resolution) are acting like an antenna and it's driving me crazy. I love the sound of them, but I am starting to explore some alternatives.

For those using Zstyx, let me know how the operate in terms of shielding. Or, if there are other options particularly suited for SET amps and are well shielded, please let me know. Thanks!
Back to top
 
 

OnFilter CleanSweep > Pine Tree Conditioner > (Sumiko Starling > VPI Signature Classic > Aric Audio Super MC/MM) or (Eversolo T10 > LTA Aero DAC) > Pine Tree 'Cosmic Doorway' + DGR Jr. > Alan Eaton 45 Monos > Omega Super 8 HO XRS + DeepHemp 10
  IP Logged
Share: X Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Instagram Likes:
CAJames
Seasoned Member
****
Online

"I've run every
red light on memory
lane."

Posts: 3361

Re: ZSTYX shielding
Reply #1 - Today at 15:18:27
 
I have ZSTYX cables. Technically, since Steve is nice enough to provide the part number, I bought a remainder roll of the cable and made my own, but it is the same stuff. And they have no shielding at all.

I live in a very "RF live" area myself, and my solutions to the problem are these: since I have UFO25 mono blocs, I have them very close to the speakers and my cables are only a couple of feet long. Also, my system is balanced all the way to the speakers, and that reduces the common mode noise caused by the surrounding air force base.

Balanced isn't an option for you but depending on your geometry, and your willingness to cut down the cable, or get Decware to build you short cables, or find your own, you have the option to move your amps and run short speaker cables. Which wins in more ways than just reducing RFI.
Back to top
 
 

[Volumio | Jay's CDT2 MRK3] -> Denafrips Terminator 2 + Gaia
Sumiko Pearwood -> Mapleknoll Athena -> Luxman SUT -> Mapletree Phono 3E
STR-1002 -> Woo WA22 -> 2x UFO25s, balanced monos
Omega SAM , Hifiman Arya, Audeze LCD-XC
  IP Logged
Share: X Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Instagram Likes:
Lon
Seasoned Member
****
Online

"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 28774
Munson Township, OH
Re: ZSTYX shielding
Reply #2 - Today at 15:41:33
 
My speaker cables are not shielded and are long and not able to be easily shortened but I use interconnect cables shielded by a copper and silver shield and I believe that helps with noise interference--that may be one avenue to experiment with.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B,Dynagrid Jr;Rega RP3+all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls,GCHA;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Stradivarius interconnects;Stack EQ; phones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori
  IP Logged
Share: X Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Instagram Likes:
MM
Seasoned Member
****
Online



Posts: 570

Re: ZSTYX shielding
Reply #3 - Today at 15:57:47
 
I have been using zstyx for both my mains and subs for years and love them. I switched to SRA Takshaka for both IC and speakers and made myself keep them for a year but found the Decware cables every bit as a good, and sold the SRA’s. I’m not sure if I live in a high RFI area but I’ve found the zstyx to be a tremendous value.
Back to top
 
 

Lumin T3x | DSR3S IC | SEWE 300b | Crown XLS1000 | ZSTYX SC | Lii F15 & W15 in open baffle | Ecoflow Delta Pro
  IP Logged
Share: X Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Instagram Likes:
Lon
Seasoned Member
****
Online

"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 28774
Munson Township, OH
Re: ZSTYX shielding
Reply #4 - Today at 16:23:40
 
I used them for a while but never really settled into them--ultimately too bright for me. . . moved on to Mapelshade Helix Plus which I liked more (now in my audio/visual system) and PS Audio Reference xStream which I use in the main system.
Back to top
 
 

HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B,Dynagrid Jr;Rega RP3+all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls,GCHA;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Stradivarius interconnects;Stack EQ; phones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori
  IP Logged
Share: X Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Instagram Likes:
MM
Seasoned Member
****
Online



Posts: 570

Re: ZSTYX shielding
Reply #5 - Today at 16:51:01
 
I could see that. They do have a slightly brighter top end than the previous cables I had used (Blue Jeans, Belden 9497, and a variety of DIY) but with it came a bigger sound stage and better bass definition. I know the brightness is generally an issue for you, Lon.

Not to detract from the original question. I’ve moved a lot and lived in both city and rural areas. Speaker cable interference has never been an issue for me and a majority of cables aren’t shielded. Interesting that it can be an issue for others.
Back to top
 
 

Lumin T3x | DSR3S IC | SEWE 300b | Crown XLS1000 | ZSTYX SC | Lii F15 & W15 in open baffle | Ecoflow Delta Pro
  IP Logged
Share: X Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Instagram Likes:
JHC
Seasoned Member
****
Online



Posts: 162

Re: ZSTYX shielding
Reply #6 - Today at 17:50:18
 
Thank you all for this. I might need to do some more tests to make sure there isn't some interference leaking in from an interconnect or even a tube, which has happened before. My whole system is balanced up until the preamp to power amp. I know for sure it is something after the preamp that is causing the noise. I was confident it was the speaker cables, but feeling less so now.

In terms of cables, I will also look at the MS cables. The grounding wire weaving looks interesting and that alone might be the solution.
Back to top
 
 

OnFilter CleanSweep > Pine Tree Conditioner > (Sumiko Starling > VPI Signature Classic > Aric Audio Super MC/MM) or (Eversolo T10 > LTA Aero DAC) > Pine Tree 'Cosmic Doorway' + DGR Jr. > Alan Eaton 45 Monos > Omega Super 8 HO XRS + DeepHemp 10
  IP Logged
Share: X Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Instagram Likes:
Hearafter
Seasoned Member
****
Online

“In Tubes We Trust”

Posts: 410
SF Bay Area
Re: ZSTYX shielding
Reply #7 - Today at 19:07:31
 
I, like CAJames, use a DIY version of the same ZSTYX cables on both my systems without any RFI interference.  They are fantastic cables once broken in.  They were a tough listen due to brightness initially but settled down in my systems.  Also, I have used them on my AE monos with no issues.  Like CAJames mentioned they are an unshielded cable so not sure if you will get improvement.  I also think moving your AE Monos close to the speakers and getting some nice shielded IC’s would bring the best result.  Here are some pics of my ZSTYX cable in white.   Good luck
Back to top
 
 

Aric Super 300B SET
Supratek Cabernet Pre
Mojo Mystique X’25 NC DAC
Sonore Sig Rendu SE Dlx
Vera-Fi LNBH, SSZ, MS, SW
Sonido SWR096FC Towers
KEF 62 Sub pair
SDFB-Graphene Slugs
Veritas Cables
Taboo MK3/DGR/GustardR30/Zrock3/DIY ZROBs
  IP Logged
Share: X Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Instagram Likes:
Pages: 1
Send Topic Print