Shunyata Research Alpha-X Digital Ethernet Cable

Description Specifications 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. 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. ArNi® Conductors Shunyata developed this wire to be the finest quality wire available for audio purposes. The process begins with the highest purity of copper available – OFE C10100 or Ohno (single crystal). The conductors are then formed into virtual hollow tubes which eliminates skin effects as well as eddy current distortions. Premium fluorocarbon insulation protects the conductors and minimizes dielectric absorption and re-radiation, this greatly improves resolution and clarity. The wire then undergoes Shunyata's proprietary KPIP™v2  process for optimal conductivity. Fluorocarbon Dielectrics These ultra-high quality insulators are usually only found in wire used in the aerospace industry, satellites and the most expensive audiophile cabling. Fluorocarbon has special electrical characteristics; very low dielectric absorption, high dielectric strength and exceptional heat resistance.  When used in audio and power cables these dielectric materials reduce the perception of dynamic compression and improve low-level resolution and overall clarity. Precision Matched Impedance (‌‌PMZ) The Greek symbol Z stands for impedance. Shunyata's PMZ cables are built to exceedingly tight tolerances to minimize internal impedance fluctuations. Using high-precision manufacturing processes which run at one-quarter speed in order to create conductors with ideal electrical characteristics. This conductor surface variances, dielectric extrusion (aka insulation) and precision of the braided shield. This extra attention to detail results in superior signal fidelity, improved low-level detail and greater dynamic impact.  Transverse Axial Polarizer (TAPc) This is a Shunyata Research patent pending technology developed to improve the performance of their reference cables. The TAPc technology is a radical advancement of their original TAP technology which enables a significant reduction in the size of the modules – which for the first time allows this technology to be applied to power cords.  The sonic results of TAPc include a cavernous drop in perceived noise floor, effortlessly portrayed dynamics and a superb rendering of timing and coherency. The sonic benefits of the TAPc technology are quite simply unique and cannot be replicated by any competing product or technology. Even to an untrained ear, the effects of the TAPc are immediately apparent and repeatable across a variety of components and systems. In essence, the TAPc modules are force-multipliers that elevate the listening experience to a level many would not imagine possible. Hybrid Polarizing Filter (TAPc & CMode) For the purest signal possible, Shunyata Research has combined its patent-pending TAPc technology (trans-axial polarizer) and CMode filter (common mode filtering technology) into a single hybrid module. The TAPc polarizer reduces polarization distortion while the CMode filter simultaneously reduces high-frequency noise distortion, delivering analog ease and palpable background silence that will close the gap between digital and analog front-end performance. Kinetic Phase Inversion Process (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 KPIP process, KPIP v2™ represents a dramatic performance upgrade on par with a component-level upgrade. Specifications: Cable Type: SR-6a Proprietary Conductor Size: 22 AWG Conductors: OCC copper Shield: 100% shield Dielectric: PTFE Connectors: Telegartner TAPc: 19 elements CMode: Single Element Characteristic Impedance: 100 Ω (±15) KPIP v2 Processing: 4-days Color: Black Flex Jacket Safety Assurance:      Continuity and polarity tests – by two technicians      HiPOT tests insulation breakdown @ 1,200 VAC