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Review: Shunyata Research Model-8 Power Distributor

What ChatGPT has to say:

Shunyata Gemini vs. Niagara 1000 – Which One Wins for Upstream Filtering?

If you’re trying to clean up the “dirty side” of your network—modem, router, or media converter before fiber isolation—the Shunyata Gemini is the clear winner for two reasons:

Noise Blocking: It’s designed to absorb high-frequency switching noise and stop it from feeding back into your home’s AC lines, something the Niagara 1000 doesn’t focus on.
Jitter Reduction: Gemini helps improve timing and clarity before the fiber handoff, reducing upstream jitter that can affect downstream audio.

While the Niagara 1000 offers solid surge protection and passive filtering, it’s better suited after the fiber—on your actual audio system. The Gemini, on the other hand, is made for exactly this upstream job.

✅ Pick the Gemini if you’re serious about lowering digital noise at the source.

⚠️ Use the Niagara later in the chain, not on your modem/router.

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Modwright SWP 9.0SE versus Zesto 1.2 Phono Preamlifier

Speakers: Rogers LS3/5A 11 ohm

Charlie Byrd “Byrd at The Gate” MFSL:

Modwright: Very easy to make out words when Charlie talks. Seems a little more forward, front row presentation. Nice layering. Drummer definitely further back on right. Wonderful resolution and texture on the horns. Soundstage seems a bit narrow. Can really feel that wire brush against the drum skin. Upright bass, pretty good definition on plucking. Terry Clark’s trumpet so real in room. Things just seem a bit lit up more and not sure it’s quite as believable, not as organic.

Zesto: Wider soundstage. I feel like there is way more definition in the bass plucks and more believable. Sounds more organic and dynamic. I like the presentation better, not so close to the front of the stage. Guitar string harmonics and tone just so real. I’m telling you want, get some LS3/5A setup well with a good amp like my Berning OTL stack, “More (theme from Mondo Cane) is just gorgeous! Just so melodic and you get lost in the sway of that bossa nova groove. The Modwright just didn’t do it ans nether did the Concept 500 with the Berning stack. It was the Berning gear with the LS3/5A.

Picture gallery:

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Cables and Digital

Think I’m going to make this a place to explain all my findings in regards to cables and media servers. Some will be my opinions on gear I’ve heard at audio shows and others I’ve made on my own system.

I have a friend who is complete cable junkie I like to call him the cable guy and he is quite the hoarder. He even treasures his old PS Audio prototypes like they are gold. Being an Audioquest fan, it all started off when he talked me into introducing some Columbia interconnects into my system.

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Review: Farad SuperATX Power Supply

Adam Spigel | August 23, 2025

Eliminating Upstream Noise, Unlocking Digital’s True Potential

Introduction

In digital audio, the quietest components often make the loudest statements. After years of experimenting with linear power supplies, conditioners, fiber isolation, and server optimizations, I thought I had tamed most of the gremlins in my chain. Then came the Farad SuperATX—a purpose-built linear ATX supply that doesn’t just clean up the edges but redefines the foundation. Continue reading Review: Farad SuperATX Power Supply

From Basic to Best: A Layered Approach to Optimizing Your Digital Front-End

Adam Spigel | August 8, 2025

When my friend Don read my post walking through the series of upgrades I’ve made to my digital front end—each one unlocking a new layer of performance—he had just one question: “Where do I even start?”

Continue reading From Basic to Best: A Layered Approach to Optimizing Your Digital Front-End

Testing Shunyata’s Omega-X and Sigma-X Ethernet Cables in a Fully Optimized Digital Chain

I’m finally diving deep into the upstream research I’ve always dreamed of doing. Midway through my obsessive testing, a friend interrupted with a dose of reality: “You’ve lost it. Just enjoy the music.” He might be right. But for now, I’ll keep peeling back the layers—because when I get there, it’s going to be that much sweeter.

Continue reading Testing Shunyata’s Omega-X and Sigma-X Ethernet Cables in a Fully Optimized Digital Chain

Beyond Isolation: How Upsteam Power Still Shapes Sonic Reality

The night before last, I set out with modest intentions—just to upgrade the power cable from my wall to the conditioner before calling it a night. But as any audiophile knows, curiosity rarely stops at the first click of an IEC connector. One thing led to another, and I found myself deep into an impromptu evaluation session—this time focused on the power supply of my Araknis router, specifically the Farad Super3 that feeds it.

Continue reading Beyond Isolation: How Upsteam Power Still Shapes Sonic Reality

Review: Shunyata Research Omega-X AES/EBU Cable Review: When Realism Cuts Both Ways

This is a major shift—and one that might even work against your system’s balance, as I’ll explain. That’s the paradox of progress in high-end audio: the closer we get to realism, the more we reveal. And sometimes, what we reveal isn’t what we want to hear.

Continue reading Review: Shunyata Research Omega-X AES/EBU Cable Review: When Realism Cuts Both Ways

Beta Testing the Future of Clean Power: Farad SuperATX Has Arrived

I’m excited to share some news from behind the scenes: I’ve been selected as a beta tester for the brand-new Farad SuperATX — a next-generation power supply unit that promises to redefine clean power delivery for high-performance audio, studio, and computing setups. Continue reading Beta Testing the Future of Clean Power: Farad SuperATX Has Arrived

Biggest Upgrade You’ll Ever Make to Your Audio System! – Reserve Now

What If the Biggest Upgrade to Your Audio System… Wasn’t a Component at All?

You’ve invested time, energy, and serious money into your system—premium DACs, exotic cables, boutique amps—always chasing that elusive sonic nirvana. But what if I told you the real breakthrough wasn’t another shiny box or a hyped tweak?

Continue reading Biggest Upgrade You’ll Ever Make to Your Audio System! – Reserve Now