Shunyata Gemini

[Formerly YB-2]

On my journey to 'simplify' as we prepare to move into our retirement condo, my system will consist of an integrated amp, DAC/streamer, CDP, Roon Nucleus & a pair of turntables. To simplify the power end of things, am looking at the Shunyata Gemini, which offers both power distribution & grounding.
Anyone have any experience with the Gemini? What do you think?

Oops. I did not dig deep enough. I see Steven's thread on the Gemini. But, would be interested in any comments since that time.

Another question comes to mind. Is the Gemini a capable surge-protector? If I use one do I need to bother with the Surge-X inline prior to the Gemini?

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

On my journey to 'simplify' as we prepare to move into our retirement condo, my system will consist of an integrated amp, DAC/streamer, CDP, Roon Nucleus & a pair of turntables. To simplify the power end of things, am looking at the Shunyata Gemini, which offers both power distribution & grounding.
Anyone have any experience with the Gemini? What do you think?

Oops. I did not dig deep enough. I see Steven's thread on the Gemini. But, would be interested in any comments since that time.

Another question comes to mind. Is the Gemini a capable surge-protector? If I use one do I need to bother with the Surge-X inline prior to the Gemini?

Hi Glenn,
Yes, the Gemini is an excellent surge-protector. Here are the specifications:

Maximum Voltage: 90-125 VAC r.m.s. unregulated
Input Current Ratings: Maximum Continuous Current: 20A
Output Current Ratings: Max Current/Outlet: 15A
Maximum Transient Protection: 40,000 A @ 8/50 μs
Over-Current Protection: Hydraulic Electromagnetic Breaker
Wiring System: Dual 12-gauge ArNi VTX Buss System
Ratings: 600 V 105° C
Noise Suppression: Input to Output (100 kHz – 30 MHz): > 24 dB reduction; zone-to-zone (100 kHz – 30 MHz): > 26 dB reduction
Inlet: IEC C15
Outlets: 4 NEMA5-20R
Isolation Zones: 2 zones
Vibration Control: Vibration damping panels (internal) Shunyata Vibration Damping Footers
Construction: Aluminum and steel chassis; anodized aluminum faceplate
Dimensions (WDH): 12.25" x 5.88" x 4.77"
Weight: 6.6 lbs.

I'll just add that in addition to it's GP-NR functionality, it's an excellent-sounding power ditributor. It's NR is the same as the original Triton V1, which sold for 50% more 10 years ago.

When I got mine, I used it for a couple weeks as the PD to power my main system (given I only have 3 powered components now in the main system) to run it in.


And...for folks who have a music server networking set-up/closet, i.e., a "RSR" (remote server room), it's superb for that application, as well.

Regarding the Surge-X, can't say specifically, but my guess would be no. Just use a good high-current PC to power it, e.g. Venom HC v2 or higher. If you use a higher-spec Shunyata PC than that, use an XC PC rather than an NR if possible. Also note that the Gemini-4 uses a C15 power cord, not a C19. The new Venom-X XC PC would be perfect, I'd think....

What integrated are you considering?

[Masterlu]

I have 4 Gemini’s in use at this time.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Hi Glenn,
Yes, the Gemini is an excellent surge-protector.

Regarding the Surge-X, can't say specifically, but my guess would be no. Just use a good high-current PC to power it, e.g. Venom HC v2 or higher. If you use a higher-spec Shunyata PC than that, use an XC PC rather than an NR if possible. Also note that the Gemini-4 uses a C15 power cord, not a C19. The new Venom-X XC PC would be perfect, I'd think....

What integrated are you considering?

Thanks. I would likely keep the Surge-X for use with non-signal related power, like turntable motors, computer, TV, etc. Just feed it from a separate outlet.

I've had excellent results with Delta v2 NR. Why do you recommend the XC over the NR for the Gemini?

I've settled on the McIntosh MA8950, after considering the Luxman & Esoteric. Though a close thing, I find the SQ of the newest generation of McIntosh gear to suit me well (though I could live happily with any of the three).

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Thanks. I would likely keep the Surge-X for use with non-signal related power, like turntable motors, computer, TV, etc. Just feed it from a separate outlet.

I've had excellent results with Delta v2 NR. Why do you recommend the XC over the NR for the Gemini?

The NR PCs were primarily designed to power components connected to the power distributor to keep noise from the full-wave bridge rectifiers in components' power supplies from coming back out from the component, only to be distributed to "upstream" to source components, which are particularly sensitive to noise. It's AC, alternating current, so the current goes into the component, and also comes back out of the component, all at 50/60 Hz.

The largest contributor (if you measured the complete set of "noise factors" as the sums of squares of all the various noise components, for example) to a system's overall noise is not from the AC mains, but from the components themselves.

The XC (extra-current) PCs were primarily designed for to connect power distributors to the AC mains so as to provide the maximal current for the power distributor.

[Formerly YB-2]

Thanks for the info.

Interesting that Shunyata has developed their products to separately address these issues. Based on my results the Delta v2 NR, they've succeeded very well, indeed. A very big improvement in my DAC/streamer with nothing more than their AC power cord. I'll probably stick with the Delta series (or its soon to be announced successor) with a Gemini.

I do get a laugh when I peruse other forums and see all the cable naysayers telling everyone what snake-oil and waste of money a good cable is. While I'll stay with their Delta-level models, I do wonder what the next level up might provide.

Edit - Gemini-4 and four (4) Delta ground cables inbound. Will feed it with an Alpha XC v2 cable and will use Delta NR v2 power cables to the integrated amp, DAC/streamer, CDP and Roon Nucleus. Am really sold on what I'm hearing with Shunyata products.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Thanks for the info.

Interesting that Shunyata has developed their products to separately address these issues. Based on my results the Delta v2 NR, they've succeeded very well, indeed. A very big improvement in my DAC/streamer with nothing more than their AC power cord. I'll probably stick with the Delta series (or its soon to be announced successor) with a Gemini.

I do get a laugh when I peruse other forums and see all the cable naysayers telling everyone what snake-oil and waste of money a good cable is. While I'll stay with their Delta-level models, I do wonder what the next level up might provide.

Edit - Gemini-4 and four (4) Delta ground cables inbound. Will feed it with an Alpha XC v2 cable and will use Delta NR v2 power cables to the integrated amp, DAC/streamer, CDP and Roon Nucleus. Am really sold on what I'm hearing with Shunyata products.

Cool!

Let us know what you think once it arrives, and has some time to settle after setup. I've found power distributors and cables take to 2-3 days to settle fully after coming of the logistics truck.

It sure as h*ll made a big improvement for the gear in the RSR (Remote Server Room): Alita (the Akasa NUC Roon Core), EtherREGEN, and the Pace router.

[Formerly YB-2]

Yes. I'm thinking I'll move one component at a time to the Gemini, starting with the RS150B DAC/Streamer. Power cord, then listen. Then the ground and listening, etc., until I have everything connected. Will give me an opportunity to compare what each move provides in the way of an upgrade/change.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Yes. I'm thinking I'll move one component at a time to the Gemini, starting with the RS150B DAC/Streamer. Power cord, then listen. Then the ground and listening, etc., until I have everything connected. Will give me an opportunity to compare what each move provides in the way of an upgrade/change.

Sounds like a plan...

[Formerly YB-2]

Gemini installed with an Alpha XC feeder cable and Delta NRs to the MA8950 & RS150B. When I purchased my Gemini it included a Venom cable as a promo (did not know until it arrived yesterday). Using that to my rarely used Oppo 203.

Upon installation I got an immediate improvement in sound-stage depth and SQ 'clarity'. And, have not connected the ground cables. I'll just listen until after Xmas so can make a better judgement on the grounds. Otherwise, too many changes at once.