AudioQuest Robin Hood SILVER Speaker Cable
Robin Hood SILVER speaker cables, as the name may suggest, use a combination of Solid Perfect-Surface Silver (PSS) and Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) Conductors to achieve an even more beguiling sonic signature than the Robin Hood ZERO. Robin Hood SILVER may be used in two ways: either as ideal Full-Range cables, or, in combination with a dedicated BASS cable, in a Bi-Wire cable assembly of unparalleled performance.
Solid Perfect-Surface Silver (PSS) and Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) Conductors: Solid conductors prevent electrical strand-to-strand interaction, major sources of distortion. Surface quality is critical because a conductor can be considered as a rail-guide for both the fields within a conductor, and for the magnetic fields that extend outside the conductor. The astonishingly smooth and pure Perfect-Surface Copper+ eliminates harshness and greatly increases clarity compared to OFHC, OCC, 8N and other premium coppers. Extremely high-purity Perfect-Surface Silver further minimizes distortion caused by grain boundaries, which exist within any metal conductor.
Carbon-Based Linearized Noise-Dissipation System (NDS): AQ's comprehensive Linearized Noise-Dissipation System combines multiple shields and a carbon-based linearized resistive network that turns most of this noise into heat. By "linearized," they mean that the system is equally effective across extremely wide bandwidth, rather than at selected frequencies only, as is more common. The remaining bad energy is effectively drained away from the sensitive amplifier circuits via directionally controlled signal and shield conductors.
ZERO-Tech: The only complete way to eliminate characteristic-impedance mismatches between a cable and the attached source and load is for the cable not to have any fixed characteristic-impedance value. ZERO-Tech accomplishes this by eliminating interaction between the insulation (dielectric) and the cable's conductors - enabling uncompressed current transfer. All-important transient current is unrestricted, and RF Noise-Dissipation is linearized (consistent octave to octave).
72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) with Level-X RF Noise-Trap: Insulation is also a dielectric that acts like a shunt-filter. Properly biasing the dielectric linearizes the filter, significantly improving the cable's wide-bandwidth ability to dissipate induced noise. The DBS pack's Level-X Noise-Trap "pulls" RF Noise out of the cable, further reducing attached audio circuit misbehaviour.
Directionality: All drawn metal strands or conductors have a non-symmetrical, and therefore directional, grain structure. AudioQuest controls the resulting RF impedance variation so that noise is drained away from where it will cause distortion. The correct direction is determined by listening to every batch of metal conductors used in every AudioQuest audio cable. When applicable, arrows are clearly marked on the connectors to ensure superior sound quality. For most models of AQ cable, the arrows not only indicate the direction that optimizes metal-directionality as part of Noise-Dissipation, but also indicates non-symmetrical attachment of shield and GND in order to optimize full-system performance.
Folk Hero Cold-Welded Terminations: Folk Hero cables are Cold-Welded to AudioQuest's extremely pure Red Copper Spades or Bananas. The bare copper is submerged (hung) in a vat of pure silver instead of being tumbled in a lower-grade solution. AudioQuest speaker breakouts and plug casings are not metal in order not to induce RF Noise into the conductors.
Robin Hood Bi-Wiring: When possible, running separate cables to the treble and bass "halves" of a speaker significantly reduces distortion. Bi-Wiring keeps the large magnetic fields associated with bass energy out of the treble cable, allowing the delicate upper frequencies to travel a less magnetically disturbed path, like taking the waves out of the water when you swim.
AudioQuest's RF/ND-Tech (patented RF-Cancelling Ground-Noise Dissipation) attracts RF energy away from the amplifier's output. When properly implemented, Bi-Wiring has always been a cost-effective way to get better performance for the same or less money. With RF/ND-Tech, the advantage of Bi-Wiring is much more dramatic. Because RF/ND-Tech is so effective, BASS model cables are only for 10KHz and below; do not use a BASS cable full-range or on treble.
Robin Hood BASS cable is ideal with Robin Hood ZERO or SILVER. A Bi-Wire COMBO with BASS and ZERO cables joined together at the amplifier is usually most convenient. When Tri-Wiring, use BASS cables on the Midrange and Bass inputs.
Caution: Do not Bi-Wire with two ZERO cables. ZERO cables in-parallel can create a very high-frequency resonant peak (ringing), and resulting poor sound. Only use a ZERO plus a BASS cable (whether or not joined as a COMBO). Second best is a single ZERO with AQ Bi-Wire jumpers.
Our Take
The AudioQuest Robin Hood SILVER speaker cables offer an exceptional sonic experience by combining Solid Perfect-Surface Silver (PSS) and Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) conductors. These materials are known for their ability to reduce distortion, thanks to their smooth, high-purity surfaces, which minimise grain boundaries that can interfere with signal transmission. This unique blend allows the cables to be used in two distinct ways: as full-range speaker cables or in a Bi-Wire configuration with a dedicated BASS cable. The result is an unparalleled level of performance, with clearer sound and reduced harshness when compared to cables made from other premium coppers such as OFHC and OCC.
The Robin Hood SILVER cables also feature advanced technologies like AudioQuest's Carbon-Based Linearized Noise-Dissipation System (NDS) and ZERO-Tech, which work together to eliminate characteristic impedance mismatches and reduce unwanted noise. The 72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) with a Level-X RF Noise-Trap further enhances signal clarity by removing RF noise from the cable. Additionally, the directionality of the conductors ensures that noise is drained away from sensitive areas of the signal path, optimising overall sound quality. For those seeking the best possible audio experience, a Bi-Wire assembly of the Robin Hood SILVER paired with the BASS cable offers significant improvements, especially in the separation of treble and bass frequencies, providing a much cleaner and more detailed sound.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Full Range ZERO-Tech Speaker Cable
- Can be used full-range or with AudioQuest Robin Hood BASS speaker cable in a bi-wire configuration
- Sold as a Pair - 2 Individual Cables
- Also available as a single cable for Centre Channel use etc – please enquire
- Terminations: Factory Fitted Cold-Welded AudioQuest 1000-Series Hanging Silver Plated Extreme Purity Red Copper Spades or Banana Plugs
- Conductors: Solid Perfect-Surface Silver (PSS) & Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)
- Noise Dissipation: Multi-Layer Carbon-Based Noise Dissipation
- Geometry: ZERO-Tech (No Characteristic Impedance)
- 72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) with Level-X RF Noise-Trap
- Gauge: 15 AWG
- Jacket: Light Grey on Black Braid
- Standard Lengths: 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 3m – other lengths available to special order – please enquire
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years
- Learn more about AudioQuest
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.