Power Cables
Technology explained
Shunyata Research's history in power cord design is well documented and has become legend. Steeped in science and measurement, Shunyata Research pioneered the technologies and defined the value of it's after-market power cords; not only in high-end audio and recording systems, but also in the medical industry. Every part and material within Shunyata Research power cords is custom designed and manufactured to measurably reduce noise and improve the efficiency of dynamic current flow to electronics. The results of more than two decades of research and design experience are several series of high-value power cords that measurably reduce noise and improve access to instantaneous current.
Shunyata Research has invested massive intellectual and financial resources in creating its own series of AC connectors, AC conductors and the discrete multi-element filter systems implemented within its "Noise Reduction" model power cords. Shunyata Research's NR model power cords reduce noise by a stunning >6dB, making them popular for recording systems as well as the finest listening and film systems in the business. Applications of Shunyata power cord designs include noise-sensitive heart-surgery systems and delicate mastering systems, such as the one used by James Guthrie to re-master Dark Side Of The Moon for the 5.1 mix on SACD. When it comes to performance-oriented power cords, Shunyata Research is in a category and proven class of design all by itself.
DTCD® Analysis is a proprietary measurement technique developed to measure instantaneous current flow through very low impedance electrical conductors and contacts. It is used to optimize the design of electrical parts and materials, ensuring optimal instantaneous current delivery. ‌‌DTCD® Analysis gives Shunyata Research a clear competitive advantage in the design and development of high performance power delivery products.
For more info read our technology guide.
‌‌CCI™ filters have the unique ability to reduce component-generated power line noise without inhibiting DTCD® (dynamic transient current delivery). This unique filter element prevents power line noise from one component contaminating the other adjacent electronic components. Shunyata Research’s ‌‌CCI™ filter modules consist of proprietary multi-stage filters that reduce power supply-generated noise without the use of heavy transformers, coils or large capacitors.
Gen3 NR  Perhaps no technology has been more thoroughly researched, measured and third-party tested than Shunyata Research’s power line noise reduction technology. Gen2 NR technology, as used in the Gamma and Theta power cord lines, has been proven effective in heart surgery labs across the U.S. and Europe. Countless iconic recording engineers, mastering studios and musicians have provided vivid accounts supporting the efficacy of Shunyata Research’s NR power cords.
The Gen-3 NR circuit, as used in the ALPHA-X and SIGMA-X power cords, improves upon the sonic performance of the Gen-2 circuit. Transient speed, transparency and purity are all significantly improved along with an improvement in micro-dynamics. The new NR circuit is also more compatible across a broader spectrum of electronic component types; including preamplifiers and power amplifiers. Even amplifiers operating in pure Class A will realize a significant benefit when using our Gen3 NR equipped power cables.
‌TAPc (Transverse Axial Polarizer) is a patent pending technology that Shunyata Research developed to improve the performance of its reference signal cables. The TAPc technology is a radical advancement of the TAP technology that enables a significant reduction in the size of the modules – and for the first time allows this technology to be applied to power cords, digital interconnects and grounding cables.
The sonic results of TAPc include a cavernous drop in perceived noise floor, effortlessly portrayed dynamics and a superb rendering of timing and coherency. The sonic benefits of the TAPc technology are quite simply unique and cannot be replicated by any competing product or technology.
Even to an untrained ear, the effects of the TAPc are immediately apparent and repeatable across a variety of components and systems. In essence, the TAPc modules are force-multipliers that elevate the listening experience to a level many would not imagine possible.
The ‌‌QR/BB™ is a patented device which dramatically enhances the perception of dynamic impact and timing when connected to amplifiers or other high-current electronics. The ‌‌QR/BB™ is unique in that it provides a local reserve of energy, or Coulomb charge, that mitigates the inductive reactance of the AC power line without using coils, transformers or capacitors. The ‌‌QR/BB™ acts as an instantaneous energy reserve when placed in-line with an AC power supply.
— Patent Number: US 10,031,536 —
Shunyata’s VTX-Ag cables are uniquely constructed with both an inner, center conductor made of pure silver and an outer concentric ring conductor made of pure copper. It’s made using the finest fluorocarbon insulation to minimize dielectric absorption and re-radiation which translates to an improvement in resolution and clarity. VTX-Ag delivers the speed and clarity of silver and the midrange warmth and three dimensional power in the lower octaves of copper without imparting any of the negatives associated with either metal. – The best qualities of silver and copper combined
Shunyata Research’s exclusive ‌VTX™ conductors are made in the shape of virtual tubes. The core of the conductor is completely hollow minimizing skin effects and random eddy currents. They are produced using OFE Alloy-101.
Many audiophile grade connectors are made from brass or bronze. While some may get a plating of silver, gold or rhodium, the majority of the current is carried by the contact’s base-metal. ‌CopperCONN® connectors contain pure copper contacts which have a much higher conductivity than brass. The difference in performance is clearly audible.
‌‌ArNi® is a type of wire created by Shunyata Research designed to be the finest quality wire available for audio purposes. It begins with the highest purity of copper available – OFE C10100 or Ohno (single crystal). Then it is formed in virtual hollow tubes eliminating skin effects and eddy current distortions. A premium fluorocarbon insulation minimizes dielectric absorption and re-radiation, greatly improving resolution and clarity. In addition, the wire undergoes our proprietary KPIP™ process.
KPIP v2™ Shunyata Research’s proprietary Kinetic Phase Inversion Process includes four days of continuous KPIP v2™ processing which refines conductor metals at a molecular level. This dramatically reduces burn-in time and significantly improves sonic performance, delivering a relaxed and life-like presentation. When compared to the original process, KPIP v2™ represents a dramatic performance upgrade on par with a component-level upgrade.
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