Inakustik Reference NF-4005 AIR Pure Silver XLR Interconnect Cable

Inakustik Reference NF-4005 AIR Pure Silver XLR Interconnect CableNF 4005 AIR XLR Features "Point to point Air Helix for authentic sound Air as the ultimate dielectric minimizes capacitance Cross Link Super Speed waveguide for a balanced sound XLR connectors can be adjusted by + 45 degrees Pure silver conductors: Under normal conditions, silver is the best electrical conductor Good sound needs space! In developing our Air technology, we have proven that an audio cables insulation plays a decisive role and has a

NF-4005 AIR | XLR

Features

• "Point-to-point Air Helix” for authentic sound
• Air as the ultimate dielectric minimizes capacitance
• Cross Link Super Speed waveguide for a balanced sound
• XLR connectors can be adjusted by +/- 45 degrees
• Pure silver conductors: Under normal conditions, silver is the best electrical conductor
  

Good sound needs space! In developing our Air technology, we have proven that an audio cable’s insulation plays a decisive role and has a significant influence on the sound. This is due to dielectric losses and the electrostatic properties of the insulating materials, which burden the hi-fi system like heavy luggage and make it sluggish. By “omitting” this strain we then help the entire hi-fi chain to achieve top performance. We do this with special clips that guide the signal conductors through the cable in a row and freely suspended.

A cable’s geometry also influences these factors. Bigger distances mean less load. This is exactly where our NF-4005 AIR comes in: The AIR helix design and the cable’s dimensions create even more space and air between the signal conductors. The cable thus forms a wide audiophile corridor and rolls out the red carpet, so to speak, for every sound detail.

To get closer to the pinnacle of audiophile perfection, we also carefully examined the conductor material. Copper in the right purity is itself already an excellent conductor, but a superconductor with no ohmic resistance to the current would be simply perfect. The material’s superconducting properties, however, require extremely low temperatures of at least -70 degrees. Under realistic conditions, silver is currently the most conductive material. With a conductivity of 61.35 S/m (siemens per meter), it outperforms copper by around six percent. Many manufacturers only use silver-plated conductors, which over time can seem, “bright”, “metallic” and even, “annoying”. We, on the other hand, use pure silver, which has a far more neutral sound. Due to the higher drift speed of the electrons, our pure silver cable delivers a more penetrating and sumptuous sound performance, across all frequency ranges. On the other hand of course, silver is about one hundred times more expensive than copper.

New XLR 180° plug: It is only possible to insert XLR connectors in one direction. This can be annoying as the position of the XLR sockets in devices varies. In order for the cable to fit, it must sometimes be twisted by force. This puts a strain on cables, plugs and device sockets and sometimes simply looks a mess. The new XLR 180° plugs developed in-house can be rotated by +/- 45 degrees, i.e., up to a total of +/- 90 degrees from connector to connector. The finishing touch for perfect cabling. 

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.

To the point

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.

The dielectric

Using air as a dielectric lowers capacitance to a minimum. In comparison with other insulators, using air as a dielectric leads to no increase in capacitance and creates no dielectric losses.

Multicore structure

By cleverly arranging the conductors in the multiply nested multicore structures, overlapping magnetic field areas are created that significantly reduce inductance.

The conductors

The Cross Link Super Speed waveguide avoids so-called skin effects and delivers a balanced sound, even with complex music passages and high volume levels.

RCA SL connector

The RCA-SL connector of our fifth generation Referenz AIR cable NF-2405 is now also pressure-grouted from signal conductor to contact elements with 1.5 tonnes.

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.

The conductor material

The conductor material is a crucial factor for the transmission of sound signals. Any contamination worsens the conductance and increases the background noise. We only use pure, oxygen-free copper in our AIR cables. 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.

The shielding

EMC interference, from sources such as mobile phone and WiFi networks, is constantly increasing. This interference impairs the sensitive audio signal. Interference occurs when signals of different frequencies overlap. This can result in unwanted distortions that have nothing to do with the original signal. Dense shielding is therefore essential to protect the extremely sensitive music signals from this interference so that even the finest details are preserved.

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 NF-2405 AIR Pure Silver (2 x 1.5 m) is made up of 195 individual components? The pure silver wire used is 1,109 m long, and the PE monofilament is 388 m long. Containing 296 drill holes, the Air Helix design of this cable type demands great dexterity on the part of the assemblers when they’re threading through the conductors.

XLR 180° connector

Conventional XLR connectors are designed for fixed positioning, which often forces the cable to twist. This load causes increased mechanical stress. In contrast, our proprietary XLR 180° connector offers a unique and adjustable alignment that allows the connector to be rotated within a range of +/- 90 degrees. This flexibility not only reduces the mechanical stress on the cable, it also enables optimum alignment of the cable in relation to the device sockets, which are often arranged differently from device to device.

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.

PE network jacket

Most cables have a PVC sheath surrounded by a textile or plastic braid. This sheath is meant to protect the cable from mechanical damage. At in-akustik, we deliberately don’t use a PVC sheath in order to avoid capacitance and any consequent dielectric losses. The sheaths for 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.