AudioQuest
AudioQuest Black Beauty XLR
Best high-end interconnect for audiophiles seeking pure, noise-free signal transmission.
The AudioQuest Black Beauty XLR interconnect cable is engineered to minimize distortion and dissipate radio-frequency noise for pristine audio signal transfer. It features Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) conductors for reduced distortion and enhanced noise dissipation. The Level 6 Noise-Dissipation system, incorporating a carbon/graphene mesh-network and direction-controlled conductors, effectively combats RF noise from various sources. Its ZERO-Tech design eliminates characteristic impedance, ensuring linear, wide-bandwidth noise dissipation and uncompressed transients. Foamed-Polyethylene insulation minimizes energy absorption and distortion, while copper-plated barrels and hanging-silver over red-copper plugs ensure superior signal transfer.
$437.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1969
/ 5745
#1969 in Audio & Video Cables
Price vs Category Average
-19%
Below average
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking maximum clarity and detail in their recordings
- Listeners demanding a silent, noise-free background for their music
- System builders prioritizing long-term durability and consistent signal quality
Who should skip it
- Owners of entry-level systems that lack high-resolution capabilities
- Budget-conscious hobbyists looking for more affordable cable options
- Users with limited space or cramped equipment racks
Performance breakdown
Signal Integrity
Solid PSC+ conductors ensure a remarkably clean and distortion-free audio path.
Noise Rejection
Advanced carbon-graphene mesh effectively silences interference from external radio frequencies.
Transient Response
ZERO-Tech design delivers uncompressed, lightning-fast dynamics for a lifelike soundstage.
Build Quality
Premium copper-plated barrels and silver-over-copper plugs offer exceptional long-term durability.
Signal Transparency
Foamed-polyethylene insulation preserves the original signal without adding unwanted coloration.
Connector Precision
Hanging-silver plugs provide a secure, high-conductivity connection for critical listening setups.
Features
- Direction-controlled Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) conductors
- Carbon/Graphene Mesh-Network for noise dissipation
- 0.5% Silver-Plated RF Drain-Wires
- Copper-Plated Plug Casings
- Hanging-Silver over Red-Copper plugs
- Foamed Polyethylene Insulation
- ZERO-Tech design for linear noise dissipation
What customers say
Reviewers overwhelmingly focus on the exceptional quality of the sound reproduction. Users report a noticeable increase in clarity, dynamic range, and overall musicality, transforming their listening experience. While the price tag is substantial, the consensus among serious audiophiles is that the Black Beauty delivers a profound sonic upgrade, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking peak performance in their high end systems.
Know before you buy
ZERO-Tech eliminates characteristic impedance, which prevents the cable from compressing the signal. This ensures that your audio maintains its full dynamic range and transient speed without being restricted by the cable's own electrical properties.
AudioQuest tests every conductor to determine the direction that yields the lowest noise and distortion. By installing the cable according to the arrows printed on the connectors, you ensure the signal travels in the path of least resistance for the cleanest possible sound.
This mesh-network acts as a shield to dissipate radio-frequency interference before it can reach your components. By reducing this background noise, the cable allows for a quieter noise floor, which helps reveal finer details and textures in your music.
Yes, the combination of high-purity PSC+ copper and the advanced noise-dissipation system makes these cables excellent for longer runs. They are designed to maintain signal integrity and prevent the high-frequency roll-off often associated with longer cable lengths.
Red copper provides a highly conductive base, while the thick layer of hanging-silver plating offers a superior contact surface for the signal. This combination ensures a low-distortion connection that is both durable and highly efficient at transferring delicate audio signals.
Yes, this insulation material is used because it absorbs very little energy and has a low dielectric constant. This minimizes the 'smearing' of the signal that can occur with standard insulation, resulting in a more focused and clear soundstage.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.