Shunyata Alpha v2 Series Interconnects

Description

MY TAKE: Can’t think of a product line I enjoy selling more than Shunyata. The reason is simple – people love it! Virtually regardless of the system, Shunyata products consistently offer extraordinary performance and outstanding value. Let us introduce you to Shunyata products and unlock the full potential of your system. - Galen Carol

ALPHA SERIES adds to the customization and technologies of the Delta Series with the internationally patented ΞTRON® technology. ΞTRON® measurably reduces dielectric distortion, rendering improvements in perceived coherency and low-level resolution. ΞTRON® technology is one of many reasons why Alpha Series Cables are used as performance references by recording and sound professionals.

The internationally patented ΞTRON® technology is perhaps the most compelling of Shunyata Research’s technologies, with its ability to measurably lower dielectric distortion and preserve the original signal’s integrity. ΞTRON® cables have earned a legendary reputation among reviewers, customers and sound professionals for their ability to eclipse the performance of even the most cost prohibitive cables on the market. Caelin Gabriel’s research has evolved a second generation ΞTRON® technology that is making its debut in the Alpha Series interconnects and speaker cables. The Alpha Series’ combination of ΞTRON® technology, Ohno Copper, VTXTM hollow-core conductors, sonic welding terminations, and KPIPTM (Kinetic Phase Inversion Process) simply overwhelms competing products in performance, parts quality, and construction.

Interconnects -

Analog Interconnects carry a system’s lowest-level signal. Unlike the high-speed signals in digital cables, or the mass-current traveling through power cables or speaker cables, analog Interconnects must be designed to perform a refined, yet simple purpose, which is primarily to preserve and protect the source’s original signal. With high levels of RFI, EMI and component-radiated noise ever-present, interconnects require careful consideration be given to isolation from their external environment. Less well known, but equally important factors affecting performance are internally generated micro-distortions such as skin-effect and dielectric absorption, inherent within all signal-carrying conductors.

Shunyata Research scientist Caelin Gabriel, a recognized expert in area of signal-transmission and low-level signal resolution, has developed specialized metal treatments, conductor geometries and patented technologies that addresses both the external and internally generated distortions that interfere with the superior resolution of the original signal. These technologies start with the finest raw material in Ohno Continuous Cast Single Crystal  Copper, which is used in all Shunyata Research interconnect models. The Ohno Copper is then wound into hollow core conductors which Shunyata terms VTXTM (Virtual Tube Conductor). VTXTM conductors dramatically minimize conductor distortions known as skin-effect. In the Delta model interconnects, the conductors are made larger and include the finest fluorocarbon dielectrics for improved resolution and for the first time, KPIPTM (Kinetic Phase Inversion Process) is used to pre-condition conductors well beyond what normal break-in accomplishes.

Alpha RCA -

Alpha interconnects feature Shunyata Research’s exclusive patented ΞTRON® technology that reduces dielectric distortion. Ohno Continuous Cast Copper, VTXTM (hollow core) conductors with expensive fluorocarbon dielectrics make for a true reference quality interconnect. KPIPTM eliminates burn-in issues.

Alpha XLR -

Alpha interconnects feature Shunyata Research’s exclusive patented ΞTRON® technology that reduces dielectric distortion. Ohno Continuous Cast Copper, VTXTM (hollow core) conductors with expensive fluorocarbon dielectrics make for a true reference quality interconnect. KPIPTM eliminates burn-in issues.

Alpha Phono -

Alpha interconnects feature Shunyata Research’s exclusive patented ΞTRON® technology that reduces dielectric distortion. Ohno Continuous Cast Copper, VTXTM (hollow core) conductors with expensive fluorocarbon dielectrics make for a true reference quality interconnect. KPIPTM eliminates burn-in issues. Includes separate Alpha CGC grounding cable.

Shunyata Technology – Cable Products

Highest Purity Copper -
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.

Single Crystal Technology -
Ohno wire, also called PCOCC was invented in 1986 by professor Atsumi Ohno of the Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan. Copper wire is created by an extrusion process that pulls a rod of cold copper through a small orifice which creates multiple crystalline boundaries. By contrast, Ohno wire is made by a process using heated molds that cast a wire to form a single crystalline structure. Ohno wire is well known for its exceptionally pure, grain-free sonic qualities.

VTX Conductor Design -
Shunyata Research’s exclusive VTXTM conductors are made in the shape of hollow tubes. Since current can ‘only’ travel through the outer rim on the wire, there are no skin effects or random eddy currents. VTXTM conductors are made from pure OFE C10100 or Ohno (single crystal) copper.

KPIP Conditioning -
KPIPTM (Kinetic Phase Inversion Process) was developed by Caelin Gabriel after years of research into the underlying causes of various effects such as burn-in, wire directionality and the effects of cryogentic treatment. He discovered that there was an underlying core principle that burn-in and cryogenics only “partially” addressed. Once the governing principle was understood it became possible to create a processing technique and machine that could virtually eliminate the need for burn-in and cryogenic treatment.

Unique Conductor -
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 C0100 or Ohno (single crystal). Then it is formed in virtual hollow tubes eliminating skin effects and eddy current distortions. In addition, the wire undergoes our proprietary KPIPTM process.

Patented ΞTRON® -
ΞTRON® is a technology developed by Shunyata Research that prevents dielectric absorption and re-radiation in signal transmission. It requires a special type of conductor that has two signal paths and an electric field compensation circuit that creates a cancellation signal that prevents the insulation from developing a charge. ΞTRON® cables preserve the integrity of the source signal even when using very long runs of cable. Patent US 8,912,436, Patent Ch ZL201180047344.2.

Custom Connectors -
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 has a much higher conductivity that brass. The difference in performance is clearly audible.

Precision Matching -

Shunyata Research digital cables are produced using a Precision Matched Z (PMZ) concept. This means that tolerances of the conductor surface, dielectric extrusion, and the precision of the braided shield are held to minute variances. To achieve these tight tolerances, the extrusion and braiding machines must be run at one-quarter speed during the manufacturing process. The result is better performance through a reduction of cable-induced ‘signal jitter’. (Note: Z means impedance)
 

Superior Termination Techniques -
Crimping, soldering, brazing and cold soldering are all inferior methods of joining two wires or terminals together. Sonic welding uses high energy sonic waves to literally join two metals together at a molecular level. There is no solder or intermediary metals involved in the process.