Shunyata Research Altaira Grounding System

Designer Caelin Gabriel created the ALTAIRA as the absolute state-of-the-art solution for controlling ground-plane noise in home entertainment and pro-audio systems. The ALTAIRA is a centralized grounding system that eliminates inter-component ground loops while reducing ground-plane noise known to cause audible humming, buzzing, and other undesirable distortions. Electrical grounds are often contaminated with various types of electromagnetic interference, including radio, television, microwave, wifi, and cell tower frequencies. The ALTAIRA System uses patented technologies that significantly reduce these types of noise and distortion.

ALTAIRA is based on an expandable and scalable hub-style architecture. ALTAIRA hubs combined with Shunyata Research’s purpose-built CGC/SGC ground cables provide the means to create a high-performance grounding system for professional or personal use. A single six-terminal ALTAIRA hub is all that is needed for small to medium-sized home entertainment systems. For pro-audio systems or very large home entertainment systems, a more complex ground system with multiple interconnected ALTAIRA hubs may be installed.

The ALTAIRA hubs reduce chassis and signal ground-related noise to a degree that will astonish even the most critical music enthusiast or recording engineer. It strips away multiple layers of noise, revealing previously hidden musical detail and micro-dynamics while improving dynamic scale, tonal accuracy, and timbral definition with an expanded sense of spatial dimensionality. The bass foundation has added weight, grip, and articulation. Video content has improved image resolution, Dmax, and color saturation.

There are two ALTAIRA models available. Both have six terminals, each with its dedicated zones of isolation. The ALTAIRA Chassis Hub is ideal for simple systems that have fewer than six components. The filters at each zone of isolation are tuned to the frequencies most commonly found riding the chassis-grounds of components.

For more complex systems, the ALTAIRA Signal Hub may be used to segregate and isolate certain types of components. For instance, separating the digital components from the analog components will provide a higher level of performance. Filters are tuned to reduce frequencies that most commonly ride the signal ground of components.

Specifications

Power Requirements: 
None

Number of Ports: 
Six

Isolation Zones: 
Six

Noise Reduction:
6-12dB @ 3kHz-30MHz

Earth Ground Isolation (SG-NR unit only) :
>6db @ 50kHz-30MHz

Vibration Control: 
Isolation polymer footer

Construction: 
Aluminum and steel chassis and machined aluminum faceplate

Dimensions:
Width: 14.1 inches (35.814 cm)
Total Depth: 6.9 inches (17.526 cm), faceplate to end of ground terminals
Depth: 5.6 inches (14.224 cm), faceplate to back of chassis
Height: 3.4 inches (8.636 cm) chassis with feet

Weight:
8.2 lbs (3.7 kg)