Product Description
Analog Interconnects carry a system’s lowest-level signal. Unlike the high-speed signals in digital cables, or the mass-current traveling through power cords 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 recognised expert in area of signal-transmission and low-level signal resolution, has developed specialised 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 VTX(tm) (Virtual Tube Conductor). VTX(tm) conductors dramatically minimise conductor distortions known as skin-effect.
The insulation that protects wire can create a ghost-like signal that subtly blurs the source audio signal. The scientific term for this is: dielectric absorption and re-radiation. ΞTRON® is a technology developed by Shunyata Research that prevents this type of signal cable micro-distortion. It requires a special type of conductor that has two signal paths. An electric-field compensation circuit creates a contra-signal that prevents the insulation from developing a charge. ΞTRON® ™cables preserve the integrity of the source signal even when using very long cable runs are required.
Transverse Axial Polarizer is a device that interacts with the electromagnetic field generated by the signal traveling along the signal cable. TAP affects the behavior of the electromagnetic wave that surrounds the signal cable. In effect, the TAP blocks longitudinal-oriented waves while allowing transverse-oriented waves. The effect in sonic terms is like using polarized sunglasses to reduce reflected sunlight. Correcting polarization micro-distortion reduces what some call sonic glare. — Patent Pending
ArNi® wire was designed by Shunyata Research to be the finest quality wire available. It begins with the highest purity of copper and silver metals available, including Ohno (single crystal), PCOCC silver and OFE C0101 conductors. Fluorocarbon dielectrics, usually only found in aerospace applications that have exceptional electrical characteristics including extremely low dielectric absorption, high dielectric strength and superb heat resistance. When used in digital wiring it significantly reduces transient energy storage and release which affects phase noise performance.
— And finally every cable undergoes our proprietary KPIP™ process.
VTX™ — Shunyata Research’s exclusive VTX™ conductors are formed into a virtual tube with the core of the conductor being hollow. This ensures that all the current flows through the outer periphery of the conductor which minimises skin effects and random eddy currents. VTX™ conductors are made with single crystal Ohno, certified OFE or silver wire.
— Superior by design
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.
ALPHA XLR
Cable Type: ΞTRON® twin-axial
Conductors: ArNi ® VTX / OFE / Ohno
Dielectric: fluorocarbon
Connectors: SR-XLR-y
TAP Modules: one
KPIP Processing: 4-days
Standard Length: 1m. Longer available on request.
