January 8, 2013
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Shunyata Guardian Pro 6 and Diamndback Platinum
This installment will be the introduction to the Shunyata Guardian Pro 6 power conditioner and Diamondback Platinum 20A power cord. These components will be used in conjunction, at least initially, with my conrad-johnson CA200 control amplifier. Interested readers are directed to the following for my thoughts, so far, on the CA200: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
Although I have been pleased with the CA200's sonic performance, there has been a problem with blown fuses. When I first set-up the CA200, I installed four fast blow 6.3A HiFi-Tuning 32 mm Gold fuses in the unit's B+ and B- rails and a 20 mm Supreme 6.3A slow blow fuse in the IEC/mains connection. Immediately upon powering-up the CA200, the Supreme fuse popped. Subsequently, I've lost the two stock glass 20 mm fuses as well, in one case when going from a cold start to standby and in the other from standby to the on position.
Although I've found the HiFi-Tuning fuses to be superior so far in the applications I've used them (see the Fuse Directionality, Part 1, and Part 2 installments) they do have two negative aspects: they are expensive and when the fuse blows, you cannot tell that fact by mere visual inspection.
CA200 Stock Fuses Three Blown Fuses (from left to right) and Functional Stock Fuse
In an attempt to prevent sacrificing any further fuses, I've purchased a used Shunyata Guardian Pro 6 power conditioner together with a Diamondback Platinum 20A power cord. All of Shunyata's power conditioners require a 20 Amp connection. The 12 gauge Diamondback appears to be a cross between a scaled down version of Shunyata's original 10 gauge Taipan power cord with the connectors from a Venom. Although in the case of the Diamondback, the contacts are gold-plated. The Guardian Pro 6 retails, when new, for $795 and the Diamondback Platinum 20 Amp power cord for $275 to $325, although one retailer (Music Direct) is currently selling them for $125.
Diamondback Platinum Clamshell Casing Diamondback Platinum Power Cord
Gold Plated Male Plug 20 Amp Female Connector
Diamondback Platinum Cable Close-Up
In a subsequent installment, I will describe the features of the Guardian Pro 6 and compare/contrast them with Shunyata's Hydra 8 power conditioner. For now, a physical description will suffice. The Guardian Pro 6, as its name suggests, is a six outlet (Shunyata's own SR-Z1 model), slim quadrupedal design that may be rack mounted, or placed either on a shelf, or on the floor. I've positioned it face down on the floor.Guardian Pro 6 Front View Rear View
Bottom View 20 Amp IEC and Power Switch
Rear Right
More to follow.
Comments (2)
Even if that 20A Diamondback is Cooked, it isn't meant to be a long-term solution. Cynics, of course, will point that that's how the Cable Bandits mug us for more money, but a Taipan here will be a significant upgrade over the Diamondback.
@rpghero27 -
I'm sure you're right but for now I'll stick with the Diamondback as a baseline, benchmark and frame of reference. Then it'll be off to the races.