The Shunyata Research Hydra 8 line conditioner

Our latest feature is an interview with Grant Samuelson of Shunyata Research by our own Ken Gould. Grant answers questions about how Shunyata Research was started and gives us some background on their chief designer, Caelin Gabriel, and his design philosophies. Then Grant discusses how Shunyata Research designs and builds their highly-respected power line conditioners (Hydras) and power cords (PowerSnakes) and why Shunyata believes their designs are optimal for removing sonically-destructive noise artifacts from audio and video systems.

During the interview, Grant uses some terms which we would like to define here for your convenience.

Helix Alpha

PowerSnakes designed for use with analog components such as amplifiers and preamplifiers

Carling ElectromagneticBreaker

Electromagnetic circuit breaker used by Shunyata in preference to fuses or thermal circuit breakers

Compound

Used here to refer specifically to the patented noise-absorbing beads used in the VX PowerSnakes and the Hydra 8

Filter Network

Used here to refer to the noise reduction circuitry built into Hydra line conditioners

IEC

Used here to refer to the power cord socket on the back of a component where the power cord is attached

Ferrite

Used here to refer to ferromagnetic compounds traditionally used to suppress noise in electronic circuits

MOV

Metal Oxide Varistor, a device used to provide surge suppression in line conditioners and surge suppressors

Power Supply

The section of an electronic component, usually consisting of a transformer, capacitor bank, and rectifier, which converts AC wall current into the DC voltages needed by that component

Helix VX

PowerSnakes designed for use with digital components such as CD and DVD players

To begin listening, click one of the links below labeled "Start Lecture".

Note: You must have RealPlayer installed on your computer to play this lecture. To obtain a free copy of RealPlayer, please use the link below.

Shunyata Research's Best Power Cord, the Anaconda Helix	The ultimate noise removal solution
Inside Look at the Shunyata Research Patented Helix Geometry

For more information about Shunyata Research, please feel free to call Audio Nexus or visit the Shunyata Research website.