Synergistic Research Foundation XL AC Power Cable

Pure Silver AirStrings and SRX XL Technology for High-Performance Audio

The Synergistic Research Foundation XL AC Power Cable brings technologies developed for the flagship SRX XL cable series into a more accessible high-end power cord. Featuring four 6N pure-silver AirStrings, high-current copper conductors and graphene-enhanced UEF Matrix Shielding, Foundation XL is designed for listeners upgrading the power cables on their amplifiers, DACs, preamplifiers and other premium audio components.

Replacing the Foundation SX, the XL introduces twice as many pure-silver AirStrings, a revised shielding compound and the same SRX XL High Voltage Conditioning process used on Synergistic Research's flagship cables. The manufacturer developed these changes to improve perceived dynamics, transient response and tonal realism while reducing unwanted noise.

Foundation XL is available in two conductor configurations: a 12 AWG version for general audio applications and a 10 AWG High Current version for compatible power amplifiers and other demanding components. Both share the same silver AirString architecture and SRX XL-derived treatments.

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Four Pure-Silver AirStrings and High-Current Copper Conductors

Foundation XL combines three SR Copper power conductors with four 99.9995% pure-silver AirStrings. The AirStrings use PTFE air dielectrics, while the primary copper conductors use EPDM insulation.

Doubling the silver AirStrings compared with Foundation SX is one of the defining changes in the XL generation. Synergistic Research developed the revised geometry to achieve greater perceived resolution, musical texture and transient definition without introducing an aggressive high-frequency presentation.

The two available configurations differ in the gauge of their main copper conductors. The standard Foundation XL uses three 12 AWG conductors, while Foundation XL High Current increases these to three 10 AWG conductors. Both versions retain the four silver AirStrings, making it possible to select the appropriate cable for different components while maintaining a consistent cable architecture throughout a system.

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Graphene-Enhanced SRX XL Matrix Shielding

Foundation XL incorporates the UEF Matrix Shielding compound developed for Synergistic Research's SRX XL series. This graphene-based treatment is applied to the cable's shielding architecture and connectors as part of the manufacturer's approach to electromagnetic interference.

The updated shielding is paired with carbon-fiber UEF Tuning Discs, which allow listeners to experiment with the cable's presentation.

Foundation XL includes Gold and Purple Carbon Tuning Discs. Synergistic Research describes Gold as emphasizing harmonic richness and dimensionality, while Purple is intended to emphasize clarity and soundstage extension. The discs can be positioned at selected locations on the cable or elsewhere in a compatible audio system.

Unlike the company's active-shielded Atmosphere and SRX power cables, Foundation XL does not require an external shielding power supply.

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SRX XL High Voltage Conditioning

Every Foundation XL power cable undergoes Synergistic Research's SRX XL High Voltage Conditioning process. The manufacturer uses proprietary equipment to apply high-voltage treatments with extended frequency sweeps and controlled pulse patterns to the assembled cable and its connections.

This is the same generation of conditioning process used for the company's flagship SRX XL cables. Synergistic Research attributes part of the Foundation XL's performance improvements over Foundation SX to this manufacturing treatment.

Foundation XL is handcrafted at the company's California facility, with 4% silver-soldered connections, additional UEF Blue Treatment and proprietary connector treatments.

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Technical Specifications

Both configurations are handcrafted in California and offered with North American, Schuko, UK and Australian wall-plug options. The manufacturer publishes electrical ratings of 20A/125V for the US and 16A/250V for international versions; the connected equipment, IEC termination and supply circuit must also be appropriately rated.

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Foundation XL at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi offers Synergistic Research Foundation XL power cables for customers building or upgrading high-performance stereo systems. Our Houston team can help select between the standard 12 AWG and 10 AWG High Current versions, determine appropriate cable lengths and coordinate power delivery for components from McIntosh, Audio Research, Goldmund, dCS and other premium manufacturers.

Foundation XL can also be combined with matching speaker cables and interconnects to create a coordinated Synergistic Research cable system. Contact The Grid HiFi for assistance selecting the appropriate configuration for your equipment.