The Śakra V12 is quite different from the standard (original Sakra): the cables are indeed directional – since they are CONICAL inside and outside, and feature our new “vari-cross” geometry – the cross-section of the cable varies along their length; this is done to improve the impedance matching between the source and the receiving end;
Sonically, the cables are more relaxed right out of the box, and sound yet more full-bodied (and thus natural) while having improved resoluti0on and transparency over the “original” Sakra.
Because of the improved geometry the Śakra V12 is more relaxed and natural (right out of the box, in a brand new condition the V12 sounds more “broken in” – compare to the original Sakra with 1000+ hours on it). On top of that, the Sakra V12 has improved resolution and transparency over the “original” Sakra.
In other words, the Śakra V12 is simply a better cable and is our flagship analog interconnect for 2013, and up to date.
…For almost 5 years, making and gradually improving the Indra cable, we thought that the Indra would remain the pinnacle of our designs (in the line-level, analog interconnect domain). As with all our designs, we improve them as we go, introducing new “revisions”; Indra has gone though three revision changes, and each next revision sounded better than the previous one, but the overall, general sound character of the Indra remained similar through all revisions. However, while the ŚAKRA can be considered just the next, updated revision of Indra, it has a different name, and it IS a different cable overall: it is a clear upgrade from any Indra revision, and the magnitude of the difference is very substantial. What makes such a profound difference? – it’s simple: better geometry and better dielectric. How does it sound, compare to the Indra? – we will know more once reviews are published, and we accumulate feedback from the Śakra users, but as of now – after testing the Sakra in a dozen of very good systems, and collecting comments from a couple of dozen of experienced listeners, we are certain about three major Śakra performance advantages over the Indra:
Śakra V12 offers considerably better low-end extension, more subjective “body” to the sound AND better midrange transparency AT THE SAME TIME. These two characteristics: better transparency and better “body” (and bass performance) practically always contradict each other – at least, it’s been true in all cables and in all gear we have heard. Usually, it’s “either-or”: improved midrange transparency or improved body…. But the Śakra V12 offers BOTH!
Without any break-in, right out of the box, the Śakra V12 sounds more “relaxed” than a well broken-in Indra, and fuller in body than the original Sakra… And it improves further as it breaks-in!
Śakra V12 offers more layered, larger, and better defined soundstage; the effect of changing the Indra for the Śakra is similar to adding a good preamplifier to a system, where a DAC was connected directly to a power amplifier…
…We will add more comments as we receive and analyze them. But for now, before the Śakra is officially released – we suggest you talk to your STEALTH dealer about special, introductory offer to upgrade your Indra to the Śakra! It is a major upgrade, and you will not be disappointed – or your money back!
