Shunyata Research Hydra Alpha A12 Power Distributor

The Hydra Alpha A12, part of our Performance Line of power distributors, delivers a legitimate wonder of design innovation by incorporating Shunyata Research’s most exclusive technologies within a product platform so affordable, so beautifully crafted, that it is unmistakable in its price category. With twelve outlets, the Hydra Alpha A12 is large enough to power entire systems, yet affordable enough to suit almost any budget or application. Replete with the same patented science, custom parts, and objective noise reduction that made the Triton v2 and Hydra Denali models famous, Hydra Alpha A12 delivers this technology in a stunning, yet affordable package. Based on objective performance and hand-crafted quality, Hydra Alpha A12 is destined to become one of Shunyata Research’s most iconic products.

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.

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, thereby eliminating skin effects and random eddy currents.

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 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.