- "Point-to-point Air Helix” for authentic sound.
- Air as the ultimate dielectric minimizes capacitance
- Cross Link Super Speed waveguide for a balanced sound
- Pure silver conductors: one of the best conductors ever
- BFA banana & spade lug 360° adjustable
Discription
AIR technology is a milestone in our more than 46-year company history and is causing a sensation in the hi-fi industry worldwide. The approach itself sounds relatively banal: The physically induced losses must be minimized in order to transmit the original music signal as authentically and neutrally as possible. And, thanks to the AIR technology, loss-free transmission is closer than ever before. It leads to a significantly better reproduction, which is not only subjectively audible, but also objectively measurable.
The insulation (or dielectric) of the AIR cables is practically perfect thanks to the air insulation, and hardly affects the sound at all. The structure, dimensions and arrangement of the conductors are optimized, and approach the limits of what is physically possible. Adding another highlight to this perfect audiophile foundation, we then focused on the conductor material of the cables. Copper in the appropriate purity is already 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 (Siemens pro Meter), its conductivity is approximately six percent superior to that of copper. However, this precious metal is about 100 times more expensive.
Below you can learn more about the outstanding technical features of this cable, the innovations in the 5th generation and the physical principles used in the AIR technology.
Thanks to the Air Helix design, the conductors run freely suspended through the length of the cable.
The Air Helix architecture permits signal conductors to be insulated to practically 100% by air. Special clips were developed to provide the supporting framework. Positioned at defined intervals inside the cables, these clips keep the helically-arranged conductors apart. Cable flexibility is assured by means of two struts that ensure the clips remain together but also at a precise distance from each other. This architecture is unique, bringing low capacitance and minimum dielectric losses – a true milestone in the search for open and unadulterated sound.
Our physical approach: Minimize losses for true-to-original playback.
Our Referenz AIR cables transport audio signals between source, amplifier and speaker in an authentic way and with a minimum of loss. You can enjoy music that precisely expresses the emotions of the artists at the time of recording – sensual, subtle, light-hearted or orchestral right through to full-blooded and rocking. Vocals and instruments are delivered in unadulterated form. Everything remains vibrant and full of emotive energy. Favorite tracks and pieces continue to trigger strong feelings even when you’ve heard them a hundred time over.
AIR Helix
The Air Helix architecture enables the signal conductors to run freely suspended through the length of the cable and permits signal conductors to be insulated to practically 100% by air.
Point-to-point Air Helix for end-to-end connections
A new feature in the 5th generation of in-akustik’s Air Helix architecture is the point-to-point 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. Sound signals are transported with minimized losses, right through to the final centimeters. The sound is more detailed and dynamic than even before.
The conductor structure
The Cross Link Super Speed waveguide avoids skin effects caused by eddy currents in the conductor. 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 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.
Pure silver conductors
Pure silver is regarded as the best conductor, delivering more detail across all frequency ranges. The charismatic sound of pure silver is primarily due to its high drift speed. Pure silver cables shouldn’t be confused with silver-plated cables. Silver-plated cables are said to lend a metallic and aggressive character to the sound, something pure silver cables never do.
The multicore structure
Inductance is critical to the capacitance of a loudspeaker cable, By cleverly arranging the conductors in the multiply 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.
Cable manufacturing unit
The beating heart of in-akustik is our manufactory. This is where our success story is rooted – permeated by a congenial working atmosphere, a love of music and a passion for detail. At in-akustik, we believe musical enjoyment stems from a listening experience that remains as close as possible to the original recording and the artist’s interpretation of the piece. That’s why we boast a committed workforce that combines curiosity with a keen sense of precision. With a fascination for music and things that are really special – like the development of our complex AIR cables.
Handmade
Each cable is handcrafted with the utmost care. Our extensive know-how and the qualifications of our team enable us to manufacture the complex cables in a customized manner. Apart from the finest of materials, our most important resource is the manual dexterity of our cable assemblers. In assembling our outstanding cables, they demonstrate meticulousness, composure and dedication.
Rigorous quality control
We manufacture in accordance with the highest standards. Rigorous quality control is carried out before, during and subsequent to assembly. We verify the tolerances of ever individual component. At every stage of manufacturing, we check the configuration and electrics for short-circuits. We also conduct functional and mechanical testing. No product leaves our manufacturing unit without a final quality check.
Did you know...
...that our LS-2405 AIR Pure Silver (2 x 3m; SBW) consists of 460 individual parts? The pure silver wire used has a length of 1,344 m and the PE monofilament 829 m. The Air Helix structure of this type, which has 2,092 holes, requires the utmost skill when threading the cables.
BFA Banana & Spade 360°
Movement across three axes make the 360-degree BFA and spade connectors really easy to connect and disconnect. Difficult set-up operations that put a strain on both cables and devices are a thing of the past. The connectors can easily be attached to terminals from a wide range of manufacturers. No awkward bending is necessary, avoiding damage to surfaces and potential contact resistance. Set-up is fast and problem-free. The attractively designed connectors are the perfect complement to the outstanding sound.
Rhodium-coated
The best cable requires optimum connection technology. We use tellurium copper, a harder metal alloy that maintains the high conductivity value. Much superior to that of brass connectors. The rhodium coating ensures long-lasting contact and corrosion resistance. The stable conductivity is even maintained with frequent conversions. This is better than gold contacts, which wear out quicker.
Pressed contacts (1.5 tonnes)
The contact elements of the connectors are pressed directly into the conductor material using a special tool with a force of 1.5 tonnes. This creates a stable and reliable connection without the use of solder or ferrules. Transition resistances and negative effects are avoided to ensure optimum signal transmission.
- AIR Helix Point-to-Point
- Dielectric: air
- 8-fold multicore
- Cross Link Super Speed waveguide
- 2 x 4.8 mm² (8 x 1.2 mm²)
- Pure silver
- Cable diameter: 25 mm
- Connectors: BFA 360°; Spade lug 360°
- Beryllium copper (BFA); tellurium copper (Spade)
- Rhodium-coated
- Single bi-wire; single wire
- Pressure-grouted contacts (1.5 tonnes)
- Individual inspection prior to shipping
- Length: 2 x 3.0 m | Custom lengths on request