Shunyata Alpha-X Digital Cables- SPDIF, AES/EBU, CLOCK

Description

MY TAKE: Shunyata has hit it out of the park with the introduction of their "X" Series products! - Galen Carol

MASTERING AN ANALOG SIGNAL FROM A DIGITAL SOURCE -

Alpha-X digital cables elevate musical reproduction to levels previously only experienced with first generation, purely analog master tapes. Alpha-X cables are engineered using patented and proprietary technologies that enhance signal fidelity by reducing cable induced jitter that results in temporal displacement and phase distortion.

 THE SOUND OF A NATURAL SOURCE -

Many digital systems do not achieve their full theoretical potential due to micro-distortions introduced to the system by the interconnecting cabling systems. Alpha-X digital cables eliminate these limitations, delivering a sound that is unforced, natural, and dynamic. The result is a listening experience that rivals most analog systems, bringing digital recordings to life with newfound depth and detail.

Alpha-X is the perfect choice for those that demand absolutely uncompromising levels of performance.

 
TECHNOLOGY -

TAP (Transverse Axial Polarizer) is a patent-pending technology developed by Shunyata Research to enhance the performance of its reference signal cables. The evolution of this technology has led to the creation of TAPc, a groundbreaking advancement that significantly reduces the size of the modules, enabling their application across a broader range of products, including power distributors, power cords, interconnects, digital cables and speaker cables.

The sonic results of TAPc technology include a profound drop in perceived noise floor, effortlessly portrayed dynamics, and an exceptional rendering of timing and coherency. These benefits are unique to TAPc, setting it apart from any competing product or technology. Even to an untrained ear, the effects of TAPc are immediately apparent and consistently repeatable across various components and systems. Essentially, the TAPc modules act as force multipliers, elevating the listening experience to levels many would not have thought possible.

KPIP v2™ Shunyata Research’s proprietary Kinetic Phase Inversion Process includes four days of continuous KPIP v2™ processing which refines conductor metals at the atomic 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.

Shunyata Research produces select cables 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. (Note: Z means impedance)

Common-mode noise is different than differential noise and is much more difficult to measure and eliminate. For the purest signal possible, Shunyata Research has developed a CMode filter that effectively reduces common-mode noise without introducing the sonic compression effects associated with conventional filters. It reduces high-frequency noise distortion while delivering an analog ease and palpable background silence that closes the gap between digital and analog systems.

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.

SPECIFICATIONS -

Cable Type: S/PDIF, Clock-50, Clock-75: coaxial
AES: twinaxial

Conductors:
S/PDIF, Clock-50, Clock-75: SPC
AES: OCC copper

Shield:
S/PDIF, Clock-50, Clock-75: SPC 100% braided shield
AES: 100% foil shield

Dielectric:
AES: fluorocarbon
S/PDIF, Clock-50, Clock-75: PTFE

Connectors:
S/PDIF, AES: Gold/Copper contacts, black chrome finish
Clock-50, Clock-75: BNC

PMZ: S/PDIF, Clock-50, Clock-75

Characteristic Impedance (ohm):
S/PDIF: 75
AES: 110
Clock-50: 50
Clock-75: 75

TAPc: 19 elements

CMode: single element 

KPIP v2 Processing: 4-days

Standard Length: 1.00 meters

Color: black flex

Safety Assurance:
Continuity and polarity tests – by two technicians
HiPOT tests insulation breakdown @ 1,200 VAC