The following provides insight into the fundamental principles behind
key design features found in The Essence REFERENCE and how they relate to its unique combination of performance
benefits:
High Mechanical
Integrity Cordage Construction. A/C power cords handle
a signal which oscillates in a regular sinusoidal pattern. This
oscillation coupled with the close proximity of the conductors
can cause vibrations in the cable. The idea of vibrations
in electronic components which handle a/c power should come
as no surprise to the learned audiophile. This fact is gaining
wider recognition, and is being addressed by an increasing number
of High End audio electronic equipment manufacturers. One is
likely familiar with a practice employed by a number of manufacturers
where the transformer is physically isolated from the "signal
carrying" electronic circuitry by putting it in a separate
chassis. For the record, transformers vibrate at harmonic frequencies
of the a/c current; which is 60hz in North America. Typically,
the second harmonic or 120hz is strongest. These vibrations
are caused by a fundamental law of physics which states:
Parallel conductors carrying current in the
same direction will attract each other; in opposite directions
they will repel each other.
The Essence REFERENCE design employs the principle of constrained
layer damping to cordage construction. No
soft fillers are used in the cordage construction. Insulating
and jacketing materials are employed not only for their dielectric
properties, but also for their mechanical properties. They
must
be able to absorb vibrations from the conductors. Insulating
and jacketing materials have "complimentary resonant
characteristics".
In other words the materials have different resonant frequencies
so that one material can absorb any vibrations from the
other,
and visa versa. The performance benefits are enhanced clarity
and timbral accuracy. Image sizing is more appropriate, and
their outlines have a "you are there" focus.
Shielding. Radio Frequency Interference
or RFI can be a major problem especially when one lives
near the center of an urban community. Cables can act like antenna
and actually pick up signals. More often, the effect one notices
that spaces between vocalist and instruments are not as quiet
as the real thing. Power cords are also emitters of EMI or
electro-magnetic interference. This type of interference
is caused by the strong magnetic fields which surround high
current carrying conductors. EMI emissions from the cords can
affect the performance of other nearby cables in the system,
especially those which are not shielded.
The Essence REFERENCE cordage design addresses both RFI and EMI
interference. The result is a startlingly quiet background
from which low level
signals such as room reflections are more apparent.
Deep Cryogenic
Treatment to -300 degrees Fahrenheit of each complete multiple outlet assembly.
Cryogenic treatment alters materials at the molecular level. This permanent irreversible process
releases residual stresses, and alleviate negative effects
of crystalline grain boundaries in copper and brass. The
effect is a measurable reduction in resistively for improved
current flow. The result is an utterly “transparent” soundstage
background.
Proprietary
Connector Components and Termination Process. Any
cable’s performance can be significantly compromised by
poor connector termination. The resistance of the power cord
is in series with that of the component, therefore directly
contributing to the system’s internal resistance. Higher
internal resistance translates into dynamic compression and
a loss of resolution.
The Essence REFERENCE connectors employ custom components with enhanced electrical and mechanical properties. Painstaking attention to detail best characterizes the preparatory process for removing oxides from components just prior to terminating
each end. Connectors at both ends are completely disassembled
and cleaned. Standard components are discarded for custom replacement
parts to make an assembly which at once provides the best achievable
electrical conductivity and mechanical integrity. After securing
the conductors, the connector cavity is sealed, protecting internal
components from re-oxidation. Two adhesives are employed having
complimentary resonant characteristics. The resulting assembly
has a feel of "oneness", assuring the owner years
of the highest level of performance, and safe, trouble-free
operation.
Multi-Conductor
Patented* Geometry. Some features of this state-of-the-art cordage geometry have
already been mentioned such as constrained layer damping and
shielding. These features mean nothing if the basic electrical
circuit isn’t up to the task.
An explanation
of power cord circuit design objectives requires a little background
in a/c power transmission. The prevailing wisdom is that power
cords need only carry electrical energy only at 60hz (North
America). Not! The a/c frequency that we all know is actually
a carrier frequency. Energy is stored and transported
in magnetic fields which are capable of carrying energy over
many miles with very low loss. At some point near the end point
of usage, the coaxial cable is terminated where magnetic energy
converted into electrical. Although any conductor carrying a
current is surrounded by a magnetic field, the energy carried
by typical residential wiring is primarily electrical, and it
is available at all frequencies.
The Essence REFERENCE conductors are spaced in an Essential-Lay geometry. An Essential-Lay geometry is one where each insulated conductor is precisely
spaced to just contact the adjacent conductors to either side,
above, and below. Such construction maintains the exact spatial
relationship to the other conductors so that electrical properties
such as capacitance and inductance are consistent and stable
throughout the cable length. The Essential-Lay configuration also facilitates implementation of a multi-conductor cordage with inductance levels previously achievable only in
a single conductor geometry. Low inductance is critical to
the performance of high current handling cables such as power cords
and speaker wire. The results are unrestricted dynamic
contrasts and "speed". An effortless presentation
that recreates the full soundstage scale, and the natural "bloom"
of instruments as their resonating cavities fill.
Some audiophiles
like to call these performance attributes "magic".
They are the result of over ten years of research and development
into a/c power cord design, and nearly flawless product execution.
Hear the difference.
Hear The Essence of the High End today, and let your emotions flow!
