Synergistic Research SRX XL Phono Cable

Reference Phono Interconnect for High-End Analog Systems

The Synergistic Research SRX XL Phono is a flagship phono cable engineered specifically for the delicate, low-level signals produced by moving-coil and moving-magnet cartridges. Combining extensive pure silver conductor geometries, advanced UEF Matrix Shielding with graphene and the company's SRX XL high-voltage conditioning process, it is designed for reference turntable and phono preamplifier systems.

Unlike conventional line-level interconnects, phono cables must account for the electrical characteristics of the cartridge as well as the susceptibility of low-voltage signals to interference. The SRX XL addresses these requirements through carefully controlled conductor spacing, strategically coupled and decoupled geometries, and extensive shielding.

Available with RCA, XLR and DIN termination options, the SRX XL Phono can be configured for a wide range of premium turntables, tonearms and phono stages.

Pure Silver Air Strings Optimized for Phono Cartridges

The SRX XL Phono uses multiple individually isolated conductor geometries built around 99.9999% pure monocrystalline silver Air Strings.

Each Air String places its silver conductor inside a sealed air dielectric, minimizing direct contact between the conductor and conventional insulating materials. The cable also incorporates substantial Silver/Copper Matrix conductors with PTFE insulation.

Rather than applying the same geometry used in a conventional line-level interconnect, Synergistic Research has optimized the spacing and interaction between these conductors for the electrical requirements of phono cartridges.

Strategic electromagnetic coupling and decoupling zones are intended to maintain compatibility with both low-output and high-output cartridge designs while supporting the manufacturer's goals of low noise and detailed analog reproduction.

UEF Matrix Shielding with Graphene

A phono cartridge produces a signal substantially lower in voltage than a typical line-level audio source. This makes shielding and grounding especially important when connecting a turntable to a phono preamplifier.

The SRX XL Phono incorporates Synergistic Research's advanced UEF Matrix Shielding, using proprietary UEF treatments and graphene-based coatings applied to the cable's shielding architecture, connectors and grounding components.

According to Synergistic Research, these treatments are designed to reduce the influence of unwanted electrical noise without imposing the sonic characteristics the company associates with conventional shielding.

The cable also uses UEF Ground Plane Technology and SRX XL UEF Active Shielding as part of its comprehensive noise-management architecture.

SRX Master and Gold Carbon Fiber Tuning Modules

The SRX XL Phono includes interchangeable UEF tuning modules that allow listeners to experiment with the cable's presentation.

The Gold module is designed to emphasize warmth and fluidity, while the Master option is intended to emphasize extension, detail and refinement. Both operate outside the audio signal path.

Synergistic Research recommends allowing the cable to settle into the system for approximately 48–72 hours before comparing tuning modules. The preferred configuration will depend on the cartridge, phono stage, amplification and overall system balance.

For listeners using multiple SRX-series cables, individual tuning modules can be selected to establish a coordinated system-wide presentation.

Premium SR20 Silver Connectors

The SRX XL Phono uses Synergistic Research's SR20 connectors for RCA and XLR configurations, with straight and right-angle DIN options available for compatible tonearms.

The SR20 connector design incorporates high-purity silver and PTFE insulation. Its low-mass construction and substantial contact area are intended to provide reliable electrical contact while minimizing unnecessary connector material.

Choosing the appropriate termination is particularly important for phono installations. The connection must match the turntable or tonearm output and the phono preamplifier input, including the correct DIN orientation where applicable.

SRX XL High-Voltage Conditioning

After assembly, the SRX XL Phono undergoes Synergistic Research's proprietary extended high-voltage conditioning process.

The manufacturer applies electrical pulses of up to one million volts using controlled frequencies and modulation patterns. The XL process incorporates extended-duration frequency sweeps and developments to the company's Tesla Coil conditioning equipment.

Synergistic Research attributes improvements in perceived openness and accuracy to this treatment. The cable also undergoes an extended five-day burn-in process before leaving the factory.

Handcrafted in California

Each SRX XL Phono cable is individually assembled in Synergistic Research's California manufacturing facility.

Construction includes separately isolated cable geometries, point-to-point wiring, 4% WBT silver solder, proprietary UEF treatments and extensive hand assembly.

The cable is designed for analog enthusiasts building reference vinyl playback systems around premium cartridges, tonearms and phono preamplifiers.