Peerless Ground
System Performance
The Altaira-X ground hub is the
ultimate expression of Shunyata
Research's ground noise reduction
technology. Building on the success
of the Product of the Year
award-winning Altaira Ground System,
Altaira-X represents a bold design
progression that brings a dramatic
increase in noise reduction and
component isolation. Its eight
independently filtered terminals
create a profoundly quiet foundation
for recording, mastering, or
high-end listening systems striving
for ultimate performance.
An All-In-One ‘X’
Statement
Altaira-X is a comprehensive
eight-post ground hub, providing
ample connections for the majority
of reference audio systems. Its
advanced internal architecture
provides unprecedented filtration at
every terminal, allowing users to
mix chassis and signal-grounded
components within a single unit. No
special configuration is required,
each terminal automatically
preserves the separation needed to
maintain signal purity and minimize
inter-component noise transfer. With
Altaira-X, each component operates
on an island of calm within the sea
of noise that surrounds complex
electronics systems.
Advancing Science
The breakthroughs at the core of the
Altaira-X ground system are many,
but two stand out. The
patent-pending Transverse Axial
Polarizer (TAPc) technology
eliminates EMI distortion that would
otherwise blur timing, dynamics, and
fine detail in any top-performing
sound system. Altaira-X also
possesses increased levels of
high-frequency noise filtering,
creating a deep labyrinth of silence
that intensifies the listening
experience. Other tech enhancements
include Shunyata's patented Noise
Isolation Chamber, along with
platinum plated solid copper ground
connection points to reduce contact
resistance. This suite of
proprietary technologies, each
designed to target a specific form
of ground-plane distortion, combines
to produce an effect greater than
the sum of its parts: a system-wide
transformation in resolution,
clarity, and realism.
‘X’ Ground Cables
‘X’ Ground Cables complete the
Altaira-X reference system by
delivering the lowest-resistance
connection possible between
components and the hub. They utilize
pure silver conductors treated with
Shunyata Research’s KPIP v2™ process
to achieve unmatched conductivity,
dynamics, and resolution. Combined
with proprietary TAPc and CMode (Common
Mode noise reduction) modules, these
cables form the finest ground
connection available, perfectly
complementing the uncompromising
performance of the Altaira-X hub.

GROUNDBREAKING
TECHNOLOGY
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TAP (Transverse
Axial Polarizer) is a
patent-pending technology
developed by Shunyata
Research to enhance the
performance of its reference
signal cables. The evolution
of this technology has led
to the creation of TAPc, a
groundbreaking advancement
that significantly reduces
the size of the modules,
enabling their application
across a broader range of
products, including power
distributors, power cords,
interconnects, digital
cables and speaker cables.
The sonic results of TAPc
technology include a
profound drop in perceived
noise floor, effortlessly
portrayed dynamics, and an
exceptional rendering of
timing and coherency. These
benefits are unique to TAPc,
setting it apart from any
competing product or
technology. Even to an
untrained ear, the effects
of TAPc are immediately
apparent and consistently
repeatable across various
components and systems.
Essentially, the TAPc
modules act as force
multipliers, elevating the
listening experience to
levels many would not have
thought possible. |
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The NIC™ (Noise
Isolation Chamber) is a
patented Shunyata Research
device that reduces high
frequency power line noise.
It employs a ferroelectric
substance that actually
absorbs high frequency noise
without any of the reactive
negatives associated with
transformers and large
capacitors as used in
conventional power
conditioners.
~ Patent US 8,658,892 ~ |
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Platinum plating on the
ground terminals delivers
exceptional fidelity and
tonal purity, offering a
stunning natural
presentation that
complements the heightened
resolution of Altaira-X.
Fine detail is revealed
without harshness, while
clarity, contrast, and
dimensionality are preserved. |
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KPIP v2™
Shunyata Research’s
proprietary Kinetic Phase
Inversion Process includes
four days of continuous KPIP
v2™ processing which refines
conductor metals at the
atomic 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. |
Specifications
- Power Requirements: None
- Number of Terminals: 8
- Isolation Zones: 8
- Noise Reduction: 6-12dB @
3kHz-30MHz
- Earth Ground Isolation: >6db @
50kHz-30MHz
- Vibration Control: SSF-38
Stainless Steel Feet
- Construction: Aluminum and steel
chassis and machined aluminum
faceplate
Dimensions
- Width: 16 inches (40.64 cm)
- Total Depth: 7.5 inches (19.05 cm)
- Height: 3.92 inches (9.956 cm)
- Weight: 13.5 lbs (6.12 kg) |