PS Audio Introduces New Generation Of Power Cables

5-Feb-03

PS Audio, well-known for their innovative and stylish high-performance audio and power management components, has introduced the latest in its family of groundbreaking power delivery systems, the PS Audio xStreamô Power Cables, at CES 2003.Under the umbrella of the new xStream series of products, PS Audio offers three new models of power cables--the Statement, Plus, and Prelude. All three xStream power cables are complete power delivery systems applicable to both AC power and power amplifier outputs.This next generation of power cables represents several revolutionary and new innovations in cable design. First, the xStream Power Cables employ the world's first implementation of a distributed inductor for shielding with a Ferrite-impregnated outer jacket. Each is manufactured using a solid core and multi-strand construction. PS Audio's newly customized molded ends are sure to revolutionize the industry, allowing termination with any size conductor. Custom IEC male and female prongs are machined from a solid piece of material, hand-polished, and then plated with nickel. These are the first power cables with cold-weld and solder connections. All these new technologies guarantee improved connectivity and no oxidation over time. The original Lab Cable series relied on multiple shields encased around each of the conductors. These shields were used to lower noise from both the outside and the inside of the cable. While this shielding method provided excellent noise immunity, it also created a slight restriction of apparent dynamics in both the audio and video presentation.To solve this in the new xStream Power Cables, the multiple shields were moved away from the individual conductors and placed around the conductor bundle instead, significantly improving dynamics. To further enhance shielding, the outer jacket of the power cord is used as a shield as well. This revolutionary new method of shielding has never before been used in a power cord; it is known as ""distributed ferrite shielding.""Ferrite is an iron-based metal that absorbs unwanted electromagnetic radiation and dissipates it into heat. Some power cords place ferrite in a ring or a lump at one end of the power cord, which does help noise emissions. Unfortunately, it has an adverse effect on both audio and video presentations, audibly ""choking"" the dynamics. However, by impregnating ferrite powder along the entire length of the outer jacket material, a distributed filter is created that maintains the excellent noise immunity of ferrite without restricting dynamics. This radical new method of noise reduction results in clean, more open audio and remarkably superior black levels in video systems. The cables are constructed using a combination of solid-core OFC copper and very finely stranded copper bundles to form the conductors. They are able to achieve a more tonally accurate and musical presentation by combining the benefits of large-gauge, single-conductor copper with small-gauge, multi-strand conductors. The lower frequencies of the audio spectrum are dramatically improved by the use of solid core conductors, while the fine strands and increased surface area help provide quick transient power when demanded by the upper audio frequencies. Additionally, the outer braid protects the power cord.Perhaps one of the most significant new features of the xStream Power series are the new IEC male and female connectors. PS Audio's new connectors are absolutely unique and represent the state-of-the-art in connectivity. Each prong is machined from a solid piece of high-copper content brass, then hand-polished and nickel-plated. Each of these custom-machined prongs are then inserted into a special holder, squeezed hard enough to cold-weld the conductor and the prong together. Then, it is heat-soldered with high-silver content solder to form the perfect connection.Unlike any other power cord on the market, the xStream Power Cables do not use any screw terminations. Once the conductors have been welded to the prongs, the entire assembly is set into an attractive custom mold that hermetically seals the three prongs.The 6-gauge xStream Statement cable is PS Audio's new premier power cord, employing a triple-shielded construction--two foil, one 90% OFC braid, built in double-barreled shotgun style. A 2-meter cord retails for $399. The xStream Plus cable is 8-gauge, using a double-shield construction--one foil, one 90% OFC braid. A 2-meter cable sells for $249. The xStream Prelude, the most economical in the series, is a 10-gauge cord using a single shield with a price of $129.For more information about PS Audio, visit www.psaudio.com.

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