The signal level of an MM or MC system is extremely sensitive, at just a few thousandths of a volt. In addition to this, the systems have an inductive character. In combination with the cable capacitance, they form what is known as an oscillating circuit, which favors specific frequencies. If these frequencies are unfavorable due to excessively high capacitance, this has a major effect on the harmony of the sound. Extremely low capacitance and dielectric losses are just two advantages of the Phono-2405 AIR Pure Silver. They form the basis for unadulterated musical enjoyment.
Using air as a dielectric lowers capacitance to a minimum
The insulation between the conductors (also known as the “dielectric”) is of key importance for the quality of the sound. Signal transport is impacted by the insulating material, the distance between the conductors and the surface of the conductors. In comparison with other insulators, using air as a dielectric leads to no increase in capacitance and creates no dielectric losses. Sound signals are not impeded or altered during transport, a vital advantage when it comes to audio playback. Our fifth-generation Referenz AIR cables use solely air as a dielectric.
Point-to-point Air Helix for end-to-end connections
A new feature in the fifth-generation of in-akustik’s Air Helix architecture is the point-topoint connection. Specially designed transitions are available for each type of cable and connector. Across the complete length of the cable – point-to-point AIR Helix. It may sound trivial at first, but the results are impressive. Acoustic signals are transported with minimized losses, right through to the final centimeters. The sound is more detailed and dynamic than even before.
Polyethylene network jacket without sub-coating
There is a huge number of cables on the market, most with a PVC sheath surrounded by a textile or plastic braid. This sheath is meant to protect the cable from mechanical damage. In the hi-fi area, however, it is unsuitable because (depending on the cable type) the jacket may act as part of the dielectric, negatively impacting capacitance and causing dielectric losses. At in-akustik, we deliberately don’t use a PVC sheath in order to avoid capacitance and any consequent dielectric losses. The sheaths for Referenz AIR cables are made of polyethylene monofilaments. These hold the conductors tightly together, reduce microvibrations and allow extreme dynamic peaks to be processed in an unadulterated fashion.
Multiple-nested multicore structures lower inductance
Inductance is critical to the capacitance of a loudspeaker cable, causing resistance to the signal flow, rising with the frequency. Current flow through a cable creates magnetic fields. Depending on how closely together cables are arranged, and on the direction in which the current is flowing, cables have an influence on each other. Their magnetic fields can be neutralized or increased. In our multicore architecture, we deliberately exploit stray magnetic fields. By cleverly arranging the conductors in the multiple nested multicore structures, overlapping magnetic field areas are created that significantly reduce inductance. This allows the entire frequency spectrum, including high frequencies and dynamic impulse sequences, to be transported in an unimpeded way and with no delays. The music seems more exquisitely detailed, and the sound gains in fine dynamism. All details are kept distinct yet harmonious at the same time.
Cross Link Super Speed waveguides bring homogenous transport of electrical signals
The Cross Link Super Speed waveguide avoids so-called “skin effects” caused by eddy currents in the conductor that occur with increasing frequencies and high energetic impulses. It has a polyethylene core and a ring-shaped structure, with a usable cross-section that remains the same for all frequencies and in all situations. Thanks to the braided structure, the waveguide is able to precisely transport even extreme current peaks. A lacquer coating around each wire prevents eddy currents within the conductor and protects the wires against oxidation.
All this results in a conductor that delivers a balanced sound consisting of vibrant and never overemphasized timbres, even in complex musical passages and at high volume levels.
Excellent conductor materials: pure copper or silver
The conductor material is a crucial factor for the transmission of sound signals. Any impurity in the conductor material impedes the flow of current, diminishes the conductivity and increases background noise, also known as “shot noise”. In our Referenz AIR cables we therefore use only pure oxygen-free copper (OFC) or pure silver. Both materials have an excellent conductivity value. When using copper, we ensure that only carefully selected batches of pure copper are processed. We take great pains to measure the quality of the copper before it is sent to the mill for drawing to the required cross-section over the course of a multi-stage process. Pure silver conductors: A material’s electrical conductivity depends on the number of free electrons and their drift speed.
To add a further sound highlight on top of the AIR design, we turned the spotlight on the conductor material. Pure copper is a very good conductor. A superconductor, where electrical resistance is zero, would be perfect, of course. Unfortunately, superconducting materials require temperatures of at least -70 degrees. Under realistic operating conditions, the best conducting material we have is currently silver. At 61.35 S/m, its conductivity is about six percent better than that of copper. However, this precious metal is about 100 times more expensive.
Rhodium-coated connectors prolong cable lifetimes
Even the best cable deteriorates massively in quality when insufficient attention is paid to the connection technology. Pure copper is not suitable here due to the softness of the material. At in-akustik, we therefore use tellurium copper, an alloy of copper and tellurium. This alloy is a harder metal. Its great advantage is that the conductivity remains at a high level, far superior to that of brass connectors. The additional coating with rhodium ensures robust connectors with high longevity and high resistance to corrosion. The precious metalis capable of withstanding numerous connection cycles, continuing to display contact characteristics even after frequent reconfigurations and experimentation. Conductivity also remains at a high, stable level. These are important advantages, particularly compared to contact enhancement using gold, a softer material that rubs off more quickly.
Securely pressure-grouted contacts (1.5 tonnes) for lower contact resistance
Soldering is normally regarded as a robust and reliable technique for use in connection technology. However, it has disadvantages when used for audio cables, such as less conductive solder in the signal path and the emergence of low thermoelectric emfs. Both factors diminish audio signal flow, even if the effect is minimal. The contact elements on the RCA and BFA plugs and lugs (spades) belonging to our Referenz AIR cable range are pressure-grouted together with the conductor material using a special tool that exerts a force of 1.5 tonnes. This ensures a stable and reliable connection between the connector and the Referenz AIR cable without needing ferrules or an additional material such as solder. Contact resistance and other negative effects are avoided.
- AIR Helix Point-to-Point
- Dielectric: air
- Double symmetrical design | Additional ground wire
- Cross Link Super Speed waveguide
- Pure silver
- Shielding: thick copper braiding, tin-plated (oxidation protection)
- Cable diameter: 25 mm
- Connectors: RCA SL; XLR 180° +/- 45° rotatable; SME; SME 90°
- Contact material: tellurium copper
- Rhodium-coated
- RCA: pressure-grouted contacts (1.5 tonnes) | hermetic ground connection
- XLR: solderedIndividual inspection prior to shipping
- Length: 1.5 m | Custom lengths on request
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