Shunyata Gemini

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We'd like to introduce our long-anticipated four-outlet GEMINI Model-4 power distributor and chassis grounding system -- all in one unit!

The GEMINI Model-4 will be packaged with a 1.5m Venom HCv2 c15 for the affordable price of $1998.

This makes the GEMINI Model-4 an ideal power distributor combination for headphone systems or high-performance audio-video systems with four or fewer components. The onboard Chassis Grounding System only adds to the profound noise reduction achieved through GEMINI's patented NIC chambers and multi-stage filtering capability.

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The GEMINI Model-4 is a full 20A high-current power distributor. Due to its size, multi-front noise reduction and price, GEMINI is an indispensable product for all customers that wish to maximize performance for headphone system's or system's with fewer components.

When deployed as a power distributor, GEMINI will dramatically improve audio and video quality. If the customer engages the Grounding System (cables sold separately), GEMINI becomes a one-of-a-kind product delivering the ultimate in improved performance and noise-free system operation. GEMINI Model-4 offers four posts for chassis grounding only, which will further diminish noise that would otherwise intrude on fidelity (signal grounding is not provided).


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The more I read this the more confused I get. Seems like a separate grounding cable is optional. From Shunyata's website:

"If a component’s power cord is connected to the GEMINI —
do I need to run a ground wire to the ground terminals?

If a component is connected to the GEMINI with a power cord where the ground wire and AC plug pin are functional, the chassis of the component will be connected to the internal grounding
system of the GEMINI through the power cord. You do not need to make another connection
to the ground hub terminals. However, many components benefit from the additional chassis
connection, especially if you are using common stock power cords. Try it and see if performance is improved."

It’s targeted at small systems and headphone systems. Gives the person the option to ground their few devices. Comes with a HC power cord.


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It’s cool and looks priced right.

Will there be a Gemini-2? For even smaller and simpler systems. Specifically, an Integrated amp and a Source.

Not at a reference level like the Typhon T2.

Years ago, I think Shunyata produced a 2 outlet Venom product.

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Originally Posted by mdp632

Will there be a Gemini-2? For even smaller and simpler systems. Specifically, an Integrated amp and a Source.

Not at a reference level like the Typhon T2.

Years ago, I think Shunyata produced a 2 outlet Venom product.

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No.


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No 20A C19 IEC input, is that a Shunyata first?

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Originally Posted by brodricj

No 20A C19 IEC input, is that a Shunyata first?

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The Gemini supports 20A input. It uses an IEC C15 plug inlet receptacle.

Input Current Ratings Specifications:
Maximum Continuous Current: 20A (US)
Maximum Continuous Current: 16A (AS)
Maximum Continuous Current: 16A (EU)

From the Gemini specifications web page:
https://photos.imageevent.com/puma_c...mini-Specs.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dizzie

The more I read this the more confused I get. Seems like a separate grounding cable is optional. From Shunyata's website:

"If a component’s power cord is connected to the GEMINI —
do I need to run a ground wire to the ground terminals?

If a component is connected to the GEMINI with a power cord where the ground wire and AC plug pin are functional, the chassis of the component will be connected to the internal grounding
system of the GEMINI through the power cord. You do not need to make another connection
to the ground hub terminals. However, many components benefit from the additional chassis
connection, especially if you are using common stock power cords. Try it and see if performance is improved."

---

It reads clearly to me.
First:
"If a component is connected to the GEMINI with a power cord where the ground wire and AC plug pin are functional, the chassis of the component will be connected to the internal grounding system of the GEMINI through the power cord. You do not need to make another connection."


Secondly:
"However, many components benefit from the additional chassis
connection, especially if you are using common stock power cords. Try it and see if performance is improved."

This has been my experience with my components with my 2 Altaira SG hubs. For example, my Lumin P1 has a chassis ground terminal on the rear panel, this is what I connect to the Altaira dedicated to the P1. However, as referenced above in the second statement, I also find I obtain further benefit in (ground-plane) noise reduction by making additional connections: by connecting the P1's unused S/PDIF connector and unused RCA connectors. So, in total, I have four ground cables connected from my Lumin P1 to it's dedicated Altaira SG hub. I use an Alpha CGC for the most inportant connection, the dedicated ground terminal and Venom CGCs for the other 3 S/PDIF and RCA connections.

I recently bought the new Shunyata Gemini combination power distributor/"Altaira-type" CG ground-plane noise reduction hub for my remote music server room.

The back-story:
I've been using a Shunyata PS10 power distributor in the remote server room for the last year or so, and found that using it for powering the Mac Mini Roon Core, Pace router and the power supply for the Sonore OpticalRendu (the "upstream" FMC) provided a notable improvement in audio quality.

So...when Gemini, which combines power distributor functionality AND Altaira-type CG ground-plane noise reduction capability into a single unit came on the market a month or so ago, I bought one with the thought that the remote server component system might be a perfect application for Gemini, being able to take advantage of quality power distribution AND Altaira-class ground-plane noise reduction of the streaming source devices.

Back when I was using my LampiZator Baltic 3 DAC and complex SOtM SMS-200 UltraNeo network bridge "set-up" in combination with EtherREGEN in the main rack, I noted a significant improvement in audio quality simply by connecting ER's ground terminal to Altaira, as shown here.

https://photos.imageevent.com/puma_c...nd-Altaira.jpg

However, when I bought the Lumin P1 and moved ER into the remote server room, I no longer had an Altaira to connect to ER's ground terminal because the Altairas were still located in the main rack. What to do?

Enter Gemini.
From the product description:
A two-in-one power conditioner and ground-plane noise reduction hub, the Shunyata Gemini Model-4 is ideal for small high-end systems, headphone setups, and network closets.

Capable of powering 200-watt amplifiers in spite of measuring just 4.77 x 12.25 x 5.88 inches, this mighty mini leverages Shunyata’s proven NIC noise isolation chamber technology to provide a common grounding point for the components to which it’s connected — as well as beneficial noise suppression rated at 24dB from input-to-output.

When I saw Gemini, it occured to me it might be the perfect solution for the devices in the remote server room. So...I bought one. 😎

I ran it in for 5 days after getting it as the main rack's power distributor, and it's an absolutely terrific-sounding power distributor. I'll add that the original Shunyata Triton V1 from back in the day provided approx. -24 dB of noise reduction, and the little Gemini is right in line with that.

AND, it has a four-terminal Altaira-type ground plane noise reduction system built-in. :woot:

After running it in for 5 days or so, I moved it into the remote server room and connected my network music server devices: the Mac Mini Roon Core, Pace router, and the AfterDark power supply that powers both the AfterDark Master Clock and EtherREGEN.
https://photos.imageevent.com/puma_c...work-App_1.jpg

You can also see an Alpha CGC ground cable that connects EtherREGEN's ground terminal to Gemini at lower right.

Here's the set-up of the music server devices in the spare room resting on an IKEA Lack table....the Alpha CGC runs down to Gemini. The EtherREGEN connects via a run of LC/LC optical fiber out of ER's A side to the Lumin P1 in the main rack. I've found I get best noise-reduction by connecting the Pace router's Ethernet cable to ER's B-side, and ER's "moat" prevents noise from the dirty Pace router from getting through to ER's A-side, the side where the optical runs out of.
https://photos.imageevent.com/puma_c...k-and-ER_1.jpg

And...it sounds GREAT.

The networked streaming devices, Mac Mini Roon Core, Pace router, and the AfterDark master clock are getting quality power and ER has ground-plane noise reduction. Implementing this set-up provided a notable reduction in AC noise, ground-plane noise, improved clarity, "open-ness", and a much quieter, more natural and engaging presentation.

My next steps will be to get a USB-A and RJ45 ground-cable "tail" and connect ground cables with those tails to an unused USB port on the Mac Mini and an unused RJ45 jack on the Pace router over to Gemini "Altaira" terminals. This should provide additional levels of ground-plane noise reduction. Once I get those in, I'll provide an update.

In conclusion, if you're using a "network closet" or "remote server room", where your router, music server, hard drives, master clock and Ethernet switch and attendant power supplies are remotely located away from the main audio rack (which provideds obvious advantages), Gemini might be well-worth considering. Sure worked very well for my set-up. Cheers.

What does the main grounding post (nearest the IEC) connect to?

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Originally Posted by Dizzie

What does the main grounding post (nearest the IEC) connect to?

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Ideally, Altaira.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike

Ideally, Altaira.


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That seems redundant and probably not what the manual says. :skeptical: I wish Shunyata had their manuals online.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dizzie

That seems redundant and probably not what the manual says. :skeptical: I wish Shunyata had their manuals online.

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It’s meant to connect to a denali or Everest already in a system.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dizzie

That seems redundant and probably not what the manual says. :skeptical:

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Mike is correct on both points.

The ground terminal on Gemini can function as follows:

1) the connection to "chassis ground" for an Altaira hub you may also be using it with (i.e., with Gemini functioning as the power distributor)

2) Ground connection terminal to connect Gemini to a Denali, Everest or other Shunyata power distributor at their respective GP-NR ground terminals.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dizzie

I wish Shunyata had their manuals online.

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I just downloaded the online CGS Ground-Plane Noise Reduction System Application Guide and the Gemini grounding guide from Shunyata's web site.

https://photos.imageevent.com/puma_c.../CGS-Guide.jpg

If you PM me with your email address, I wll email them to you.