The Hydra Alpha
A12, part of our Performance Line of
power distributors, delivers a
legitimate wonder of design
innovation by incorporating Shunyata
Research’s most exclusive
technologies within a product
platform so affordable, so
beautifully crafted, that it is
unmistakable in its price category.
With twelve-outlets, the Hydra Alpha
A12 is large enough to power entire
systems, yet affordable enough to
suit almost any budget or
application. Replete with the same
patented science, custom parts and
objective noise reduction that made
the Triton v2 and Hydra Denali
models famous, Hydra Alpha A12
delivers this technology in a
stunning, yet affordable package.
Based on objective performance and
hand-crafted quality, Hydra Alpha
A12 is destined to become one of
Shunyata Research’s most iconic
products. True to form, Shunyata
Research wasted no time in applying
its finest patented technologies and
performance features – previously
available only in Hydra Triton v2
and Hydra Denali models – into the
affordable Hydra Alpha A12 model. In
addition to offering enough outlets
to power any complex system, this
Hydra model delivers a staggering >
60dB @ 1mHz of noise reduction
spread over 6 independent zones. By
any standard, the performance of the
unit represents a new benchmark for
performance at and well beyond its
retail price. The Hydra Alpha A12
delivers all this performance along
with Shunyata Research’s signature
DTCD® (Dynamic Transient Current
Delivery) technology, allowing the
unit to be paired with an unlimited
variety of electronics including
high-current amps, projectors,
digital front ends and entire
systems. The Hydra Alpha A12 model
outlets are supported by Shunyata’s
own cable-cradle system for the
ultimate in grip and protected
connection. The unit comes equipped
with Shunyata Research’s finest
Trident-Defense protection system –
backed up by an uncompromising
Limited Lifetime Transferable
Warranty. High-performance internal
ground isolation, stainless steel
feet and vibration isolation all
come standard on a unit designed to
raise expectations for performance
and value.
Applications
The Hydra Alpha A12 has twelve
outlets. The unit has no limitations
with DTCD® (instantaneous current)
and is rated at a full 20A (16A on
EU model). All outlets on are
extremely high-current capable. We
recommend isolating electronics by
zones; high-current in one zone,
digital in another and analog in
still another. The Hydra Alpha A12
will deliver reference-caliber
performance for all systems, whether
primarily film, music, sound or
recording. Raising the bar for
performance, value and customer
satisfaction has been the driving
force behind the design of Shunyata
Research’s products for 20 years.
The Hydra Alpha A12 is the
embodiment of Shunyata Research’s
enormous progress toward those
ideals.
DTCD® DESIGNED (Dynamic Transient
Current Delivery)
The Hydra Alpha A12 was designed
using Shunyata Research’s DTCD®
analyzer. DTCD® Analysis measures
instantaneous current through
extremely low-impedance electrical
conductors and contacts. Shunyata
Research uses it to optimize the
design and performance of our power
conditioners and power cabling.
CCI™ NOISE REDUCTION
Traditional power conditioners are
designed to block incoming noise
from outside the home but do not
address the noise that is generated
by the electronic components
themselves. In fact, most
conditioners reflect noise back into
other components connected to the
power conditioner. CCI™ (Component-to-Component
Interference) is one of the most
significant but often overlooked
aspects to power system performance.
Shunyata’s CCI™ filter consists of a
proprietary multi-stage filter that
reduces electrical noise and power
supply generated interference.
NIC™ NOISE REDUCTION
The NIC™ (Noise Isolation Chamber)
is a patented technology that
reduces high frequency power line
noise. NICs™ use ferroelectric
substances that actually absorb high
frequency noise. This allows the
Hydra Alpha A12 power distributor to
reduce noise without any of the
negative interactions associated
with conventional power conditioner
designs.
[ US Patent: 8,658,892 ]
GP-NR NOISE REDUCTION
When it comes to reducing noise,
engineers focus primarily on the AC
electrical lines, with little
thought given to the ground lines.
The incoming ground line and the
internal power conditioner ground
plane can actually act as antennae,
drawing in electrical noise that may
interfere with the operation of the
connected components. Ground Plane
Noise Reduction is a proprietary
technology developed by Shunyata
Research to significantly reduce
interference caused by this
phenomenon, thereby providing a more
pure audio experience.
ZONES OF ISOLATION
The Hydra Alpha A12 features six
zones of isolation. The Hydra Alpha
A12 (US, AS, EU) is configured in
such a manner that each duplex is
individually isolated. The Hydra
Alpha A10 UK model also features six
zones of isolation, with four
isolated duplexes and two
individually isolated outlets. This
design principle provides for a high
level of noise isolation while
delivering exceptional audio and
video performance.
HIGH CURRENT CAPABILITY
The Hydra Alpha A12 is rated at a
full 20 Amps of continuous current
(16 Amps on EU model), ensuring
unfettered power delivery to complex
entertainment systems, including
those with high-powered amplifiers.
Advanced electromagnetic breakers in
addition to massive buss and 8-gauge
ArNi® conductors provide exceptional
dynamic contrast and bass impact.
HYDRAULIC ELECTROMAGNETIC BREAKER
Common power conditioners use fuses
or thermal breakers for over-current
protection. When heavily loaded,
they may cause voltage drops,
increased contact impedance, thermal
noise, excessive heat generation,
and current-limiting effects. The
Hydra Alpha A12 uses a more advanced
solution called a hydraulic
electromagnetic breaker that
operates right up to the maximum
current rating without the
limitations of fuses or thermal
breakers.
HIGH-QUALITY OUTLETS
The US and Asian model Hydra Alpha
A12 power conditioners include
Hubbell outlets that use a
triple-wipe contact system and have
broad contact areas to grip a plug
from three different sides,
providing superior electrical
integrity. Hubbell outlets feature a
solid brass back-strap that ensures
a reliable ground connection that
may reduce noise and hum. The Hydra
Alpha A12 EU and Hydra Alpha A10 UK
employ mains sockets that feature
copper alloy contacts designed to
accept large-gauge conductors.
ArNi® CONDUCTORS
Shunyata Research has developed a
proprietary line of ArNi®
conductors. They are made from
certified OFE C10100 (Certified ASTM
F68) copper. The wire strands are
arrayed in a unique hollow tube VTX™
geometry that reduces skin effects.
ArNi® conductors are treated with
Shunyata Research’s exclusive
Kinetic Phase Inversion Process (KPIP™)
for a period of 8 days.
VIBRATION MANAGEMENT
Mechanical vibration can be very
destructive to system performance.
The Hydra Alpha A12 was designed
from its inception to include
advanced forms of vibration control
that improve the recovery of subtle
musical detail and nuance. All
chassis panels and internal
structures are treated with
vibration-dampening materials. The
outlets are individually isolated
from the chassis with
vibration-dampening gaskets that
reduce vibration conducted through
the AC cables. All internal modules,
filters, and electronics are
encapsulated in a
vibration-absorbent compound.
KPIP™ “BLACKBIRD” PROCESSOR
Each Hydra Alpha A12 is treated with
Shunyata Research’s proprietary
Kinetic Phase Inversion Process (KPIP™).
The KPIP™ dramatically reduces
burn-in time and significantly
improves sonic performance.
CRYOGENIC TREATMENT
Many of the electrical components in
the Hydra Alpha A12 are treated in
Shunyata Research’s own advanced
computer-controlled cryogenics lab.
Further cryogenic treatment of the
unit is strongly discouraged, and
will void your warranty.
VIBRATION-DAMPENING FOOTER
The Hydra Alpha A12 comes standard
with Shunyata Research’s vibration
dampening-footers. Power
distributors react very similarly to
amplifiers in relationship to
floor-borne vibration. Shunyata
Research’s footers were specifically
designed to reduce vibration from
the supporting platform. The footers
may be optionally upgraded to SSF-50
stainless steel footers. After
researching multiple forms of energy
dissipation methods, Shunyata
Research developed the SSF-50 to
provide the performance
characteristics of an expensive
after-market isolator but at a
fraction of the cost.
Specifications
MAXIMUM VOLTAGE
- 90-125 VAC r.m.s. unregulated (US)
- 220-240 VAC r.m.s. unregulated
(EU, ASIA) INPUT CURRENT RATINGS
- US/Asia maximum continuous current:
20A
- Euro maximum continuous current:
16A OUTPUT
CURRENT RATINGS
- US/Asia max current/outlet: 15A
- Euro max current/socket: 16A
TRANSIENT SUPPRESSION
- Maximum transient protection:
40,000 A @ 8/50 μs
OVER-CURRENT PROTECTION
- Hydraulic electromagnetic breaker
NOISE SUPPRESSION
- Input to Output (100 kHz – 30
MHz): > 50 dB reduction
- Zone to Zone (100 kHz – 30 MHz): >
60 dB reduction
OUTLETS & CONNECTORS
- Zones of Isolation: 6 Zones
- Inlet: IEC C19R- US outlets: 12
NEMA 5-20R
- AS outlets: 12 NEMA 5-20R
- EU sockets: 12 CEE 7/3 WIRING
SYSTEM
- 8 gauge ArNi® VTX Buss system
- 10 gauge ArNi® VTX outlet wiring
- Ratings: 600 VAC 105°C
VIBRATION CONTROL
- Vibration dampening panels (internal)
- AC outlet dampening gaskets
- Shunyata Isolation Footer (standard)
- Shunyata Isolation SSF-50 Footer (optional)
CONSTRUCTION
- All aluminum chassis
- Anodized, brushed aluminum
faceplate
DIMENSIONS
- Width: 17 inches (43.2 cm)
- Depth: 11.5 inches (29.2 cm)
- Height: 6.3 inches (16 cm)
- Weight: 19.5 lbs (8.85 kg) |