FAQ’s
Aren't all cables directional?
As a norm, we label most of our cables with arrows so that, when they get terminated, the RF shield can be grounded at the source. In cases where the cable has no RF shield, the arrows have been printed based on our very subjective opinion of what will deliver the best sound performance. Such will probably be the case for our most expensive cables.
Is bigger better?
"Not necessarily. When talking about the thickness of the conductor (copper) in cables, ""Bigger"" only addresses the need to carry more current while producing less heat. This is important when connecting a power supply (wall outlet) to a device such as an Electric Stove, a Washer or a Dryer. In home theatre, other examples where a big wire would be needed are for the mains-chord for big multi-channel amplifiers.
Is it true that a home theatre system is as good as its weakest link? If so, why should I buy good cables for my simple (inexpensive) system?
"We do not believe in the ""as good as its weakest link"" idea. On the other hand, we do endorse the belief that music or video reproductions are like seeing a beautiful landscape through a series of windows. Cleaning any one window should improve the realism and beauty of the landscape image. The cleaner and more transparent the windows are, the more the image would resemble the real thing. Of course, some windows (system components) may make more of a difference than others, when cleaned up. But all windows (components) will benefit from a clean up."
Why do cables use silver or copper instead of gold? After all, isn't gold used for the connectors?
"Many of the connectors, used in home theatre, are plated with a thin layer of Gold in order to protect them from oxidation. After all, it is commonly accepted that when oxidized even the best materials perform poorly. Copper, Silver and Brass Alloys are commonly used as conductors, but they all suffer from some form of oxidation. Unfortunately, the higher their purity, the more noticeable effects their oxidation will have on the reproduction of the sound.
"Can I use a ""75 OHM"" cable for audio applications? I thought that 75 OHMS was for video only connector?"
"""75 Ohms"" is a specification used to quantify the generally accepted standard in characteristic impedance needed for analogue video transmissions. But this does not mean that it can't be used for audio. When talking about analogue audio in the home audio environment, characteristic impedance is considered to be of no importance since the wavelengths transmitted are much longer than the length of the cables used. What is important, then, is the geometry, quality of materials and construction. But the ""75 Ohm"" specification does not exclude the cable as a suitable option for Analogue audio applications.
What is better for digital? Coax or Optical? Why?
"While there is a very hot debate between the supporters of both formats, there seems to be very little clear evidence of why would one be better than the other. In fact, whatever evidence has been presented is split down the middle. It is argued that Jitter affects Optical more than Coaxial interconnects. Unfortunately, many measurements have shown the opposite.
What is nitrogen-injected dielectric?
This is a dielectric moulding that surrounds the conductor inside the jacket to maintain a 75 ohm resistance load within the cable. To keep a perfect 75 ohm load, there must be equal distance between the conductor and outer shield. To do this, we inject thousands of tiny nitrogen bubbles inside the dielectric that provides a wall between the conductor and shield. Maintaining this resistance is paramount for receiving a clear and precise picture.
