25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE & SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION
DESIGN PROGRESSION
The Sigma S12 represents the jewel of Shunyata Research’s Performance Series of power distributors. Developed using Shunyata Research’s award winning Hydra Triton v3 design platform, Sigma S12 offers world-class performance at a price that belies the science and innovation within its design. From its patented Noise Isolation Chambers to Shunyata’s exclusive solid copper CopperConn outlets, every part and material in the Sigma S12 has been custom designed for performance without compromise.
Sigma S12 is massively over-rated to handle even the most current hungry amps yet true to its passive nature runs cool and quiet in operation. The twelve outlets in the Sigma S12 can accommodate large systems while its 3-stages of noise isolation offers the most stunning aural and visual images in its class. Although packed with 20+ years of Shunyata’s most evolved technologies, Sigma S12 comes in at a price point that makes it one of the best values in the market today.
The S12 has twelve outelts which makes it the ideal solution for large systems or for home theater systems. If you need high capacity but want near reference level performance, the Sigma S12 is your top choice.
NIC™ TECHNOLOGY
Most power conditioners reduce power line noise using common industrial filter designs. These filters use transformers, coils, baluns, toroids, ferrite cores and large capacitors which by their very nature are highly reactive. They may produce undesirable sonic effects when used with high-end audio components especially amplifiers.
The NIC™ (Noise Isolation Chamber) reduces high frequency power line noise using a patented non-reactive ferroelectric substance that actually absorbs high frequency noise. This reduces power line noise without any of the negatives associated with power filter coils, capacitors and transformers.
— Patent Number: US 8,658,892 —
CCI™ ISOLATION FILTERS
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 Isolation) is one of the most significant but often overlooked aspects to power system performance. The CCI™ filter consists of a proprietary multi-stage filter that reduces electrical noise and interference generated by a component’s power supply.
“The Everest 8000 and Omega XC have become essential parts of my reference system. The Everest allowed the outstanding components in my system to perform at their highest level…”
– Robert Harley, Editor-in-Chief, The Absolute Sound
MONOLITHIC CONSTRUCTION
One of our fundamental design imperatives is to ensure life-long performance and durability. Long-term exposure to air can oxidize and corrode wiring and sensitive electronic components. All of the filters, PCBs, connections and internal wiring are contained within a monolithic enclosure and then potted with ceramic materials that hermetically seal the contents. This protects the circuits and wiring from humidity and oxidation, and eliminates internal vibration between components. This unique construction methodology delivers exceptional and consistent performance that will not degrade over time.
GP-NR NOISE REDUCTION
Significant amounts of noise exist on the ground plane of power lines. The ground wires can act as antennae, picking up electrical noise that can degrade the performance or operation of the electronic components. Ground Plane Noise Reduction (GP-NR™) is a proprietary technology developed by Shunyata Research to significantly reduce ground-plane noise; improving low-level resolution and clarity. The system includes one to four terminals, depending on the model, to connect as many as 12 audio components. We offer several models of CGC chassis grounding cables each made to your custom length and termination requirements.
The Hydra Sigma S12 features 12 outlets, patented NIC (Noise Isolation Chamber), MED filter technology, CopperCONN outlets and the exclusive Cable Cradle that support high-end power cables.
CABLE CRADLE
Shunyata Research introduces a unique solution for the problem of heavy high-end power cables. The Cable Cradle surrounds and supports the weight of the power cable, preventing it from pulling away from the outlet. This system is designed to ensure reliable and secure electrical connections.
Shunyata Research has developed its own line of CopperCONN™ connectors. They feature solid copper contacts that have superior conductivity compared to brass or bronze used in common outlets and have superior sonic qualities compared to audiophile outlets that use gold, silver, or rhodium plate platings.
The connectors are not just beautiful, they posses superior contact surface area for improved current capacity. They also have expanded air gaps which improves cooling when under heavy loads. Even the grounding backstrap is made from pure copper to improve ground plane noise dissipation.
Shunyata Research’s ArNi® conductors are designed to be the finest quality wire available for power and audio purposes. They start life using the highest purity copper available – OFE C10100 (or Ohno single crystal). Then they are formed into “virtual hollow tubes” that we call VTX™. The core of the conductor is completely hollow forcing the current to only travel through the periphery of the conductor, therby eliminating skin effects and random eddy currents.
— And finally, every ArNi® wire undergoes our proprietary KPIP™ process.
ELECTROMAGNETIC BREAKER
Over-current protection is a requirement for today’s high current audio power distributors. The vast majority of manufacturers use an inexpensive thermal fuse or breaker. Both are specifically designed to heat up as the current level rises. This causes voltage drops, increased contact impedance, thermal noise, excessive heat generation and current limiting effects. There is a better solution — the hydraulic electromagnetic breaker that utilizes low-impedance relays and a sensing coil that reads the current level without heating up or limiting current. They can operate right up the to the maximum current level without heating up or limiting instantaneous current. They are rarely used in competitive products since they cost 10-20 times that of a common fuse or thermal breaker.
Shunyata Research has created its own vibration dampening solutions, after many years of research into its negative effects. Mechanical vibration can be very destructive to system performance. Our power conditioners are designed from 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 panels. Each outlet is isolated from the chassis with a vibration-dampening gasket that reduces vibration conducted through the AC cables. All internal modules, filters, and electronics are encapsulated in a vibration-absorbent compound.
KPIP™ PROCESSING
Shunyata Research’s proprietary Kinetic Phase Inversion Process (KPIP) was developed to significantly reduce the amount of time required to burn-in cables and power conditioners. It also has a performance enhancing effect above and beyond simple burn-in. Four days of continuous KPIP™ processing dramatically reduces the ups and downs of new equipment burn-in while significantly improving sonic performance — delivering a more relaxed, natural and life-like presentation.
SONIC WELDING
Simple crimping, soldering, brazing and screws are all inferior methods of joining two wires or terminals together. Sonic welding uses high-energy sonic waves to literally join two metals together at a molecular level and cold-welding uses high-energy pneumatic pressure to bond metals. Shunyata Research uses both methods to secure connections that do not degrade over time.
CRYOGENIC PROCESSING
Shunyata Research operates its own onsite Cryogenics International computer-controlled cryogenic plant. Liquid nitrogen is used to reduce the temperature of the contents to -320 degrees fahrenheit. The computer monitors and lowers the temperature by a single degree at a time to prevent thermal shock.
We use this process to improve the performance of connectors and various electrical components that are used in our power products and signal cabling.
RELIABILITY
Over more than 2 decades, the reliability and durability of Shunyata Research products has become a legendary attribute of the brand. Shunyata products are completely non-reactive and run cool to the touch. They do not hum, vibrate, buzz, or generate heat and do not require any ventilation. Despite heavy-use applications in studios, medical labs, and home environments, Shunyata Research products maintain an almost zero failure rate. Many Shunyata Research products are covered under a limited lifetime warranty that can extend beyond the original purchaser.
BUILD QUALITY
In an era of products that are mass-produced, Shunyata Research invests in training career craftsman who build our products by hand at our factory in Poulsbo, Washington. The exceptional fit, finish, and attention to detail has become a hallmark trait of Shunyata Research products going back to its inception in 1998. Shunyata Research has been building some of the finest power and cable products in the industry for more than twenty years. The commitment to building durable products that are designed to last a lifetime elevates our products to the top of their class.
SAFETY ASSURANCE
Safety and quality control is job one at Shunyata Research. Before anything leaves the factory, we test each and every product thoroughly and carefully for safety and quality. This explains the long-term success of Shunyata Research products in the professional recording, medical, scientific, and consumer industries. Shunyata Research’s impeccable product safety and reliability track record for the past 23 years speaks for itself.
SIGMA S12
Maximum Voltage
90-125 VAC r.m.s. unregulated (US)
220-240 VAC r.m.s. unregulated (EU, AS, AU)
Input Current Ratings
Maximum Continuous Current: 20A (US, AS)
Maximum Continuous Current: 16A (EU, AU)
Output Current Ratings
Max Current/Outlet: 20A (US, AS)
Max Current/Socket: 16A (EU, AU)
Transient Suppression
Maximum Transient Protection: 40,000 A @ 8/50 μs
Over-Current Protection
Hydraulic Electromagnetic Breaker
Wiring System
8 gauge ArNi® VTX™ Buss System
10 gauge ArNi® VTX™ Wiring
Ratings: 600 V 105° C
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 NEMA5-20R
AS Outlets: 12 NEMA 5-20R
EU Sockets: 12 CEE 7/3
AU Sockets: 12 AS/NZS 31123
Vibration Control
Vibration dampening panels (internal)
AC outlet dampening gaskets
Shunyata Isolation SSF-50 Footer
Construction
Aluminum and steel chassis
Anodized, aluminum faceplate
GPNR
Length: 127 mm
Diameter: 38 mm
Dimensions
Width: 17.0 inches (43.2 cm)
Depth: 11.5 inches (29.2 cm)
Height: 6.3 inches (16.0 cm)
Weight: 19.5 lbs (8.85 kg)