Product Description
The most radical progression in power cord design since Shunyata Research’s humble beginnings in 1998, has delivered a watershed level of performance with the introduction of the Shunyata Research Sigma-X XC power cables.
Inspired by our well documented success in medical imaging and recording industries, Shunyata Research has continued to advance the science and technology of its most successful products. The SIGMA-X power cables have exceeded even the highest performance expectations.
The SIGMA-X is second only to Shunyata Research’s ultimate Omega power cord within the “Reference Series”. The Reference Series X cables represent the culmination of a 25-year commitment to produce the absolute finest performing power cables available.
There are three definable advances to the Sigma X power cord designs that will distinguish themselves within seconds after application, comparisons and testing.
TAPc Technology
The SIGMA-X features the all-new TAPc technology. TAP (transverse axial polarizer) is a patent pending technology that Shunyata Research developed to improve the performance of its reference signal cables. The TAPc technology is a radical advancement of the TAP technology that enables a significant reduction in the size of the modules – and for the first time allows this technology to be applied to power cords.
The sonic results of TAPc include a cavernous drop in perceived noise floor, effortlessly portrayed dynamics and a superb rendering of timing and coherency. The sonic benefits of the TAPc technology are quite simply unique and cannot be replicated by any competing product or technology.
Even to an untrained ear, the effects of the TAPc are immediately apparent and repeatable across a variety of components and systems. In essence, the TAPc modules are force-multipliers that elevate the listening experience to a level many would not imagine possible.
Patented QR/BB Technology
True to its reputation for migrating its most profound patented technologies into more affordable products, Shunyata Research has done it again. Previously found only in the ultimate Omega power cords, the QR/BB module takes a wrecking ball to power cord performance expectations.
The SIGMA-X QR creates an island of pure silence when used with reference quality amplifiers and source components. The QR/BB technology essentially supercharges the component’s power supply with reserve levels of DTCD energy.
For the first time, this remarkable QR/BB technology is available at a much lower price in order to reach far wider audience.
NR – 3rd Generation Noise Reduction Circuit
Perhaps no technology has been more thoroughly researched, measured and third-party tested than Shunyata Research’s power line noise reduction technology. Gen-2 NR technology, as used in the Gamma and Theta power cord lines, has been proven effective in heart surgery labs across the U.S. and Europe. Countless iconic recording engineers, mastering studios and musicians have provided vivid accounts supporting the efficacy of Shunyata Research’s NR power cords.
The Gen-3 NR circuit, as used in the ALPHA-X and SIGMA-X power cords, improves upon the sonic performance of the Gen-2 circuit. Transient speed, transparency and purity are all significantly improved along with an improvement in micro-dynamics. The new NR circuit is also more compatible across a broader spectrum of electronic component types; including preamplifiers and power amplifiers. Even amplifiers operating in pure Class A will realize a significant benefit when using the SIGMA-X NR power cable.
(The SIGMA-X XC power cords are now, primarily, recommended for use with power distributors.)
KPIPv2 – Kinetic Phase Inversion Process
Shunyata Research’s update to its proprietary KPIP processor represents a significant advancement to a process that permanently preconditions cables and power distributors. It dramatically enhances the sonic performance of the cables to which it is applied and significantly shortens the break-in cycle. All cables, conductors, connectors and outlets undergo a multi-day conditioning process that is an integral aspect to the extraordinary performance of Shunyata Research products.
Three Distinct Models to choose from:
SIGMA-X QR
The SIGMA-X QR edition is the highest performing SIGMA-X model. It includes patented QR/BB technology descended from the ultimate OMEGA QR along with NR noise reduction technology. It is particularly suited to use with high powered amplifiers but can be used for source and digital equipment when only the highest levels of performance are demanded.
SIGMA-X NR
The SIGMA-X NR delivers reference-grade performance and noise reduction on any and all electronics. Whether on amplifiers, sources or line-level components the SIGMA-X NR offers a massive component-upgrade level of performance.
SIGMA-X XC
SIGMA-X XC was designed specifically for use as a wall-connection power cord for use with Shunyata Research power distributors. Due to the extensive levels of filtering in Shunyata Research designed power distributors, NR filters are not needed at the wall connection. For use with other manufacturers power conditioners, the NR models will likely provide a performance benefit.
Bringing it Home
Have you ever watched a film that was so engrossing and captivating; the performances so real that you forgot you were watching a movie? That would be an apt description of the SIGMA-X power cord’s impact on sound, recording and imaging. There is an immediacy to sound, an immersive rendering of recorded detail that makes it easy to focus on the music and to forget about the recording chain.
The dramatic performance SIGMA-X power cords impart is not subtle or amorphous, it is revelatory and impossible to dismiss. When the recording calls for it, SIGMA-X power cords unleash a perfectly timed storm of three-dimensional weight and dynamic intensity – without a hint of compression or artifice. Perhaps the signature attribute of the SIGMA-X performance is its rendering of an almost gravitational silence within voice, instruments and images on a recording. There is a truth and precision to sound that is unmistakably free of distortion, leaving the listener captivated by an intense connection to favorite music.
