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Stephen Scharf
The Shunyata Research Gamma cables line was specifically designed and engineered to be a complete cable line embodying a superbly balanced and natural musical presentation without resorting to performance extremes that may highlight the limitations of reasonably priced systems. The Shunyata Research Gamma line of cables renders the musical presentation holistically rather than as a “sum of parts” and, in doing so, beautifully conveys the artistry of the musicians and performing artists and returns the listener to the joy of the musical performance.
Power cables:
Noise Reduction (NR) and Extra Current (XC), 15 AMP & 20 AMP IEC
Speaker Cables:
spade & banana terminations; Shunyata Termination Interchange System (STIS) optional
Interconnects:
RCA and XLR
Phono:
RCA with spade ground wire
Digital Cables:
USB, Ethernet, Clock-75, AES/EBU, S/PDIF
Ground cables:
Chassis Ground (CGC) and Signal Ground (SGC); spade & banana terminations
Warranty:
Limited Lifetime Warranty
MSRP:
$598.00 Power Cable (1.75 meter)
$998.00 Speaker Cable (2.5 meter)
$425.00 Ethernet Cable (1.5 meter)
$550.00 Phono Cable (1 meter)
$550.00 XLR Interconnect (1 meter)
$450.00 RCA Interconnect (1 meter)
$300.00 Coaxial Digital Cable (1 meter)
Website:
Company:
SECRETS Tags:
analog signal cables, digital signal cables, speaker cables, power cables, Shunyata Research
Secrets Sponsor
Shunyata Research Gamma Cable Line Key Technologies & Features
Shunyata Research’s history is well-known as a company that demonstrated the importance of power cords with respect to high-fidelity system audio quality. With product research and development based on science and measurement, Shunyata Research pioneered technologies and defined the importance of application-specific power cords, not only in high-end audio reproduction and music recording studios, but also in the medical imaging and electrophysiology sectors, with its sister company, Clear Image Scientific.
Note: The following content in the technology and feature overview is sourced from Shunyata Research’s Gamma Cable product literature:
The parts, components, and technologies utilized in Shunyata Research’s cables are custom- designed and manufactured using innovative approaches based on physics and materials science, utilizing Ohno Wire and CopperCONN® connectors, and electrical engineering innovations, such as its Dynamic Transient Current Delivery (DTCD®), and Kinetic Phase Inversion Process V2 (KPIP™ V2) technologies. Specifics of these technologies are described in more detail below.
Ohno Wire
Shunyata’s cables are manufactured using Ohno wire, also called PCOCC, which was invented in 1986 by Professor Atsumi Ohno of the Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan. Conventional copper wire is created by an extrusion process that pulls a rod of cold copper through a small orifice, which creates multiple crystalline boundaries. By contrast, Ohno wire is made by a process using heated molds that cast the wire into a form comprised of a single crystalline structure. Ohno wire is well known for its exceptionally pure, grain-free sonic qualities.
Kinetic Phase Inversion Version 2 Process (KPIP™ V2)
Shunyata’s proprietary Kinetic Phase Inversion Version 2 Process (KPIP™ V2) was developed by Caelin Gabriel of Shunyata Research after years of research into the underlying causes of various effects such as burn-in, wire directionality, and the effects of cryogenic treatment. Gabriel discovered that there was an underlying core principle that burn-in and cryogenics only partially addressed. Once the governing principle was understood, it became possible to create a processing technique and machine that eliminates the need for cryogenic treatment and cable burn-in by the customer, and significantly improves sonic performance, delivering a relaxed and life-like presentation. When compared to the original KPIP™ process, KPIP V2™ provides a significant performance upgrade on par with a component-level upgrade. It should be noted that while KPIP eliminates the need for a lengthy cable burn-in period, because of the physical jarring and temperature changes the cables undergo during shipping. There is still a 2-3 day ‘settling period’ after the cables are received after shipping to return to their peak operating condition.
Noise Reduction (NR)
Perhaps no technology has been more thoroughly researched, measured, and third-party tested than Shunyata Research’s power line noise reduction technology. Shunyata has invested considerably in the research and development of intellectual property and financial resources in creating its own series of AC power connectors, AC conductors, and the discrete multi-element filter systems implemented within its Noise Reduction (NR) model power cords. They are widely used for professional recording systems as well as some of the finest music recording and mastering systems, such as the studios used by James Guthrie to re-master Dark Side Of The Moon for the SACD 5.1 mix, and by Grammy-award winning producer Glenn Tabor at his GAT3 Studio.
Dynamic Transient Current Delivery (DTCD®)
Shunyata Research’s power cords are designed to measurably reduce noise and improve the efficiency of dynamic current flow to the system electronics. The results of more than two decades of research and design experience are a series of power cords that measurably reduce noise and improve access to instantaneous current, which Shunyata refers to as Dynamic Transient Current Delivery (DTCD®). DTCD® Analysis is a proprietary measurement technique developed to measure instantaneous current flow through very low impedance electrical conductors and contacts. It is used to optimize the design of electrical parts and materials, ensuring optimal instantaneous current delivery. DTCD® Analysis gives Shunyata Research a proprietary advantage in the design and development of high-performance power delivery products.
VTX™
Shunyata Research’s exclusive VTX™ conductors are made in the shape of virtual tubes. The core of the conductor is completely hollow, minimizing skin effects and random eddy currents, and is produced using Copper OFE Alloy-101. VTX™ cables are manufactured using the finest fluorocarbon insulation to minimize dielectric absorption and re-radiation, which Shunyata says translates to an improvement in resolution and clarity.
Power Cables
Shunyata Gamma power cables are manufactured using the highest grade of copper OFE Alloy 101, which 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 exceeds the OFHC (oxygen-free high conductivity) purity specification. The dielectric used is fluorocarbon, which is usually only found in wire used in the aerospace industry, satellites, and only the most expensive audiophile cabling. It has special electrical characteristics, including very low dielectric absorption, high dielectric strength, and exceptional heat resistance. When used in audio and power cables, fluorocarbon dielectric reduces the perception of dynamic compression and improves sonic low-level resolution and clarity.
Shunyata’s audiophile-grade AC connectors are specially crafted from high-grade solid brass to accommodate large 10-gauge conductors and feature gold-plated pure copper contacts in the IEC connectors. This combination results in lower resistance and ensures exceptional sound. Additionally, the AC connectors are made using robust polycarbonate head-shells, with the connectors are hermetically sealed with an electrically inert compound that protects the contacts and wires from corrosion. This compound also ensures that the wires cannot become loose, fray, or pull out from the headshell. This guarantees reliable power cable performance that does not degrade over time.
The Gamma power cables are available in two models: XC (for extra current) power cables, which are recommended for powering Shunyata power distributors from the wall AC receptacle to the power distributor, and Noise-Reduction power cables (NR), which are designed for powering source and amplification components. The Gen 2 Noise Reduction utilized on Gamma noise-reduction (NR) model power cords reduces noise by > 12 dB @ 1 MHz.
Speaker Cables
The conductors in the Gamma speaker cables are VTX™, which is Shunyata’s proprietary geometry of OFE copper configured in a virtual hollow core arrangement. The core of the VTX™ conductor is completely hollow, which minimizes skin effects and random eddy currents, and is produced using Copper OFE Alloy-101. VTX™ cables are manufactured using the finest fluorocarbon insulation to minimize dielectric absorption and re-radiation, which Shunyata says provides an improvement in resolution and clarity.
All Gamma speaker cables are then conditioned for 4 days using Shunyata’s advanced and proprietary Kinetic Phase Inversion Process (KPIP v2™) to eliminate the requirement for cable burn-in.
Interconnects
Shunyata Research manufactures its interconnect cables using the proprietary PMZ process referenced above. Gamma interconnects are available using Shunyata’s specifically designed and PMZ process very-high-quality RCA or XLR connectors and are available in a range of lengths to suit a wide variety of setups and applications.
Ethernet and Digital Cables
The Gamma Ethernet digital cable is a 22-gauge cable manufactured from a proprietary alloy, SR-6a, and uses bespoke Shunyata RJ45-specification Ethernet connectors (designated SR1- RJ45), a PTFE dielectric, and a 100% coverage foil shield.
Digital Clock Cable
The Gamma clock cable is 75-ohm, 18-gauge OCC copper, utilizing a braided shield and fluorocarbon dielectric insulation, and high-quality gold-plated BNC connectors.
As with their other cables, both the Ethernet and clock cables are KPIPv2-treated for 4 days to eliminate the requirement for cable burn-in.
For this review, I used my Lumin P1 as the system’s streamer/DAC/preamplifier with music files from an upstream Akasa-cased NUC and Roon Core music server located in another room. Digital music files from the Roon Core are sent using the new Shunyata Gamma Ethernet cable to an Uptone Audio EtherREGEN Ethernet switch, and subsequently downstream using a single-mode 1310 nM Planet Tech (PT) optical transceiver in EtherREGEN’s SFP* optical port via Corning ClearCurve single-mode LC/LC optical fiber to a matching PT optical transceiver in the SFP port of the LUMIN P1, located in the listening room’s main audio rack. The EtherREGEN switch was connected to the AfterDark master clock with a Shunyata Gamma 75-ohm clock cable.
The LUMIN P1 was connected to a Constellation Inspiration integrated amp with the Gamma XLR interconnects used for this review. The output volume of the Inspiration was set to unity gain with the actual listening volume set using the LUMIN P1’s LEEDH digital volume control, which I’ve found to sound superior to the Constellation’s analog volume control. In this configuration, the LUMIN P1 functions as the system’s streamer, DAC, and preamplifier, and the Inspiration integrated functions as the power amplifier. All components in the main audio room were powered with a Shunyata Everest power distributor and, for this review, Shunyata Gamma power cords to power the LUMIN P1 and the Constellation Inspiration integrated amplifier.
The Constellation Inspiration integrated amp powers Buchardt S400II Color Signature Edition loudspeakers using the Gamma speaker cables resting on Shunyata Möbius cable elevators to mitigate the effect of floor-borne vibrations. The Buchardt loudspeakers were mounted on Pangea steel speaker stands, which placed them at the optimal height for listening.
* – SFP: Small Form-factor Pluggable, a networking industry standard for a specification of optical digital data transceivers.
Note: As this review covers the entire line of Shunyata Gamma cables, I’m going to refer to one or two different recordings for each type of cable (interconnects, power, digital, speaker, etc.).
Gamma Cable Line Overall Qualities and Attributes
The first impression one gets from listening to the Gamma cable line overall is one of transparency, clarity, resolution, and neutrality. The overall tonal quality is neutral, but there is also body and weight to the presentation that adds lifelike qualities to voices and instruments.
These attributes deliver a dynamic, lifelike, and musically engaging presentation. The Shunyata Gamma cables also present the music with accurate, defined, and nuanced reproduction of timbre, the attribute that distinguishes, for example, a woodwind from a stringed instrument playing the same notes. These qualities are most notable on well-recorded and mastered vocal & classical recordings, where the Gamma cable line provides superb detail characterized by sophisticated and refined reproduction of instrumental overtones, natural-sounding and organic vocals, and harmonic accuracy and subtlety.
XLR Interconnects
Fink, “Sort of Revolution”
One of the strengths of the Gamma XLR interconnects is their clarity, transparency, and resolution provide an ability to reproduce and resolve subtle musical details, as well as tonal and timbral intricacies that convey subtlety and nuance to the presentation. Maker on Fink’s Sort of Revolution, with its foundational organ and bass lines overlaid with a finely woven cloth of instrumental details, textural cues, and subtleties provided by snares, hi-hats, and brushed cymbals, is a standout for these attributes, creating a musical tapestry that draws the listener into the artist’s world.
Gustavo Santaolalla, “Brokeback Mountain (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)”
Carry that thought forward with respect to the Gamma’s XLR interconnects’ pitch-perfect accuracy reproducing Gustavo Santaolalla’s guitar and backing steel guitar on Wings, the signature track of the Brokeback Mountain soundtrack. Here, the clarity and purity of the instruments’ tone and timbre stand in full relief against a very black and quiet background, free of any blurring or slurring of resolution, and brimming with finely articulated harmonic and textural detail.
Gamma power cords
Igor Stravinsky, Sir Colin Davis, Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam, “Firebird Ballet Suite”
With their ability to finely resolve individual instruments within a much larger sonic tapestry, the Gamma power cords really shine with orchestral classical music. Moreover, their ability to provide dynamic current using Shunyata’s DTCD technology provides vivid and lifelike orchestral power and dynamics. On my original LP of Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Ballet Suite, with Sir Colin Davis conducting the Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam [Philips LP 6725 017] these impressive orchestral dynamics combine with spacious, precise, and stable imaging, the Gamma power cords to create a deep, wide, and tall orchestral soundstage, allowing one to hear fully into the recording, and revel in the beautifully-rendered details and subtleties of this superb pressing of Stravinsky’s famous ballet score.
Youn Sun Nah, “Lento”
The noise floor of the Gamma power cord is impressive and exhibits virtually no grain, blur, or hash, even on the quietest digital recordings. These qualities are in full evidence on Youn Son Nah’s cover of Hurt on her album, Lento [ACT 9030-2]. Sung primarily acapella with a solo backing guitar, the Gamma power cords provide superb mid-range transparency, texture, and nuance, and present the full measure of Nah’s exquisite voice portraying the pain and pathos in this ballad by Trent Reznor. Here, the top end is extended, smooth, sweet in the most natural way, but not syrupy or soft in any manner.
Gamma Speaker Cables
Berloiz, Sir Georg Solti, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, “Symphonie Fantastique”
A lovely LP of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, with Sir Georg Solti conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra [London Stereo CS6790] exemplifies the Gamma speaker cables’ sheer dynamic prowess combined with subtle refinement. Here, the ability of Gamma speaker cables to convey the drive, force, and power of the orchestra’s timpani and brass sections in counterpoint with the lyricism and delicacy of the strings and woodwinds is something that has to be heard first-hand. Imaging is precisely defined with excellent placement stability within the soundstage. Their ability to provide a soundscape with a deep, wide, and tall soundstage was also impressive
Bruno Coulais, “Himalaya: The Rearing of a Chief (Original Soundtrack)”
I referenced Bruno Coulais’ soundtrack for Himalaya: The Rearing of a Chief in my review of the Soulnote D-1N DAC, and on the track, Norbu, using the Gamma speaker cables, those musical attributes mentioned are still fully present: fast, clean percussion where speed, power, and dynamics are the order of the day. This is an impressive track showcasing the Gamma speaker cables’ outstanding ability to render impactful bass drum crescendos with superb clarity, textural definition, and transient response while providing a stable low-end foundation.
Gamma Ethernet Cable
Note regarding setup: the Gamma Ethernet cable used for this review connects my Akasa NUC/Roon Core to the A-side of an Uptone Audio EtherREGEN Ethernet switch. EtherREGEN is connected to my home router on its B-side with a Shunyata Sigma Ethernet cable. The digital music signal from the Roon Core is subsequently sent via single-mode LC/LC Corning optical fiber from EtherREGEN’s SFP optical port downstream to a SFP optical module in the Lumin P1 in the main audio rack. As such, there is no Ethernet cable used to connect the Roon Core music server directly to the Lumin P1.
Donald Byrd, “The Cat Walk”
In the treble range, the Gamma Ethernet cable exhibits remarkable definition and clarity that is never hard or bright. This results in a captivating experience listening to Alan Yoshida’s re- mastering of Donald Byrd’s The Cat Walk on Audio Wave’s superb series of XRCD24 Blue Note jazz reissues. Here, the Gamma Ethernet cable excels in rendering the high-frequency tones from Byrd’s trumpet that never sound edgy or overly brassy, but smooth, natural, and refined. This classic hard-bop album also has Pepper Jones’ baritone sax sounding warm and earthy, and Duke Pearson on piano, Laymon Jackson on bass, and Philly Joe Jones’ drums providing a weighty yet detailed instrumental foundation. Whether capturing the subtle nuances of Jones’ cymbals shimmer or articulating the tonality of Byrd’s trumpet, the treble qualities of the Gamma Ethernet cable are highly engaging and sweet, but without veering into excessive brightness or hardness, ensuring a harmonious tonal balance.
Gamma Clock Cable
Lady Blackbird, “Black Acid Soul”
For my Roon Core music server setup, I installed the 75-ohm Gamma clock cable to connect my AfterDark master clock to my UpTone Audio EtheREGEN Ethernet switch. With the Gamma clock cable, Lady Blackbird’s Black Acid Soul is presented with a sublime rendition of her beautiful voice’s breath, texture, and warmth, and precisely defined in the recording space with breadth, depth, and height, and her control and beautiful phrasing comes to life for the listener, creating an enrapturing vocal experience.
Overall impressions
Some notable attributes of the Gamma cable line are the ability to create lifelike width and, in particular, depth to the presentation. These attributes create a large, spacious, and three- dimensional soundstage, providing the listener with the sense of being in the concert hall at the performance. With their very low noise providing a black background, the Shunyata Gamma cable line delivers superb separation and precise placement of the instruments and vocals within the soundstage. Instrumental transients emerge effortlessly and seamlessly, conveying lifelike dynamics. Something I really enjoyed about the Gamma cable line was its ability to provide a natural space for the soundstage to unfold into with depth, width, and height.
Secrets Sponsor
With excellent design and engineering, innovative and proprietary technologies, and the capability to play any music with reference-level audio quality and a superbly engaging and natural musicality, the new Gamma line is an outstanding new entry-level line of cables from Shunyata Research.
- Excellent transparency with superb resolution, clarity, and detail
- Natural and engaging presentation of tone, timbre, and texture
- Accurate and natural bass, midrange, and treble qualities
- Superb musical dynamics with precise, stable imaging and spacious soundstage
- Very low noise and a black background with lifelike instruments and vocals
- Excellent build quality incorporating unique and innovative engineering technologies
- Outstanding value proposition
- Honestly, I can’t think of anything.
The new Gamma line of cables from Shunyata Research is an exceedingly impressive new line of cables that breaks new ground with respect to their design, materials science, engineering, performance, and most importantly, audio quality. While the Gamma cable line of products represents Shunyata Research’s entry-level cable line, the performance and audio qualities of the Gamma cable line are way, way above entry-level, and as such, represent a massive value proposition. In conclusion, the Shunyata Research Gamma cable line has my highest recommendation.