Shunyata Research Hydra Alpha A10 Power Distributor

Over the past 25 years, Shunyata Research has earned a reputation for producing the finest power distribution systems in the high-end audiophile market.  From providing clean power for James Guthrie’s re-master of Dark Side of the Moon, or resolving subtle heart signals in medical imaging systems, Shunyata Research products have consistently provided transformational results.  With the legacy of award winning products, Shunyata Research designer Caelin Gabriel set about combining 25 years of experience and scientific innovation, into a product specifically for the UK audio market.

The Shunyata Research Hydra Alpha A10 Power Distributor has a generous 10 sockets that is perfect solution for complex home entertainment and large media systems. The exceptional current capacity and power rating ensures unfettered performance even when high-current amplifiers are used. The Hydra Alpha A10 can be placed within a closed cabinet since does not generate heat nor does it require ventilation.

Technology

The Noise Isolation Chamber NIC™ technology is a patented technology that reduces high frequency power line noise. NICs™ use a non-reactive ferroelectric substance that actually absorbs high frequency noise.  This reduces noise without any of the negatives associated with power filter coils, capacitors and transformers. Patent Number: US 8,658,892.

Traditional power conditioners are designed to block incoming noise from outside the home, but do not address the noise that is generated by the electronic components themselves. In fact, most conditioners reflect noise back into other components connected to the power conditioner. CCI™ (Component-to-Component Isolation) is one of the most significant but often overlooked aspects to power system performance. The CCI™ noise reduction filter consists of a proprietary multi-stage filter that reduces electrical noise and interference generated by a component’s power supply.

DTCD™ Analysis (Dynamic Transient Current Delivery) 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.

One of our fundamental design imperatives is to ensure life-long performance and durability. Long-term exposure to air can oxidize and corrode wiring and sensitive electronic components. All of the filters, PCBs, connections and internal wiring are contained within a monolithic construction enclosure and then potted with ceramic materials that hermetically seal the contents. This protects the circuits and wiring from humidity and oxidation, and eliminates internal vibration between components. This unique construction methodology delivers exceptional and consistent performance that will not degrade over time.

Significant amounts of noise exist on the ground plane of power lines. The ground wires can act as antennae, picking up electrical noise that can degrade the performance or operation of the electronic components. Ground Plane Noise Reduction (GP-NR™) is a proprietary technology developed by Shunyata Research to significantly reduce ground-plane noise; improving low-level resolution and clarity. The system includes one to four terminals, depending on the model, to connect as many as 12 audio components. We offer several models of CGC chassis grounding cables each made to your custom length and termination requirements.

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.

Over-current protection is a requirement for today’s high current audio power distributors. The vast majority of manufacturers use an inexpensive thermal fuse or breaker. Both are specifically designed to heat up as the current level rises. This causes voltage drops, increased contact impedance, thermal noise, excessive heat generation and current limiting effects. There is a better solution — the hydraulic electromagnetic breaker that utilises low-impedance relays and a sensing coil that reads the current level without heating up or limiting current. They can operate right up the to the maximum current level without heating up or limiting instantaneous current. They are rarely used in competitive products since they cost 10-20 times that of a common fuse or thermal breaker.

After years of research into the negative effects of vibration, Shunyata Research developed its own ‌vibration isolation using sub-miniature accelerometers that accurately measures the effects of floor and airborne sound waves. We use it in the development of vibration absorbing materials such as energy absorbing footers, AC outlet gaskets and chassis dampeners that reduce resonant vibration. Recognizing that vibration control is important to overall performance, our chassis are made with optimally dampened steel and aluminium, rather than plastic or thin-wall sheet metals.

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.

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 operates its own onsite Cryogenics International computer-controlled cryogenic processing plant. Liquid nitrogen is used to reduce the temperature of the contents to -320 degrees Fahrenheit. The computer monitors and lowers the temperature by a single degree at a time to prevent thermal shock.

We use this process to improve the performance of connectors and various electrical components that are used in our power products and signal cabling.

Technical Specifications

Maximum Voltage: 220-240 VAC r.m.s. unregulated
Input Current Ratings: Maximum Continuous Current: 16A
Output Current Ratings: Max Current/Socket: 16A
Transient Suppression: Maximum Transient Protection: 40,000 A @ 8/50 μs
Over-Current Protection: Hydraulic Electromagnetic Breaker
Wiring System: 8 gauge ArNi® VTX™ Buss System, 10 gauge ArNi® VTX™ Wiring

Ratings: 600 V 105° C

Noise Suppression: Input to Output (100 kHz – 30 MHz): > 50 dB reduction, Zone to Zone (100 kHz – 30 MHz): > 60 dB reduction
Outlets & Connectors: Zones of Isolation: 3 Zones
Inlet: IEC C19R
Outlook Sockets: 10 BS-1363 (3-pin)
Vibration Control: Vibration dampening panels (internal), AC outlet dampening gaskets and Shunyata Isolation SSF-50 Footer
Construction: Aluminium and steel chassis, Anodised, aluminium faceplate
GPNR: Length: 127 mm, Diameter: 38 mm
Dimensions (mm): W 432 x D 292 x H 160
Weight: 8.85 kg