ALPHA-X XC
OMEGA-X QR - OMEGA-X XC - SIGMA-X QR - SIGMA-X NR - SIGMA-X XC - ALPHA-X NR - ALPHA-X XC - THETA NR - THETA XC - GAMMA NR - GAMMA XC
ALPHA-X XC
Alpha-X XC 1.75m C15 (ALPX/XC-UK/C15): £2850
Alpha-X XC 1.75m C19 (ALPX/XC-UK/C19): £2850
Extra Length (ALPX-LEN): £130/0.25m
Shunyata Research Alpha-X XC: Precision Power for High-Current Components
The Shunyata Research ALPHA-X XC mains cable is purpose-built for high-current components, such as amplifiers, power conditioners, and subwoofers. As part of Shunyata’s prestigious Reference Series, the Alpha-X XC incorporates cutting-edge materials, patented technologies, and meticulous engineering to deliver precise power delivery and exceptional noise reduction. Designed to optimise dynamic performance, the Alpha-X XC ensures your system operates at its full potential, free from the limitations of noise and power supply restrictions.
Key Technologies and Features
TAPc Technology (Transverse Axial Polarizer): Reduces electromagnetic interference by re-aligning electromagnetic fields, minimising noise and enhancing overall system clarity and dynamics.
VTX-Ag Conductors: Silver-clad copper conductors combine the speed and detail of silver with the warmth and richness of copper, ensuring balanced and dimensional sound reproduction.
High-Current Design: Specifically engineered to handle the demanding power needs of amplifiers and other high-current components, delivering instantaneous and unrestricted power flow.
Optimised Noise Reduction: Unlike the Alpha-X NR, the Alpha-X XC focuses solely on delivering clean, high-current power without introducing additional noise, making it the ideal choice for power-hungry equipment.
Reference Build Quality: Incorporates Shunyata’s proprietary connectors, fluorocarbon dielectrics, and advanced construction techniques to guarantee durability and consistent performance over time.
Two distinct models to choose from
The Shunyata Alpha NR power cable is crafted for power conditioners and generators, making it ideal for upstream power sources. It features Gen-3 NR (Noise Reduction) Technology, which utilises multi-stage filter networks to significantly reduce power-line and component-generated noise, enhancing the clarity and purity of sound. Innovative TAPc (Transverse Axial Polarizer) technology further suppresses noise for a more immersive and lifelike audio experience.
ALPHA-X XC
The Shunyata Alpha XC power cable is engineered for high-current components, such as amplifiers and equipment downstream of power conditioners or generators. Unlike the NR version, the Alpha XC focuses exclusively on current delivery without noise filtering. Featuring XC (eXtra Current) Technology, it delivers unrestricted high current, making it ideal for power-hungry electronics. Built with Shunyata’s VTX-Ag conductors and CopperCONN connectors, the Alpha XC ensures dynamic, noise-free power delivery, enhancing soundstage, timing, and dimensionality for demanding systems.
Performance Highlights
The Alpha-X XC mains cable is a powerhouse solution designed to meet the unique demands of high-current applications. Its ability to deliver uninterrupted power flow eliminates dynamic compression, enabling your amplifiers and power conditioners to perform with unmatched authority and precision. By focusing on maximum current delivery, the Alpha-X XC enhances transient speed, dynamic impact, and tonal accuracy, ensuring your system delivers lifelike, engaging sound.
When paired with the Alpha-X NR for source components, the Alpha-X XC completes a system-wide power solution, elevating every element of your audio setup to new heights.
A System-Wide Upgrade
As part of the Reference Series, the Alpha-X XC represents Shunyata’s commitment to delivering transformative performance improvements. Its design is tailored to extract the best from high-current components, making it an indispensable tool for audiophiles seeking uncompromising sound quality and dynamic realism.
The Alpha-X XC is not just a cable—it’s a critical upgrade that maximises the potential of your system, bringing you closer to the true essence of your music and movies.
ALPHA-X XC SPECIFICATIONS
Conductors:
08 gauge VTX-Ag
CONSTRUCTION:
3/4” tube
DIELECTRIC:
Fluorocarbon
TECH:
TAPc Polarizer 2x
Connectors:
CopperCONN™ Pure Copper
KPIP v2 Processing:
4 Days
COLOUR:
Charcoal carbon
Noise Reduction:
None
Standard Length:
1.75 Meters
warranty:
Lifetime limited
TAP™ (Transverse Axial Polarizer) is a device that interacts with the electromagnetic field generated by the signal travelling through a cable. By modifying the behaviour of the electromagnetic wave, TAP™ enhances sonic performance. It blocks longitudinal-oriented waves while allowing transverse-oriented waves to pass, much like polarised sunglasses reduce glare by filtering reflected sunlight. This correction of polarisation micro-distortion reduces what is often described as sonic glare.
KPIP™ v2 (Kinetic Phase Inversion Process) is a technology developed by Caelin Gabriel after extensive research into phenomena like burn-in, wire directionality, and the effects of cryogenic treatment. Gabriel identified a core principle that burn-in and cryogenics only partially addressed. This discovery led to the creation of a processing technique and machine that virtually eliminates the need for both burn-in and cryogenic treatment.
Shunyata’s VTX-Ag™ cables feature a pure silver inner conductor and a pure copper outer concentric ring. This design combines the speed and clarity of silver with the warmth and powerful low-frequency performance of copper, avoiding their typical drawbacks. With premium fluorocarbon insulation to reduce dielectric absorption, VTX-Ag delivers exceptional resolution and clarity, exemplifying a balance of precision and musicality in cable performance.
Shunyata Research uses only the highest-purity copper for its wire products. OFE Alloy 101 (C10100) is the pinnacle of copper quality, boasting a minimum purity of 99.99% and a conductivity rating of 101% IACS. OFE stands for oxygen-free electrolytic, a standard that surpasses the older term OFHC (oxygen-free high conductivity). C10100 is the only copper grade accompanied by a written purity certification verified by ASTM F68 standards.
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.
Many audiophile-grade connectors use brass or bronze as their base metal, with only a thin plating of silver, gold, or rhodium. However, the majority of current is conducted through the base metal. CopperCONN® connectors feature pure copper contacts, offering significantly higher conductivity than brass, resulting in a clearly audible improvement in performance.