Shunyata Ground Cable
Shunyata Research

Alpha-X Ground Cable

Alpha-X level high-performance ground cable from Shunyata Research.

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Description

Technology

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 C10100 or Ohno (single crystal). Then it is formed in virtual hollow tubes eliminating skin effects and eddy current distortions. A premium fluorocarbon insulation minimizes dielectric absorption and re-radiation, greatly improving resolution and clarity. In addition, the wire undergoes our proprietary KPIP™ process.

Shunyata’s VTX-Ag cables are uniquely constructed with both an inner, centre conductor made of pure silver and an outer concentric ring conductor made of pure copper. It’s made using the finest fluorocarbon insulation to minimize dielectric absorption and re-radiation which translates to an improvement in resolution and clarity. VTX-Ag delivers the speed and clarity of silver and the midrange warmth and three dimensional power in the lower octaves of copper without imparting any of the negatives associated with either metal. – The best qualities of silver and copper combined.

Shunyata Research’s ‌STIS™ v3 is the most evolved interchangeable terminal system in existence due to their performance and ease of use. The STIS v3  interchangeable banana and spade terminals are culled from solid tellurian copper for the ultimate in connectivity, then plated with pure gold to protect the copper for a lifetime of trouble free operation. In terms of performance and ease of use. STISv3 offers all the performance of fixed connectors yet delivers endless flexibility by allowing the end user to change connectors on the fly based on the system and connections being used.

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.

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.

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

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