AudioQuest
Audioquest Red River RCA/XLR Interconnection Cable
Best high-fidelity upgrade for audiophiles seeking cleaner, more detailed sound.
The AudioQuest Red River analog-audio cable is designed to connect audio source components to amplifiers and receivers. It features Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) conductors to minimize distortion, Foamed-Polyethylene insulation to preserve dynamic contrasts, and a Metal-Layer Noise-Dissipation system to efficiently dissipate high-frequency noise. The cable utilizes direction-controlled conductors and a Triple-Balanced Geometry, ensuring a superior low-distortion conducting path.
$3000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1974
/ 5782
#1974 in Audio & Video Cables
Price vs Category Average
+453%
Above average
Conductor Material
Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)
/ Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking cleaner, smoother signal transmission
- Listeners in environments prone to electronic interference
- Mid-fi system owners looking for affordable sonic upgrades
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers exploring entry-level audio gear
- Users with tight spaces requiring flexible cable routing
- Critical listeners demanding maximum transient response performance
Performance breakdown
Noise Rejection
Metal-layer shielding effectively silences interference for a pitch-black background.
Build Durability
Robust construction ensures long-term reliability in demanding professional audio setups.
Dynamic Range
Foamed-polyethylene insulation preserves the subtle nuances of high-fidelity recordings.
Connector Quality
Gold-plated terminations provide a secure, corrosion-resistant connection for your components.
Installation Flexibility
Triple-balanced geometry offers versatile routing options for complex home audio systems.
Signal Integrity
Solid PSC+ conductors deliver a remarkably clean and distortion-free audio path.
Key Specs
Conductor Material
Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)
Insulation
Hard-Cell Foam (HCF)
Shielding
Metal-Layer Noise-Dissipation
Geometry
Triple-Balanced
Cable Standard
CL3/FT4
Connector Type
RCA, XLR
Connector Plating
Gold Plated
Intended Use
Professional Audio
Features
- Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) conductors for low distortion
- Foamed-Polyethylene insulation preserves dynamic contrasts
- Metal-Layer Noise-Dissipation system dissipates high-frequency noise
- Direction-controlled conductors optimize RF impedance
- Triple-balanced geometry ensures superior signal paths
- Available in PVC or Nylon Braid jacket options
- Optimized for high-fidelity audio
- Durable construction
What customers say
The Audioquest Red River interconnect is celebrated for its remarkable sonic enhancements. Users consistently highlight improved clarity, richer detail, and a more engaging musicality. The cable expands the soundstage, providing excellent instrument separation and a palpable sense of depth. Listeners appreciate smoother treble and more defined bass, indicating effective distortion control. The robust build quality receives universal acclaim, suggesting lasting durability. While it represents a significant upgrade, the premium price is a factor for some. Ultimately, it delivers a refined and captivating audio experience.
Know before you buy
Solid conductors prevent the electrical and magnetic interaction between strands, which is a primary source of distortion in cables. The PSC+ copper has an ultra-smooth surface that minimizes grain boundaries, resulting in a cleaner, more detailed sound.
AudioQuest cables are direction-controlled to optimize RF impedance. For the best performance, ensure the arrows on the cable jacket point from the source component toward the receiving component, such as from a DAC to an amplifier.
This design uses separate conductors for the positive and negative signals, while a dedicated shield handles the ground. By isolating the ground path, the cable significantly reduces noise and interference for a quieter, more transparent signal.
At 1.64 feet, this cable is intended for short, high-fidelity connections between components located close to one another. It is ideal for stacking equipment or connecting a preamp to a power amp in the same rack.
This shielding system prevents radio-frequency interference from reaching your audio signal. It effectively absorbs and dissipates high-frequency noise before it can contaminate the delicate audio path, ensuring a cleaner background.
The choice between PVC and Nylon Braid is primarily aesthetic and related to cable flexibility. Both options offer the same internal conductor technology and performance, so you can choose the one that better matches your system's look or your preference for cable stiffness.
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