Snake River Takshaka Interconnect and Power Cord: Elevating Audio with High-End Precision

Experience the refined sound and superior build of Snake River's Takshaka interconnects and power cords designed for discerning audiophiles.

A New Chapter in Snake River Audio’s Cable Legacy

When it comes to audio cables, Snake River Audio has carved a niche for delivering authentic, high-end performance without the hype—no snake oil here, just quality craftsmanship. Their latest offering, the Takshaka series, debuted at the Capitol Audio Fest and is named after the Hindu snake god, reflecting a sense of power and mystique that perfectly suits these cables.

I had the pleasure of previously reviewing their Signature Series and found it to be an auspicious introduction—balanced, reliable, and musically satisfying. Now, with the Takshaka series, Snake River Audio steps up the game, offering something even more compelling. The timing was perfect for me, especially as I was gearing up to review the new ATC SCM20ASL active loudspeakers, which need no traditional speaker cables, making the synergy between power cords and interconnects even more critical.

Within weeks of chatting with Jonny Wilson, the owner of Snake River Audio, I had a set of Takshaka interconnects (both XLR and RCA) and power cords ready to test.

What’s Inside the Takshaka Magic?

The Takshaka cables are no ordinary high-end cables; they feature a unique “hybrid” conductor formula that combines red OFHC copper with 24k gold and pure 3N solid silver. This mixture is laid out in four different conductor gauges, resulting in 40% more precious metal content than the previous Signature Series.

The design optimizes signal transmission by increasing surface area and utilizing an air dielectric rated at over 92%. Double shielding protects the interconnects, while the power cords boast triple shielding for maximum interference rejection. For those who want to go the extra mile, there’s an optional cryogenic treatment with an intense 200-hour curing process.

The construction includes a dedicated feed conductor, a dedicated return conductor, and independent shielding that’s only grounded at the source end—known as a “hanging ground” design. This approach acts like a Faraday cage, dissipating interference without compromising the signal’s purity or adding capacitance.

The cables use either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or Teflon as their dielectric material, depending on the model, wrapped in a metallic-nylon outer sheathing. The terminations include carbon fiber-enhanced connectors, underscoring the meticulous attention to detail.

Customer Care as Premium as the Cables

Snake River Audio operates factory-direct, which means excellent customer support is baked into the experience. The cables arrived in top-notch packaging with logo-embossed carrying pouches and vacuum-sealed bags to preserve quality.

Once you place an order, you’re kept in the loop with regular emails tracking production and shipping progress. Plus, a 30-day audition trial lets you test the cables risk-free with a full refund guarantee—something every audiophile should appreciate.

Putting Takshaka to the Test: Two Systems, One Verdict

I rolled out the Takshaka cables in two reference systems:

• Small room setup: ATC SCM20ASL active loudspeakers, Aesthetix Mimas integrated amplifier, Lumin S1 media player, Sota/SME turntable, and Parasound JC 3+ phonostage.
• Larger system: Full-range ATC SCM50 active towers, REL S/812 subs, dCS Bartók Apex DAC, Pass Labs XP-12 preamp, and XP-17 phonostage.

A quick note on my approach: I never use power conditioners during critical listening, wanting the purest connection between the outlet, power cords, and the equipment to hear the cables’ true impact.

Sound Impressions: Subtle, Yet Profound Improvements

The Signature Series from Snake River was known for its neutral balance and a soothing, non-intrusive character. Takshaka builds on these virtues with noticeable enhancements.

The top end is smooth and open, free from congestion, delivering clarity without glare. Bass response gains weight and grip, anchoring the music solidly. But the real magic lies in the “more” — more microdynamic detail, more low-level resolution, and more vivid contrast. Orchestral works, in particular, bloom with greater ambient space and separation, allowing every string section to shimmer with detail and focus.

Listening to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony was revelatory. The acoustic boundaries of the concert hall emerged with sharper clarity, from the soloists’ voices to the grand chorus and the reverberation that fills the space. This dimensionality and sense of immersion made the experience feel alive in the room.

Noise Reduction: The Unsung Hero of Takshaka

If there’s one enemy to high-fidelity sound reproduction, it’s background noise—whether electronic or electromagnetic interference (EMI/RF). Takshaka’s shielding and grounding system practically banishes this, delivering blissful quiet.

This silence unveils the tiniest nuances: the subtle slap of a string on an acoustic bass, the breathy tone of a piccolo trumpet, or the intricate finger tapping of flamenco guitarist Paco Peña. Spanish violinist María Dueñas’s playing was a standout, with the cables faithfully conveying her Stradivarius’s full expressive range—from buttery glissandos to gritty, aggressive staccatos.

Voices and Instruments Come Alive

Every vocalist gained new complexity and texture. Shelby Lynne’s versatile singing style was captured in all its gritty and smooth nuances, while Tom Waits’s deep, chesty vocals and Bruce Springsteen’s anthemic power filled the room with resonant heft.

Takshaka interconnects also reveal the personalities of source components without imposing their own color. The warmth and dimensionality of the Aesthetix Mimas amplifier shone through, while the dCS Bartók Apex DAC’s crystalline transparency and the Pass Labs XP-12’s more clinical precision were equally evident.

No Sophomore Slump Here

The dreaded “sophomore jinx,” where a second product fails to live up to the hype of a debut, is conspicuously absent here. Takshaka is a worthy successor to the Signature Series and a testament to Snake River Audio’s commitment to excellence.

For systems using active loudspeakers, these cables are a perfect match—elevating the sound and making it feel more alive, transparent, and immersive. Once you hear them, it’s hard to go back.

In short, Takshaka offers exceptional performance at a fair price, deserving a spot in any serious audiophile’s setup.

Specs & Pricing

• Interconnects: $2,695 for 1m RCA; add $350 for 2m
• XLR Interconnects: $2,895; add $1,600 for 4m lengths
• Power Cord: $2,795 for 2m

Snake River Audio
1311 S. Main Street
Riggins, Idaho 83549
(208) 724-5152

FAQ

• What materials are used in Takshaka cables?
  Takshaka uses a hybrid conductor mix of red OFHC copper, 24k gold, and pure 3N solid silver in four gauges, plus PVC or Teflon dielectric depending on the model.
• How does the “hanging ground” design work?
  The shield is grounded only at the source, acting like a Faraday cage to dissipate interference without affecting the signal path or adding capacitance.
• Are these cables suitable for active loudspeaker systems?
  Absolutely. Takshaka excels in active setups by enhancing power cord and interconnect synergy, improving clarity and dynamics.
• Is there a risk-free way to try these cables?
  Yes, Snake River Audio offers a 30-day audition trial with a full refund if you’re not satisfied.
• Do Takshaka cables color the sound?
  No, they act as neutral pass-throughs that reveal the true character of your components while improving detail and tonal balance.

Elevate your listening experience and showcase your passion for music with a stunning album cover poster from our store. Bring home the vibe that matches your audio sanctuary! Shop now at Architeg Prints.