SHAKTI is an east Indian word that means "energy". A more detailed definition
is "creative intelligence, power and beauty". This trinity of energy comprises
the very essence of music. Our product, an ELECTROMAGNETIC STABILIZER, allows more of that
energy to be revealed in the home music system. Requiring no electrical hookup, simply
placing SHAKTI on a component results in instruments and vocals that are clearer and
sweeter, with more liquidity, inner detail and focus. The imaging, stage depth and width
more accurately replicate the original recording site.
Designed and developed over a period of several years, SHAKTI has become the newest
essential component for high definition in the contemporary audio system. Neither an
accessory nor a resonance tuning device, SHAKTI enhances resolution for each component it
is used in conjunction with. This greater clarity is realized by addressing the problem of
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI). By interacting with the EMI field that all active
components radiate, audible benefits across a wide musical bandwidth are obtained. These
EMI emanations are caused by the interplay of fields generated from individual devices and
stages throughout circuit topology. They are known to distort musical signals, resulting
in a loss of dynamic contrasts and inner detail. Many engineers have experienced the
phenomenon whereby two identical circuits that differ only slightly in layout can result
in one sounding (though not necessarily measuring) far more musical. EMI appears to be the
culprit here.
One obvious but impractical solution would be an enormous five foot wide chassis to
increase distances between internal devices. Other attempts to address EMI have included
extensive shielding in and around the circuits and transformers and totally passive
external boxes that produced some benefits. SHAKTI differs from these past efforts in that
it draws energy from the very field it is attempting to smooth out,. once it is set in
motion it becomes an active transducer by changing a porwon of this field into mechanical
energy and then dissipates it as heat. To accomplish this, SHAKTI utilizes proprietary
ferrous and non-ferrous material and quartz crystal oscillators in combination with a low
level magnetic field. These components are oriented within geometric shapes both internal
and external, and then housed in a poured stone material. A white paper explaining the
technical details of this unique circuit will be available concurrent with issuance of the
pending patent.
Thus SHAKTI, without adding the additional noise trade-off and voltage fluctuations of
house current active devices, and having no musical signature of its own, produces a
significant improvement in reproduction of the original musical event.
SHAKTI provides additive benefits for each component it is used with. Its
exterior, comprised of a proprietary stone material, measures 6.5" long, 5.25"
wide and 1.5" in height. No electrical hook-up or batteries are required. Simply
center it, engraved side up, above the individual component. The field of interaction with
SHAKTI radiates several inches in all directions. As a result, in situations where you are
unable to center it above, placing SHAKTI below or even beside the audio component will
also produce benefits. Remarkably, this flexibility in placement has proven to improve
phono systems where practical constraints limit the proximity.
Testing has shown that when used on amplifiers, placement near the power supply
(transformer and/or filter capacitors), in most cases, extracts the greatest benefit, If
your preamplifier has a remote power supply , then benefits can be derived both there and
at the preamplifier. When used with speakers, including sub woofers, centered above or
internally often reveals the subtler aspects of the recording. CD players, DAC units and
line conditioners all improve when used in conjunction with SHAKTI. Research and
audiophile response have verified compatibility with resonance tuning accessories.
Individual SHAKTI STONES should be kept several inches apart. Except for large pre and
power amplifiers that have widely separated channels, usually one per component is
sufficient.
The temperatures most audio components produce will not harm SHAKTI. In those situations
where the maximum audible benefit occurs when SHAKTI is placed on top of heat vents, you
should monitor the potential temperature rise in your equipment. If your system is left on
continuously, be sure to move SHAKTI to a non-vented portion of the chassis when the
listening session is concluded. Another alternative, especially in the case of tube
components that generate a large amount of heat, is to raise SHAKTI an inch or more at
each corner to facilitate greater air flow. Dowels made of wood or metal and "tip
toes" are examples of feet which could be used. S.A.I. assumes no responsibility for
the misuse of SHAKTI.
These instructions are general guidelines for using SHAKTI. As often is the case in a high
definition system, a certain amount of experimentation in placement can prove beneficial.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments regarding your use of our
product. We are confident SHAKTI will prove to be a valued addition to your music system
by bringing you closer to the "truth and beauty" of the original musical
performance.
Choose a minimally processed orchestral or female vocal recording, that
has an easily perceived sound stage of good depth and width. After you have listened
several times to a brief section, you can center SHAKTI on top of the audio component.
Then begin evaluating its effects by A/B comparisons of SHAKTI on and off the particular
component being used. You can easily and quickly optimize placement by changing the
stone's position on the chassis, noting where maximum benefits are obtained. Whenever
possible keep the engraved top side of the stone facing the ceiling. In some situations
additional benefits can result from an extra stone placed below the component. Stones on
the same horizontal plane should be kept several inches apart.
Power Amplifiers: on or near power transformers in most cases is superior
to output transformers.
Pre-Amplifiers placement near the power supply is best.
Dacs: usually centered on top of the chassis.
CD Players and Transports: placement over the drawer area is a good
starting point.
Loudspeakers: placement on the tops of some cabinets (including
sub-woofers) can produce surprisingly dramatic benefits.
Power Line Conditioners: placement above (or below if possible, which can
sometimes be superior) will audibly improve the line conditioner's performance.
Digital Interface Components: placement above and below anti-jitter boxes
and such is one of the most dramatic demonstrations of SHAKTI ability to enhance an
already fine product's capability.
Turntables: placing SHAKTI near the turntable motor and/or cartridge can
reduce a heretofore ignored source of EMI. Even placement beside the table can reveal
benefits.
Cables: on long floor runs of cables (interconnect, speaker and ac) you
can lay the approximate center point of the wire over the stone and reduce cable standing
wave reflections and background noise.
By reducing EMI, SHAKTI is not really changing any component, it is simply allowing the
inherent potential of the individual piece to be realized in greater measure.
SHAKTI is made of a pre-cast, hand-finished cement material. Integral
pigmentation throughout is accomplished by the use of a special compound that has
anti-static properties. Because SHAKTI is a natural handmade product, variations in color,
texture and engraving are inherent valued qualities.
Compressive strength is sufficient to support the average audio component in those
situations where placement below is preferred. If SHAKTI is dropped on a hard surface or
bumped against metal during placement, chipping of its exterior could result. This type of
damage is not covered under the warranty.
Light surface stains or scratches can be removed by using a clean cotton cloth and
ordinary water. For more difficult stains a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water can be used.
Initially, rub the area to be treated with a cloth or paper towel dipped in the water or
vinegar solution. Then, if necessary, you can use #2000 wet/dry sandpaper or extra-fine
steel wool. Proper handling will give years of trouble free performance.