Shunyata Research



	The reasons behind Shunyata Research signal and power-distribution systems’ unprecedented array of awards and professional endorsements are as straightforward as the products themselves. Superior science, exclusive parts, exquisite hand craftsmanship, and patented technologies have created a series of products that have won the respect and admiration of even the toughest professional and industry critics. SHUNYATA'S SECRET WEAPON Shunyata founder and designer Caelin Gabriel’s background as a National Security Agency research scientist is the catalyst for Shunyata products resounding success. His encyclopedic knowledge of electrical and signal systems, and his ability to research and develop an exclusive series of parts, materials and processes have been invaluable in creating products that have been proven in every way possible, to have no peer. *PATENTED SHUNYATA RESEARCH* TECHNOLOGIES Patented conductor geometry—US#6,242,689** Shunyata Research’s patented Helix conductor geometry has been proven to dramatically reduce self-induced A.C. and signal reactance while also providing exceptional immunity to RFI/EMI noise components. The patented Helix geometry consists of multiple individual wires that are hand braided into counter-rotating Helices that allow all conductors to cross at 90 degree angles. ALL Shunyata Helix cable products are painstakingly hand braided by trained craftsman —to specific lengths. No power or signal wire design even approximating this hand-braided complexity, or grounded scientific rationale exists in this or any other industry, Patented noise-reduction materials—US#6,545,213 Shunyata Research’s design approach avoids the use of conventional reactive elements that may limit or otherwise distort the free flow of current. Instead, Shunyata Research developed a materials science approach to noise reduction with the development of the exclusive FeSi-1000 compounds. These unique compounds demonstrate an ability to reduce the perceived noise in audio-video systems when applied to any system of power distribution products. Quite obviously, no comparable technology exists in the industry. Shunyata’s Hydra 8, V-Ray and “vX” category Helix power cords utilize this patented technology. Shunyata Research’s proprietary SR-V2 Noise-Filter system Shunyata Research spent years testing a multitude of AC power grade capacitors and audio grade capacitors to find a product that would meet their exacting requirements for use in the Hydra and Guardian power distribution products. Unfortunately, all AC power rated capacitors exhibited obvious negative performance characteristics (audible and visual grain and distortion in audio/visual applications) when used in a reference quality system. Additionally, they created notable incompatibilities with several types of A/V equipment. Conversely, the more delicate audio grade capacitors, while sonically superior, were not robust enough to handle the harsh environment of multiple high power voltage spikes and surges common on an AC power line. After years of testing and development trials, Shunyata Research commissioned the production of its own specialized metalized-polyester capacitors, capable of absorbing high-energy spikes in excess of 1,000 volts without compromising performance or system compatibility. The SR-V2 filter network is applied within the Hydra and Guardian power distributors is a multi-element capacitive array combined with an integrated TMOV (Thermally insulated Metal Oxide Varistor). These proprietary filter networks perform flawlessly, removing the majority of system generated noise while also defeating transient-spikes of a few volts to beyond 1,000 volts — repeatedly, without any wear or damage to the filter. These proprietary filter arrays allow Hydra and Guardian power distribution systems to deliver years of reliable bullet-proof protection, silent operation and unprecedented noise isolation for professional recording, film and home-entertainment systems. Custom manufactured Electromagnetic Breaker Electromagnetic breaker systems are extremely rare in any type of commercial power distribution product because of their inordinately high parts cost. Common fuses and inexpensive thermal breakers are normally found in commercially available conditioners and regenerators These fuses and breakers heat up well before they approach their operational limits, causing voltage drops, contact impedance, distortion and current limiting. They are popular among manufacturers largely because of their low cost — but following Shunyata’s design approach, they are unacceptable. The custom manufactured electromagnetic breaker used in all Shunyata power-distributor products use massive surface area contacts to allow unimpeded current flow to electronics — even when operating at maximum current loads. The Hydra and Guardian electromagnetic breakers incorporate a current sensing circuit that opens the contacts when the current levels exceed the designed limits, without any heating related power degradations of thermal breakers and fuses. Although some might view the extraordinary E.M Breaker’s parts cost excessive, Gabriel feels it's another of many critical design elements necessary in achieving superior system performance, Shunyata Research’s own CDA 101 grade copper In addition to its array of custom parts and processes, Shunyata Research commissions the manufacture of its signal and power conductors, solid copper buss systems and internal wiring to be drawn from solid ingots of CDA-101 copper, certified to be the highest purity copper available in the world. The CDA-101 copper ingots are melted down, and then drawn into various buss systems, internal power-distribution wiring as well as power and signal cable wire systems to meet designer Caelin Gabriel’s exacting specifications. Shunyata Research insulates its fine copper conductors with only the highest purity ‘medical grade’ dielectrics before treating and processing all its wire through Shunyata Research’s own deep immersion cryogenic lab. Shunyata Research’s SR-Z1 AC Outlets The Shunyata Research SR-Z1 AC Outlet is built by Hubbell to Shunyata Research’s requirements. It is ideal for the high-current needs of demanding high-performance audio and video systems, and as such is a critical design element incorporated in the manufacture of all Shunyata Hydra and Guardian power-distribution products. On-going independent beta-testing and comparison to other customized outlet designs has satisfied all who have tested that the SR-Z1 is the finest performing outlet regardless of price, construction or custom plating. SR-Z1 Features: - Proprietary Shunyata Research Alpha Cryogenic process - Pure low carbon brass contacts (no surface platings) - Heavy gauge contacts with 3-point contact clamps - Oversize internal volume for improved heat dissipation - Elimination of all magnetic materials. Prior to the advent of the SR-Z1 outlet, Shunyata Research produced an outlet called the Venom AC Outlet. This outlet was similar to the SR-Z1 in appearance and construction but did not have the benefit of the Alpha Cryo Process (see Alpha Cryo process below). It did have a proprietary plating of copper, silver and rhodium that made it superior to all other audio grade outlets. With the advent of the Alpha Cryo Process it was found that the changes provided to the un-plated brass contacts were so significant that surface platings were not necessary. In fact, it was discovered that any plating applied to the bare contacts caused a coloration or deterioration in the performance of the outlet. Therefore, the SR-Z1 Outlet does not use platings of silver, gold or rhodium. Shunyata Research’s SR-ZP Connectors Shunyata Research has designed a complete series of its own power cord connectors, eliminating the usual color dyes, carbon and ferrous metals that Shunyata believes degrades degrade performance. In the case of the Diamondback and Venom power cables, Shunyata created the world’s first and only medical grade, high-performance injection molded connectors. These molds cost in excess of $15,000 to create, but allow Shunyata Research to eliminate the cost of hand-applied connectors — while maximizing performance! SR-ZP connectors ensure superior contact integrity, lower junction impedance and the long-term performance reliability of all Shunyata power cord products. All the connectors used in Shunyata Research products provide a clear window into the science and attention to detail that sets Shunyata apart from its competitors. SHUNYATA'S SPECIALIZED SHIELDING ELEMENTS Shunyata Research developed and refined its unique shielding materials by combining different shielding types in a variety of applications. There are several distinctly different shield types used in Shunyata power cord products, including dual and triple layer shields that provide 100% coverage for EMI and RFI rejection. In several power cord models, one can literally see the complex shields that isolate conductors. These extreme types of isolation are not common to specialty power cords due to the high cost, but they are only one of many critical investments that sets Shunyata products apart from others in their category. SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP AND BUILD QUALITY The elegant presentation, supple flexibility and indefatigable structure of Shunyata Research power cord, Hydra, Guardian and signal products speaks volumes about the attention to detail that went into their manufacture. An overview of Shunyata Research’s entire line of Hydra power distributors, PowerSnakes Power cords and Constellation Series signal cables illuminates construction quality that clearly has no peer. From their artisan level workmanship to the see-through parts quality, there are no questions unanswered regarding the visionary design mandate of Shunyata Research.