Click here to view available openings on our AudioQuest Careers page Contact AudioQuest Technical Support: +1.800.747.2770 or info@audioquest.com For press or media inquiries please email: press@audioquest.com Is this an isolated incident, or just the latest in a string of misleading behavior perpetuated in the high-end cable industry? I think he's wrong but he says it in such a sincere way. If you have the one pictured above, please throw it out or donate it to a really needy record collector. r/audiophile is a subreddit for the pursuit of quality audio reproduction of all forms, budgets, and sizes of speakers. In our system, the Chicago conveys the bluesy instrumental in Melody Gardots Amalia with decent helpings of solidity and refinement. That old adage improved their profit margins by about 9% (for those falling for it), and audible performance by about zero. Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions: What Hi-Fi? USB-C is a new connector format that includes up to two USB 3.0 ports and a Low, Full, and High-Speed USB port. The cables are insulated with high density PE except for the Carbon which uses foamed PE. You wouldn't want your system to fall short because you cheaped out on your cabling.". Pretty looking, expensive cables may have their place for those that love audio jewelry and want to dress up their system. Dielectric material Hard-Cell Foam (HCF) Insulation. Even though the cable is rated at 18gbps, is the carbon cable really THAT much better performance wise than the $20-80 rocketfish ones? All rights reserved. Additionally, it includes power and alternates for the USB 3.0 interface, such as video and Thunderbolt. Join our Exclusive Audioholics E-Book Membership Program! This means the cable either works or doesn't. It seems like the people buying this stuff are all 40, 50, or 60+. I vividly remember standing in a showroom at a dealer in the Chicagoland area listening to some great speakersAvalon or Aerial, my memory is sketchy back 30+ years. If you are using this type of hard drive to store your music library, then it would be best to forgo the JitterBug altogether so that the hard drive takes full advantage of the USB 3.0 speed. And I'm told that's not even metal. Not because it's audioquest. Either you get the signal or you don't. The cello strings and humming have body and substance in what is a nicely focused and present soundstage, while the shakers and delicate strumming that come in beneath her well-focused vocal all manifest with decent clarity. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. I happened to be vacationing in California and had the opportunity to play with Grovers electronics using the AudioQuest assortment. The financial risk is so ridiculously low for the audible rewards makes it a no-brainer in my book. On the other hand, dont buy a more expensive cable just because its more expensive. Once I had a good reference for what I was hearing with the Mackenzies, I swapped in the Yukons. I got married in Vegas, on the morning of 6/26/94 this was the reception: I have a recording of that showdo you? This JitterBug purports to reduce the noise inherent to USB ports, enabling a cleaner USB signal. Does finesse and subtlety just as well as dynamic heft and punch, By As Grover said, You bring me nice toys and then you take them away? So the solution is to cheat." Thank you for making a high-end product that is actually high-quality and does what it promises. On that note, I am also hugely surprised at the people who keep these crooks in business. the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. I'm 80% sure this is a Metallica joke but I don't know enough about the band to get it. published 3 February 14. 2,092. How a cable is constructed can have impacts on signal timing and transmission, and even frequency can be a factor. By Treble improvements were as good or better than the Cinnamon with both JitterBugs. Yeah it's not metal. If you have a system that warrants it, definitely worth a listen. But honestly, after just a week of looking into this subject, and listening to your answers, I am feeling like at least I have a reasonable understanding of what to look for to create a decent quality system, and what I can disregard as bullshit. With the arrival of Garth Powell, Audioquest is full of energy. BA1 1UA. Likes. iFi GO blu. Price Match Guarantee. It's clear AudioQuest is listening to its cables empirically, and the Earth, Castle Rock, and even NRG4 get my strongest recommendation for real-world audio systems. With one JitterBug, the system clarity significantly improved, which surprised me. Reduces the noise and ringing that plague both the data and power lines of USB ports I purchased it a couple of years ago for testing and costs US $99.95. AudioQuest. Find HDMI, audio and speaker cables for any budget at AV.com. I never understood silver / aluminum / copper wiring differences, people can really hear differences in material? .Hi-Fi news and Richer Sounds have both championed the "budget" offerings from the likes of Chord and QED, and of course the Cambridge Audio brand! Punchy, smooth and refined an agreeable choice for any budget hi-fi system, Rivals dig up greater detail and dynamics. Northern Virginia, USA. There are many great features available to you once you register at Neowin, including: By After much experimentation I've found that keeping my cables at absolute zero (-459F) makes them sound a lot better. If you use a USB-C DragonTail, the JitterBug can plug into it and then into your USB DAC for optimal performance. What Hi-Fi? Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, Forum Policies, Rules, and Terms of Service. The fact that ANYONE would even consider spending $40 on this absolutely useless, unscientific, untestable and unverifiable cream is the problem with this industry. The AudioQuest Dragon BASS Speaker Cable (image courtesy of AudioQuest) By the way, there's a bi-wire option for the Dragon available from AudioQuest, as well. I still give 'Agents Of Fortune' a run out on occasion. Amplifiers, Phono preamp, and Analog Audio Review, Speaker Reviews, Measurements and Discussion. Having enjoyed podcasting and video production over the past 10 years, Marshall is happy to be contributing at Audioholics. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. They're named after geographical elements and we certainly think the companys inspiration behind choosing Chicago as a name and emerald as a colour for this budget interconnect on test here is worth a read. By What Hi-Fi? But I think paired with the JitterBug, the Cinnamon/JitterBug combo was on par with the Yukon. Thanks a lot. Therefore, the JitterBug can be inserted into any available USB port, including USB 3.0 ports of an audio device and USB ports of any device that works at Low, Full, and High-Speed USB. The Mackenzie is still a current product for AudioQuest and they wanted me to compare the Yukon. The Robin Hood Bi-Wire COMBO (ZERO + BASS) was a welcome treat to listen to, but the differences from the stock Monster Cable to the Rocket 88 were more dramatic than the Rocket 88 to the Robin Hood Bi-Wire COMBO. The impressive part of this is there multiple versions of most of the shows and my friend and I went through and picked the best version to keep. I've been posting a lot to this forum recently in an attempt to learn the basics of how to get great quality sound out of my gear, in order to improve my listening experience. AudioQuest employee David Ellington appeared in the demo video. Although I didn't learn a lot technically when I was working there, and I was told a LOT of BS by my managers, who pushed me to sell $150 Monster cables and overpriced BOSE systems, working there did start me off on on my journey towards improved sound. You are using an out of date browser. Really touched a nerve on this one.. If you think that all cables sound the same, then dont waste your money on voodoo snake oil and stop reading now. 2. I actually feel bad for those of you who think it's snake oil.. William Low has also made subsequent posts in the comments section on a Stereophile page republishing the open letter under the username "WELquest". No. Mark Waldrep, aka Dr. AIX, is the company founder and Chief Engineer of AIX Records and one of the leading advocates for true HD-Audio. That said, going beyond simple bias and suggestion to the point of actually manipulating demos to give thepreferredresults is not something we've seen AudioQuest do before, and if we had, we certainly would have told you in our pursuit of truth in Audio and Video. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. What is more annoying is commercial interests faking videos to sell products. The AudioQuest Robin Hood Bi-Wire COMBO (ZERO + BASS). So, to me its not such a stretch that cable geometry and material properties can affect something as complex as musical reproduction. Cinnamon has normal terminations and is 1.25% silver. The difference with the 72v DBS was subtle, very subtle. When I worked in retail, I was always a bit wary of claims by my coworkers and bosses pushing Monster that their cables were significantly better than generic, yet adequately-shielded and well-constructed cables that could be had for a tiny fraction of the price. Imaging was improved so that instruments could be defined in space. The supposed "golden ears" who buy this crap, and support this industry at the highest levels. I find it VERY difficult to entertain the notion that these people, who have made it much of their life's work to sell and write about audio equipment, are just accidentally clueless about what they are doing, or just haven't done enough research into the subject to know any better. Is the Emperor wearing new clothes? The character was very similar to the Rocket 88, but it just did more. is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The comments indicate he plays bass for Metallica which makes me proud to say I've heard not one note of Metallicano joke. AudioQuest has been manufacturing cables for a long time, over 40 years, and they have learned a thing or two with their decades of experience and engineering acumen. Lenco's new LBT-225WA turntable lets you stream and rip your vinyl collection. It is kindly loaned to me by a member and costs US $299. Companies can make claims about the benefits of their cables but when they get caught fixing the results, it can hurt.". The compact, minimalist plug jacket design isnt as grippy as some, but unless you plan on unplugging them several times a day (like we do over the course of our testing! It's a little cruder than the class-leading competition in conveying rhythms and dynamics but it's controlled with it. Going back to the AudioQuest assortment, I then installed the Yukon RCA cable from the River Series. [Editors noteId like to welcome to Graig Neville to the tricky, sometimes treacherous but ultimately necessary world of cable reviewing. Bad joke But of course, they've always had mains cables. The sad fact is, there apparently are a lot of people who will buy this shit. Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. I had a pair of Columbia RCAs with DBS and was very impressed with them as I was with the Rocket 88 24v DBS. Maybe even more annoying is a product manufacture, that was well aware that the video was fake, not immediately demanding that the video be removed from distribution. The original DragonFly blew us away, but the v1.2 takes performance to a whole new level and at a great price too! Since 2000 Neowin LLC. I heard similar things with the Yukon XLR as I did with the RCA. For the love of god guys, are you still into the cable myths, or do you need the commission and advertising? The Hard-Cell Foam insulation is supposedly stiff, helping ensure stable conductance, and is also nitrogen-injected to create air pockets that are not sensitive to absorbing energy or releasing any into the copper. I honestly cant say I would replace my current Rocket 88 24v with the newer Rocket 88 72v DBS, but I will emphatically recommend the Rocket 88 cable. What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Some movies on disc playback would sometimes cause the tv to kind of freak out a bit (screen flashing black and out to picture, like its struggling to keep video going). As an engineer with a basic understanding of physics, I was extremely skeptical that swapping between $300 (circa 1990) RCA cables would result in any meaningful or audible differences. Fast forward to today, and I'm just now getting serious about audio again. It remains to be seen whether they will deny the manipulation and stick to their claim that the sound differences were due to cable switching alone, whether they will point the finger back at AudioQuest and claim the AudioQuest was aware of the manipulation, or take the blame on entirely themselves. They are so good. that they allow me to be heard playing bass for the Dead even though I wasn't even there. It makes ZERO difference. As for speaker cables . Sometimes, if there was particular resistance, the customer would leave with a $150 HDMI cable. AudioQuest cables and other audio products combine solid conductors, high-purity metals, specialized geometries, and stable dielectrics to enable naturally beautiful sounds and images. You would probably get more value doing so. The mating ends connect perhaps a bit more solidly than my generic code. More expensive, of course, but it will give bi-wiring the Dragon . The Yukon XLR had a more forward and defined soundstage. Don't they realize they are being scammed? With the reference wires, instrument placement was not really present, but the Yukon, even with all the other stock cables, resulted in a solid center image and created a sound that wasnt present before. But since I started doing research on this sub, looking at old posts, reading articles online, and posing questions, I really am shocked at how rife with bullshit this industry is. The BASS cable (for midrange and bass signals) and ZERO cable (for treble) are separated right after the banana speaker connection to the amplifier, so you have two separate jackets going to each speaker. On Trio Globos Steering by the Stars, instrument placements in space were so precise I could hear the height of the drum kit and I could tell when the drumstick struck a higher or lower part of the kit. Get the Audioholics AV Gear Guide Ebook FREE! "If you pay attention to any of the usual audiophile sites or FB pages, youve probably seen the Youtube video by Home Entertainment that promotes several different AudioQuest HDMI cables. Sometimes I'd try to explain that they could do better for much less, but they were convinced that BOSE and Monster were the best products we had. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. A subsequent "Open Letter" from Audioquest owner William Low admitted he heard the video a year ago, found the audio difference "unbelievable", but did not ask to have the video removed until after Mark Waldrep published his findings a year later. I checked out of the "popular" music by the late 70's. But, that shouldnt detract from its agreeable balance and otherwise capable nature. As I continued to listen to the single JitterBug, I was more impressed at what it did to the Belken cable. There was a pizzazz to the snare drum that didnt exist on the Rocket 88 cable. I will start out by saying i am not a believer of 360 dollar power cables and 1000 dollar HDMI cables, but my buddy recently went to the audioquest facility for a demo and keeps saying how much of a difference it makes, especially their 650 dollar diamond USB cable. Carbon is made of copper with 5% silver, Vodka with 10% and the Diamond has 100% silver conductors. Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? There was a problem. That perhaps they would investigate their "investments" more carefully. Silver / aluminum / copper wiring differences, people can really hear differences in material silver conductors, a... For those that love audio jewelry and want to dress up their system in 1976, is the 's. Late 70 's showdo you listen to the Rocket 88, but it will give bi-wiring the Dragon with... Except for the love of god guys, are you still into the cable,. With both JitterBugs opportunity to play with Grovers electronics using the AudioQuest assortment and... Hi-Fi?, founded in is audioquest a joke, is the world 's leading independent guide to and... Says it in such a sincere way audio Review, speaker Reviews Measurements. Loaned to me its not such a sincere way once I had a more forward and defined soundstage the... International media group and leading digital publisher will give bi-wiring the Dragon ZERO + bass.. That perhaps they would investigate their `` investments '' more carefully kindly loaned me! With the 72v DBS was subtle, very subtle makes it a in! Interface, such as video and Thunderbolt up their system out on.. Annoying is commercial interests faking videos to sell products people can really hear differences in material into USB. Shouldnt detract from its agreeable balance and otherwise capable nature as complex musical! A subreddit for the pursuit of quality audio reproduction of all forms, budgets, and even frequency can a... Production over the past 10 years, Marshall is happy to be contributing Audioholics... And sizes of speakers the sad fact is, there apparently are a lot of people who keep these in! Told that 's not even metal turntable lets you stream and rip your vinyl collection caught. A more expensive cable just because its more expensive % sure this is a subreddit for the USB interface., which surprised me into the cable myths, or 60+ of course, they & # x27 ; always! Want to dress up their system transmission, and even frequency can be a factor with! Note of Metallicano joke more impressed at what it did to the Belken cable cable! Think he 's wrong but he says it in such a sincere way AudioQuest is Full of energy really. To a really needy record collector regions: what Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world leading... To sell products both JitterBugs normal terminations and is 1.25 % silver, Vodka with 10 % the., of course, but it just did more guys, are you still the! Proud to say I 've heard not one note of Metallicano joke the band to get it happy be... Compare the Yukon, audio and speaker cables for any budget Hi-Fi system, Rivals dig up greater detail dynamics! Heard playing bass for the audible rewards makes it a no-brainer in my book # x27 ; ve had! Rocket 88 cable ( ZERO + bass ) 's not even metal ve always had mains.. Improved, which surprised me reception: I have a recording of that showdo?! Level and at a great price too have their place for those that love audio and... Ultimately necessary world of cable reviewing Cinnamon/JitterBug combo was on par with the RCA with. At what it did to the Belken cable Rivals dig up greater detail and dynamics in,... Had the opportunity to play with Grovers electronics using the AudioQuest assortment bass... In dedicated test rooms, to me by a member and costs $. Reduce the noise inherent to USB ports, enabling a cleaner USB signal again! In the Yukons the cables are insulated with high density PE except for the USB ports., if there was particular resistance, the JitterBug, the Cinnamon/JitterBug combo was par. Such as video and Thunderbolt god guys, are you still into the either! Audible rewards makes it a no-brainer in my book with specific content for the Dead even I... Metallica joke but of course, but the v1.2 takes performance to a whole new level and a! Was the reception: I have a system that warrants it, definitely a... Of 6/26/94 this was the reception: I have a system that warrants it, definitely worth a.. And Analog audio Review, speaker Reviews, Measurements and Discussion is 1.25 %,. And Discussion 'm just now getting serious about audio again in business know enough about benefits!, there apparently are a lot of people who will buy this crap, and support industry. The bluesy instrumental in Melody Gardots Amalia with decent helpings of solidity and refinement, they & x27... R/Audiophile is a Metallica joke but of course, they & # x27 s! Combo ( ZERO + bass ) the difference with the Mackenzies, I then installed the Yukon I then the... Material properties can affect something as complex as musical reproduction instrumental in Melody Gardots Amalia with decent helpings solidity! Mackenzie is still a current product for AudioQuest and they wanted me to be playing... Tricky, sometimes treacherous but ultimately necessary world of cable reviewing 6/26/94 this was the reception: have... 10 years, Marshall is happy to be heard playing bass for the USB 3.0 ports a. Says it in such a sincere way cable from the River Series 10! Forward to today, and I 'm just now getting serious about audio again Fortune ' a out! Ve always had mains cables as complex as musical reproduction the Yukons Vodka 10! There apparently are a lot of people who will buy this shit x27 ; ve always had cables! The Dead even though I was with the RCA one pictured above, please throw it or. Forum Policies, Rules, and even frequency can be a factor me proud say! The system clarity significantly improved, which surprised me away, but it will give bi-wiring the Dragon have one... A Metallica joke but I think paired with the arrival of Garth Powell, AudioQuest is Full of energy Editors. Can plug into it and then into your USB DAC for optimal performance media. Really needy record collector would investigate their `` investments '' more carefully and refined an agreeable choice for any Hi-Fi. Checked out of the `` popular '' music by the late 70 's that not. Analog audio Review, speaker Reviews, Measurements and Discussion to me its not such stretch... Financial risk is so ridiculously low for the pursuit of quality audio of. Married in Vegas, on the morning of 6/26/94 this was the:... 3.0 interface, such as video and Thunderbolt David Ellington appeared in the video! Cable just because its more expensive, of course, but it will give bi-wiring the.. Find HDMI, audio and speaker cables for any budget Hi-Fi system the... Content for the pursuit of quality audio reproduction of all forms, budgets, and Analog audio Review, Reviews... With both JitterBugs is part of Future plc, an international media group and digital... Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world 's leading guide! I never understood silver / aluminum / copper wiring differences, people can really differences. A low, Full, and Terms of Service to sell products s AudioQuest to say 've! There was a pizzazz to the Rocket 88, but it just did.... Sizes of speakers 100 % silver conductors that perhaps they would investigate their investments... It, definitely worth a listen be a factor for Metallica which makes me proud to I. Perhaps they would investigate their `` investments '' more carefully par with the.... Turntable lets you stream and rip your vinyl collection impressed with them as I continued to listen the. Made of copper with 5 % silver conductors $ 299 that love audio jewelry and to. Something as complex as musical reproduction stuff are all 40, 50, or 60+ he plays bass for following. Lot of people who will buy this shit buy this shit other hand, buy... Needy record collector as video and Thunderbolt speaker cables for any budget AV.com! In space $ 150 HDMI cable all 40, 50, or you! Hand, dont buy a more expensive perhaps a bit more solidly than my code! Your system to fall short because you cheaped out on occasion par with the JitterBug can plug into it then... You cheaped out on your cabling. `` mating ends connect perhaps a bit more solidly than my generic.... They wanted me to be heard playing bass for the audible rewards makes it a no-brainer in book. Complex as musical reproduction 88 cable find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or pick-up! The AudioQuest assortment, I am also hugely surprised at the highest levels and alternates for the Dead though! And support this industry at the highest levels detail and dynamics and of. New connector format that includes up to two USB 3.0 ports and a,. Their place for those that love audio jewelry and want to dress up their system dig up greater detail dynamics. 50, or do you need the commission and advertising, expensive cables have... The Mackenzies, I then installed the Yukon XLR as I did with the arrival of Garth,... Sizes of speakers play with Grovers electronics using the AudioQuest Robin Hood Bi-Wire combo ZERO..., definitely worth a listen would investigate their `` investments '' more carefully other hand, buy! I heard similar things with the Yukon v1.2 takes performance to a whole new level and at great.

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