Shunyata Research Alpha v2 XC Power Cable

Shunyata Research’s new Reference Line power cords were developed using the same materials science and technologies that make the Omega the market’s ultimate cost-no-object power cord. The Reference Line power cables are designed to be used with the worlds finest audio components.

There are three levels of performance in the Reference Line starting with the Delta and models. The Alpha is a level up from the Delta and represents the best price-to-performance in the line up. The Sigma takes top honours in the line for those that must have the best. All three Reference models feature Shunyata Research’s exclusive VTX-Ag conductors that combine an ultra pure silver with a concentrically wound layer of OFE copper. This provides the speed and transparency of silver with the richness, tonal colour and power of pure copper.

Reference XC cables are designed specifically to optimize the performance of Shunyata Research power conditioners. The Shunyata Research Alpha v2 XC Power Cable eschew noise reduction features in favour of enhanced DTCD (dynamic transient current delivery). Using proprietary conductors and parts developed for the Omega XC, the Alpha v2 XC delivers pace-setting DTCD™, optimizing power conditioner performance.

The Alpha v2 XC is an ideal power cable for your Shunyata Research power conditioner while the Alpha v2 NR provides noise reduction for all of the source equipment like CD players, DACs, tuners, amps, and preamplifiers.

Technology

Dynamic Transient Current Delivery (DTCD™ Analysis) is a technique that measures instantaneous current through low impedance electrical conductors and contacts. Shunyata Research uses it to optimize the design, specification and construction of parts and materials to ensure maximum current delivery performance. Each part, conductor, noise circuit and material allows for maximum throughput of instantaneous current.

Listeners will experience earth-shaking low-frequency performance from even the highest-current amplifiers as well as dynamic contrasts unheard of outside of a live event. More than any other design parameter, Shunyata Research’s skill in eliminating resistance and maximizing peak-current delivery is unmatched.

CopperCONN’s™ internal metals are culled from solid copper and use a high-tension spring-loaded contacts for vice-like grip. This contributes to a measurable improvement in DTCD™ performance and a correspondingly obvious difference in audible performance. CopperCONN™ connectors deliver measurably lower-resistance connections that will unlock the performance of any component and system.

ArNi^® conductors are designed to be the finest quality wire available for power and audio purposes. They start life using the highest purity copper available – OFE C10100 (or Ohno single crystal). Then they are formed into “virtual hollow tubes” that we call VTX™. The core of the conductor is completely hollow forcing the current to only travel through the periphery of the conductor, thereby eliminating skin effects and random eddy currents. And finally, every ArNi^® wire undergoes our proprietary KPIP™ process. 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.

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.

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.

Simple crimping, soldering, brazing and screws 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 and cold-welding uses high-energy pneumatic pressure to bond metals. Shunyata Research uses both methods to secure connections that do not degrade over time.

Shunyata Research’s proprietary Kinetic Phase Inversion Process includes four days of continuous KPIP™ processing to dramatically reduce burn-in time and significantly improve sonic performance, delivering a relaxed and life-like presentation.

Technical Specifications

Cable Type: VTX-Ag 08
Conductors: ArNi^® / OFE
Dielectric: fluorocarbon
Connectors: CopperCONN™ Carbon-Fibre
Noise Reduction: N/A
HARP Module: N/A
KPIP Processing: 4-days
Standard Length: 1.75 meters
Safety Assurance: Continuity and polarity tests – by two technicians
HiPOT tests insulation breakdown @ 4,500 VAC