I'm also interested in Grant commenting on power regenerators vs passive power distributors. Pros and cons of each. I too have been embedded in PS Audio regenerators for many years but now I'd like to take a wider view of other options.
I cannot present differences between entire genres because so much is out there, but I can shed light on the design choices we made and the relevant advantages specific to Caelin's designs.
Active versus passive are entirely different approaches--180 degrees. We certainly considered and tested approaches using regeneration, the use of isolation transformers, chokes or traditional coils. After many years of research and development both in the military and his career path afterwards, Caelin opted to use a passive approach for a few fundamental reasons.
Isolation transformers, regenerators, chokes and coils are
generally based on the theory of isolating the system from grid related noise. This came with the same concept of "system protection" from all the bad stuff existing outside the system. All types of chokes, coils, transformers and regenerators will deliver to one degree or another on the promise of not allowing grid noise to get through to your electronics. Regenerators go the extra mile of generating newly clean current for the system.
From his years of testing and measurement, following are the reasons Caelin chose to follow his own unique design formula.
Primarily, Caelin found there to be significant draw backs in the area of instantaneous current delivery using the aforementioned approaches. When considering the performance of a
SOUND reproduction system, we find the delivery of instantaneous current to be
foundational in the design of every part, junction and conductor related to power delivery. Any power-delivery component or even a related part, that holds or delays peak-current can lead to the perception of compressed timing and dynamics due to increased junction, part or material resistance.
Caelin chose to go to a different extreme, including the development and design of all his own parts, materials, metals and metal treatments that together and apart, eliminate junction impedance and favor the maximum throughput of the original, unmolested peak electrical signal.
Secondarily, the
brick wall approach forms a two-way brick wall, meaning these methods block grid related noise from reaching your electronics.... but also prevent component generated noise from finding an exit-path, which means in most cases component generated noise reflects its way back into the system. From his testing, Caelin found that noise from the grid, depending on system-type and geographic location, represents roughly 30% of the noise that can affect performance. Caelin's research demonstrated that
proximal noise -- noise generated and shared among interconnected components, is the greater threat to performance by far; up to or more than 70% in some cases. Obviously the systems that use all digital front ends or are multi-purpose, multi-component systems the percentage goes up; with analog systems, the percentage difference may go down slightly. I'm using percentages only to illustrate the point.
Finally, we choose a non-reactive approach that will not interfere with the delicate balance of power-conditioning each manufacturer builds into their power supplies. For example, power conditioners that rely heavily on inductance such as a choke, or capacitance such as banks of large capacitors, run the risk of creating highly reactive mismatches with electronics that have the opposite reactive elements built into their power supply. An example would be putting a power conditioner full of capacitors in front of a component that has a choke-regulated power supply. At best, the combination will likely sound bad or muddled. At worst you can literally cause power supply oscillation within the component to the point the component will literally vibrate on the shelf. This is one reason "power conditioners" can be so variable in performance from system to system and is a big reason why many electronics manufacturers recommend against using ANY power conditioner with their electronics.
Some of the benefits of using the passive approach Caelin originated follow.
* Shunyata Research products do not measurably limit peak current beyond the minimal and unavoidable contact resistance that occurs when plugging any component into an additional outlet in front of the wall outlet. We spend enormous sums to measure, design and manufacture parts that eliminate contact resistance inherent in all common outlets, connectors, conductors and any other part in the path.
* Shunyata products (power cords and power-distributors) filter in
two directions and in multiple stages, taking into account the massive amount of noise generated by system components themselves, not just the grid. --This is why our products have been enormously successful in medical imaging, which were previously using iso-transformers.
* Shunyata products are non-reactive, meaning they will be very stable in performance across the widest possible array of applications and with the most complex and reactively sensitive component power supplies. That doesn't mean an individual with a unique system may prefer one or another competing product, but it does mean we have eliminated every conceivable variable related to power and system integration when it comes to compatibility.
* Shunyata products generate zero heat or energy field of their own. They are inert devices in terms of their own electromagnetic field or relationship with the outside electrical world. Shunyata products will never buzz, hum or have parts wear out from heat exposure, or change performance for the same reasons. This is why we offer a transferrable limited life-time warranty on the power distributors and power cords. They are built to last a lifetime. Our track record with service is remarkable.
*Many of the technologies contained in Shunyata products are patent protected. All our technology and science is well explained. We present filmed, measurement and application results in professional, medical and review systems that demonstrate uniform results across an enormous variety of systems.
* An advantage that rarely gets mentioned but is relevant is the real world retail pricing for products that compete well above their price category. Shunyata products hold their value because they have intrinsic parts, design and functional integrity.
Anyone's results or POV might vary, but over twenty years we've earned enough credibility to be thought of anytime someone considers the purchase of products in our category. They are honestly developed with great attention to detail and have explainable science behind them that is unique to the market.
I hope this is of some help, Brodric.
Best regards,
Grant
