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The ALPHA-X is the entry point to Shunyata Research’s “Reference Series” power cords. The ALPHA-X, along with the other X cables, represents the culmination of a 25-year quest to produce the absolute finest performing power cables available.
The ALPHA-X elevates the performance of recording and playback systems beyond the most optimistic expectations. They feature patented and proprietary technologies not available in competing products. Shunyata Research’s NR technology measurably reduces power line noise and has been proven effective in the most demanding medical and professional recording applications.
What’s New?
TAPc Technology
The ALPHA-X features the all-new TAPc technology. TAP (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.
The sonic results of TAPc are a cavernous drop in perceived noise floor, effortlessly portrayed dynamics and a superb sense 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 unprecedented levels.
NR – 3rd Generation Noise Reduction Circuit
Perhaps no technology has been more thoroughly researched, measured and third-party tested than Shunyata Research’s power line noise reduction technology. Gen-2 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 are proponents to the efficacy of the 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 the ALPHA-X NR power cable.
(The ALPHA-X XC power cords are now, primarily, recommended for use with power distributors.)
KPIPv2 – Kinetic Phase Inversion Process
Shunyata Research’s update to its proprietary KPIP processor represents a significant advancement to a process that permanently preconditions cables and power distributors. It dramatically enhances the sonic performance of the cables to which it is applied and significantly shortens the break-in cycle. All cables, conductors, connectors and outlets undergo a multi-day conditioning process that is an integral aspect to the extraordinary performance of Shunyata Research products.
Dropping the Hammer
The profound ability of the ALPHA-X power cables to eliminate electrical noise and reduce micro-distortions unveils multiple layers of previously obscured musical cues within the recording – forging a more immersive and lifelike connection to your favorite music. ALPHA-X imbues the music with a greater sense of timing accuracy, dynamic contrast and dimensional impact. They impart an unmistakable sense of living presence and coherence to reproduced sound and imagery. The ALPHA-X’s immediate signature is apparent as an ineffable sense of quiet within the sound, along with an almost paradoxically startling punctuation of dynamic contrasts.
A system of ALPHA-X power cables will remove a large portion of the compression and artifice that separates the live listening experience from that of electronic reproduction.
TECHNOLOGY - NR NOISE REDUCTION
Shunyata Research’s exclusive NR (Noise Reduction) technology is a multi-stage filter network that measurably reduces power-line and component-generated noise, producing better purity of tone and clarity. It delivers a stunning background of silence to recordings, allowing the listener to hear into recordings as never before. Every nuance of meaningful content is revealed, bringing to life music’s most consequential moments as if the performers are in the room with the listener.
VTX-Ag CONDUCTORS
Shunyata's VTX-Ag conductors are the product of a 25-year design progression steeped in credible science and definitive measurement.
VTX-Ag conductors use an outer tube geometry of the purest form of copper, intended to bring out the purest tone and timbres of recorded instruments and voice. This VTX outer core of pure copper surrounds an inner core of the purest form of silver. This inner Ag core demonstrably improves macro-dynamics and creates an incredible three dimensional weight and timing in the lower octaves.
OFE Alloy 101
Shunyata Research uses only the highest purity of copper available for the production of its wire products. OFE Alloy 101 or C10100 is the highest grade of copper with a minimum 99.99% purity and a conductivity rating of 101% IACS. OFE stands for oxygen-free electrolytic and supersedes the term OFHC (oxygen-free high conductivity). C10100 is the only grade of copper that comes with a written certification of purity.
Certified by ASTM F68 C10100
Fluorocarbon dielectrics are usually only found in wire used in the aerospace industry, satellites and only the most expensive audiophile cabling. It has special electrical characteristics; very low dielectric absorption, high dielectric strength and exceptional heat resistance. When used in audio and power cables is reduces the perception of dynamic compression and it improves sonic low-level resolution and clarity.
Crystal clear transient detail.
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.
KPIP v2™ PROCESSING
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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SPECIFICATIONS:
Conductors: VTX-Ag
Gauge: 08
Construction: 3/4″ tube
Dielectric: Fluorocarbon
Noise Reduction:
NR Model: > 6 dB @ 1 MHz
XC Model: NoneTech: TAPc Polarizer 2x
AC Connector: CopperCONN™ Carbon-Fiber
IEC Connector: CopperCONN™ Carbon-Fiber
KPIP v2 Processing: 4-days
Color: Black flex
Standard Length: 1.75 meters
Safety Assurance:
Continuity and polarity tests – by two technicians
HiPOT tests insulation breakdown @ 4,500 VAC
