Synergistic Research PowerCell 8 SX Power Conditioner

Eight Outlets. Flagship-Derived Technology. A New Approach to Power Conditioning.

The Synergistic Research PowerCell 8 SX is an eight-outlet active power conditioner designed for serious two-channel audio systems. Combining technologies developed for the company's Galileo SX and SRX PowerCell platforms, it brings advanced electromagnetic filtration, selectable ultra-low-frequency biasing and a redesigned grounding architecture into a compact, machined aluminum and carbon-fiber chassis.

At its heart is a new generation of Synergistic Research's patented electromagnetic-cell technology. Its redesigned cells provide twice the surface area of the company's previous folded EM Cells, while a dual-channel, multi-frequency ULF generator allows listeners to experiment with two different tuning settings.

The PowerCell 8 SX also incorporates an internal active linear power supply, graphene-based UEF treatments, a pure-silver ground strap and eight Purple 2.0 UEF-treated outlets.

Unlike conventional passive power conditioners, the PowerCell 8 SX is designed around Synergistic Research's non-current-limiting filtration philosophy, with the aim of reducing unwanted electrical noise while accommodating the demands of high-performance amplification.

A five-foot Foundation SX 10 AWG power cable is included, making the PowerCell 8 SX a complete power-conditioning solution for systems with multiple audio components.

 

Redesigned Electromagnetic Cells

The PowerCell 8 SX incorporates a substantial redesign of Synergistic Research's patented electromagnetic-cell architecture.

Drawing on development work for the company's SRX PowerCell platform, the new design doubles the surface area of the previous folded EM Cells.

The internal configuration includes a flat electromagnetic cell and two second-generation SRX UEF folded carbon-fiber cells. Together, these form the core of the conditioner's active filtration system.

Synergistic Research designed the larger cell architecture to increase its electromagnetic filtration capacity without introducing the current restrictions commonly associated with some conventional power-conditioning designs.

The company attributes improvements in perceived background quietness, dynamics and spatial presentation to this redesigned filtration system. Actual audible results depend on the connected components and electrical environment.

Galileo SX Dual-Channel ULF Generator

One of the PowerCell 8 SX's most distinctive features is its adjustable ultra-low-frequency generator.

Derived from technology developed for the Galileo SX PowerCell and Ground Block, the fourth-generation ULF generator applies selectable frequency biasing to the internal electromagnetic cells.

The manufacturer describes the revised generator as three times more powerful than its previous design.

Rather than providing one fixed configuration, PowerCell 8 SX allows listeners to select between two frequency settings intended to complement different musical presentations and system characteristics.

The tuning system allows customers to experiment with the manufacturer's intended sonic presentations without changing their power cables or connected equipment.

 

Redesigned Ground Plane Technology

PowerCell 8 SX incorporates an updated version of Synergistic Research's Ground Plane Technology.

Its construction includes a high-carbon-steel and aluminum grounding chassis and a 99.995% pure-silver ground strap measuring 62 square centimeters.

The manufacturer developed the revised grounding arrangement to complement the larger electromagnetic cells and updated ULF generator.

Ground Plane Technology is intended to manage unwanted electrical noise associated with the grounding architecture of connected equipment.

Synergistic Research attributes improvements in perceived background quietness and low-level musical detail to the redesigned system.

Active Linear Power Supply

The PowerCell 8 SX uses an internal active linear power supply to bias its electromagnetic cells.

The manufacturer specifies two Synergistic Research power transformers and five SR Quantum Capacitors within the EM Cell power supply and ULF generator circuitry.

The power-supply architecture draws on technology developed for the Galileo SX PowerCell.

Its purpose is to provide the active bias required by the electromagnetic cells and support the adjustable ULF generator.

This separates PowerCell 8 SX from a conventional power strip, which distributes AC power without an equivalent active filtration system.

Eight Purple 2.0 UEF-Treated Outlets

PowerCell 8 SX provides eight AC outlets, allowing multiple audio components to connect to one centralized power conditioner.

The North American version incorporates eight Purple 2.0 UEF-treated outlets. International versions are available for supported European, UK and Australian installations.

The outlets receive Synergistic Research's two-stage Quantum Treatment, a proprietary high-voltage conditioning process applied during manufacturing.

Eight outlets provide room for the components commonly found in a premium two-channel system, including a network streamer, DAC, phono preamplifier, turntable power supply, preamplifier and compatible power amplifiers.

The combined electrical demand must remain within the PowerCell's specified ratings and the capacity of the supplying circuit.

Non-Current-Limiting Design

PowerCell 8 SX is designed around Synergistic Research's non-current-limiting approach to power conditioning.

The manufacturer describes its revised EM Cell topology as behaving similarly to a supercapacitor, with the intention of supporting transient current demands.

This architecture is intended to accommodate components such as power amplifiers, where current delivery during demanding musical passages is an important consideration.

The manufacturer's description should not be interpreted as increasing the safe electrical capacity of the wall outlet or branch circuit. The PowerCell remains subject to its published electrical ratings.

Machined Aluminum and Carbon-Fiber Chassis

PowerCell 8 SX uses a rigid chassis constructed from machined aircraft aluminum, carbon fiber and high-carbon steel.

These materials form part of the conditioner's mechanical and grounding architecture.

Synergistic Research developed the enclosure to manage resonance while housing the larger electromagnetic cells, active power supply and grounding components.

Its compact dimensions allow it to be integrated into premium audio racks and dedicated listening rooms without requiring the space of the company's larger PowerCell models.

Included Foundation SX Power Cable

PowerCell 8 SX includes a five-foot Foundation SX 10 AWG power cable.

This provides a complete connection between the conditioner and a suitable AC outlet without requiring the immediate purchase of a separate power cable.

Synergistic Research also offers discounted power-cable upgrades with the purchase of a PowerCell 8 SX, allowing customers to select a different cable as part of their system configuration.

For customers building a complete Synergistic Research power system, this provides a route to upgrade the incoming AC connection while retaining the PowerCell 8 SX as the central power conditioner.

Key Features

• Eight-outlet active power conditioner

• Redesigned electromagnetic-cell architecture

• Two second-generation SRX UEF folded carbon-fiber cells

• Additional flat electromagnetic cell

• Galileo SX-derived active power-supply technology

• Fourth-generation dual-channel, multi-frequency ULF generator

• Selectable Blue and Red frequency settings

• Redesigned Ground Plane Technology

• 99.995% pure-silver ground strap

• Eight Purple 2.0 UEF-treated outlets

• Graphene-based UEF treatments throughout

• Internal active linear power supply

• Two SR power transformers and five SR Quantum Capacitors

• 12 AWG internal Silver Matrix wiring

• Neutrik 32A PowerCon input

• Machined aluminum and carbon-fiber chassis

• Included five-foot Foundation SX 10 AWG power cable

• North American and international configurations