Synergistic Research PowerCell 8 SX
- Description
- What’s inside?
- Specifications
- Reviews
The Synergistic Research PowerCell 8 SX reimagines power conditioning by incorporating every available technology from SR's portfolio into a compact, ultra-performance unit. Engineered from a clean slate, it brings together an array of advanced features within a sleek, solid chassis crafted from machined aircraft aluminum and carbon fiber to control resonance; it’s form dictated by its role as one of the world’s highest-performance non-current limiting line conditioners.
The PowerCell 8 SX introduces significant advancements, including a reformulated Ultra Low-Frequency RF bias and the same power supply technology found in the latest Galileo SX PowerCell line conditioner, engineered to ensure the cleanest power delivery and the lowest possible noise floor for your audio system. With the addition of a redesigned Ground Plane Technology, the PowerCell 8 SX achieves one of the blackest backgrounds of any PowerCell to date, allowing the essence of your music to come through.
A highlight of the PowerCell 8 SX is its comprehensive redesign of SR's patented electromagnetic cell, which, in turn, was taken directly from the work on the upcoming flagship 20-outlet SRX power conditioner. The PowerCell 8 SX gets the first major EM Cell redesign in over a decade, where the patented Electromagnetic Cell is enhanced to have twice the surface area for greater conditioning power compared to previous folded EM Cells. This upgrade is complemented by significant improvements in the internal materials and assembly processes, setting the standard for efficiency and performance.
The PowerCell 8 SX stands out as a testament to SR's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, packing the latest technology into a compact form factor, and is ideal for audiophiles seeking the best possible power conditioner without compromising space or design.
The PowerCell 8 SX comes with a free Pink UEF Duplex.
Prices:
- $3,995 bundled with 5ft. Foundation SX 10awg AC Cable (value of $899)
- $4,495 bundled with 5ft. Foundation XL 10awg AC Cable (value of $1,399)
- $5,390 bundled with 5ft. Atmosphere SX Excite AC Cable (value of $2,695)
- $6,190 bundled with 5ft. Atmosphere SX Euphoria AC Cable (value of $3,695)
- $9,395 bundled with 5ft. Galileo Discovery AC Cable (value of $7,195)
Dual setting ULF Generator
The PowerCell 8 SX now utilizes a multi-frequency ULF Shuman Frequency Generator to complement both large and smaller-scale performances. To make accurate small and large scale sound staging reality, SR uses technology first developed for their Atmosphere Acoustic Field Generators. Ultimately SR perfected two new frequency combinations to perfectly complement large and small scale acoustic environments after first creating multiple combinations that proved unnecessary in the final stages of development. The multi frequency bias of the internal EM Cell is similar to what you hear when comparing the original FEQ field generator to an Atmosphere Acoustic Field Generator, which presents music on a grander scale with improved dynamics and musicality. To optimize the PowerCell 8 SX to your system and personal tastes, press the button on the backside to switch between Red and Blue settings selecting the option that makes music in your stereo when playing your favorite recordings.
Blue Frequency: voiced for acoustic instruments, vocals, and smaller-scale performances.
Red Frequency: convincingly portrays large-scale performances and electronic music.
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Wiring
- All 12 awg. Silver Matrix wiring
Connector Output US:
- 8 each Pink Outlets (Two stage Quantum Treatment)
Connector Output International (EU/AU/UK):
- 8 each Purple 2.0 UEF Schuko outlets (Two stage Quantum Treatment)
Galileo SX ULF Generator:
- The PowerCell 8 SX is equipped with Galileo SX PCB technologies. Incorporating UEF Purple Capacitors and a dramatically improved Dual Channel ULF generator. Originally designed for the flagship Galileo SX Ground Block and PowerCell models, the newly developed, 3 x more powerful, multi-setting, Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) generator allows users to select between multiple generator frequency settings. Providing the ability to adjust the characteristics of yourPowerCell 8 SX ground/power components to perfectly match your system and music style
UEF:
- Graphene treatment throughout unit
- Internal “Active” linear power supply for biasing EM Cells
- 4th generation Internal, Dual Channel, Multi-Frequency, ULF (Ultra-low frequency) Generator applied to each individual electromagnetic cell to bias AC to the Earth’s Schumann Resonance for a dramatic drop in a system’s noise floor.
- 2 each SR Power Transformers
- 5 each SR Quantum Capacitors in EM Cell power supply and ULF field generator
- High Carbon Steel/Aluminum “Ground Plane” chassis
- New EM Cell topology acts like a ‘Super Capacitor’ to increase peak current on demand allowing components to draw more current than when connected directly to the wall for added dynamic headroom
Internal Active UEF EM Horizontal Plane Cell area:
- 387 square centimeters Flat EM Cell
- 2 x Internal Active Second Gen SRX UEF EM Folded Carbon Fiber Cell area: 709.67 square centimeters total
Connector Input:
- 1 each Neutrik 32 amp PowerCon
99.995% Pure Silver Ground Strap:
- 62 square centimeters
Weight and Dimensions:
- 4.5″ x Width 12″ x Depth 6″
- 11 lbs.
Voltage and current Rating:
- Input rating US: 20amp/125v
- Input Rating International (EU/AU/UK): 16amp/250v
- US Version: Rating is limited by the US Outlet rating of 15amp/125v
- International(EU/AU/UK) Version: Rating is predicated upon the Schuko Outlet rating of 16amp/250v
John Bugailiskis of Best of Highend wrote (Feb. 2025):
"...the Furman IT-Reference 15i offers excellent protection from voltage spikes and surges, I could not discern any appreciable difference in the sound of my reference system, either for good or bad, when it was in use. However, when I swapped it out for the PowerCell 8 SX, the difference was apparent right away. I noticed an immediate increase in detail and resolution, with individual instruments becoming more apparent. Vocals also gained clarity and the overall soundstage expanded..."
"...while $4,000 is certainly not a small investment in your HiFi system, for those seeking to unlock the full potential of their systems, the PowerCell 8 SX stands out as one of the best power conditioners on the market, especially given its price. It made such a dramatic difference in my listening tests that I have added one to our reference system..."
CLICK HERE to read the entire review
Rick Becker of Enjoy the Music.com wrote (August 2024):
"...in an age when similar products are going for twice the price they were sold for a handful of years ago, Ted Denney has come out with the Synergistic Research PowerCell 8 SX at twice the price of the original PowerCell 8 SE, loaded with newer technology, more robust build quality, and better sound quality than power conditioners he is currently selling at more than twice the price. Andy Wiederspahn told me the PowerCell 8 SX is the first to have every possible Synergistic Research technology packed into it, and it is more technologically advanced than the PowerCell12 SX. With the new dual ULF generators, it is practically two power conditioners in one.
More recently, the new Synergistic Research PowerCell14, offering an additional six outlets, has come out with a stronger implementation of the technology than the PowerCell 8 SX, plus a few bells and whistles. At a $10,000 premium, it seemingly invented the concept of "trickle-up" rather than following the more conventional path of "trickle-down." From a value standpoint, the PowerCell 8 SX is the sweet spot of their current line-up. Anyone with a rig requiring eight or fewer outlets should give this power conditioner a listen. And those who require more might well consider spinning off their less relevant components onto a power strip plugged into the 8 SX.
It has been seven years since its predecessor was introduced. The jump in technology and the accompanying improvement in sound quality have catapulted my system into Best Rooms territory at a price that would embarrass many manufacturers. Once again, Ted Denney continues to push the high-end industry to the next level with innovative technology..."
CLICK HERE to read the entire review.
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