Alpha-X XC Power Cord

ALPHA-X is the entry point to Shunyata Research’s “Reference Series” power cords. ALPHA-X, along with Shunyata's other X series of cables, represents the culmination of a 25-year quest to produce the absolute finest performing power cables available.

ALPHA-X XC power cords do not feature the Noise Reduction circuit of their NR siblings. XC series power cords are primarily recommended for use with Shunyata's own power distributors. If an Alpha-X is to be used with another manufacturer's power conditioner, selecting an Alpha-X NR with its built-in noise reduction will most likely provide superior performance.

ALPHA-X elevates the performance of recording and playback systems beyond the most optimistic expectations. These feature patented and proprietary technologies not available in competing products. Shunyata Research’s NR technology measurably reduces power line noise and has been proven effective in the most demanding medical and professional recording applications. 

The profound ability of ALPHA-X power cables to eliminate electrical noise and reduce micro-distortions unveils multiple layers of previously obscured musical cues within the recording – forging a more immersive and lifelike connection to your favorite music. ALPHA-X imbues the music with a greater sense of timing accuracy, dynamic contrast and dimensional impact. They impart an unmistakable sense of living presence and coherence to reproduced sound and imagery. ALPHA-X’s immediate signature is apparent as an ineffable sense of quiet within the sound, along with an almost paradoxically startling punctuation of dynamic contrasts. 

A system of ALPHA-X power cables removes a large portion of the compression and artificacts which separates the live listening experience from that of mere electronic reproduction.

OFE Copper Alloy 101
Shunyata 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.

VTX-Ag Cable Geometry
Shunyata’s VTX-Ag cables are uniquely constructed with both an inner, center 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.

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.

CopperCONN Connectors
Many audiophile grade connectors are made from brass or bronze. While some may get a plating of silver, gold or even rhodium, the majority of the current is carried by the contact’s base-metal. CopperCONN® connectors use pure copper contacts which have much higher conductivity than brass. The difference in performance is clearly audible.

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.

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.

Conductors: VTX-Ag
Gauge: 08
Construction: 3/4″ tube
Dielectric: Fluorocarbon
Noise Reduction: XC Model: N/A
Tech: 2x TAPc Polarizer
AC Connector: CopperCONN™ Carbon-Fiber
IEC Connector: CopperCONN™ Carbon-Fiber
KPIP v2 Processing: 4-days
Jacket Color: Black Flex
Standard Length: 1.75 meters
Safety Assurance: Continuity and polarity tests – by two technicians / HiPOT tests insulation breakdown @ 4,500 VAC

Limited Lifetime Warranty: The unparalleled craftsmanship and build quality of Shunyata Research products is backed by a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defect. This demonstrates our commitment to building the finest products on the planet and providing exceptional customer support. VALID ONLY IN THE US AND CANADA