 
We believe the Au24 cables attain the elusive goal of combining
exquisite sonic detail with the beauty of true musicality. This
is due in large part to the Au24’s incredible time domain
performance. One look will tell you these are not "me too"
products. The materials, design and construction techniques utilized
in the Au24 cable line reflect the latest thinking in state of the
art, high-resolution technology.
Contributing to the excellent time domain characteristics of the
Au24 cables are high quality materials and proper configuration.
Most audiophiles are aware of the importance of good insulating
and conducting materials.
The Au24 cables are constructed of OHNO continuous cast single crystal
copper conductors with polypropylene insulation and cross-linked
polyethylene jacket material. Relatively few people are aware of
the role geometric configuration plays. If a given cable is not
optimally configured to perform the task it was designed to do it
will never sound as good as a cable with the correct physical/electrical
characteristics regardless of which exotic materials are used in
its construction. All Audience cables and especially the Au24 series
are designed for low eddy-current resistance. This is the key electrical
characteristic for good time response. Eddy-currents are created
by the magnetic field found around a cable when an electrical signal
is present. This magnetic field builds up and collapses as the signal
varies. When the field collapses it induces an opposing voltage
back into the cable. This opposing voltage causes eddy-currents
in the conductor. If they could be seen, eddy-currents would look
like swirling water in a river. This late arriving, opposing voltage
disrupts the original signal by inducing a time-smearing artifact.
These effects are clearly audible. Cables that sound "detailed"
or "powerful in the bass" are usually victims of high
eddy-currents. Eddy currents plus high capacitance can cause a cable
to sound overly "relaxed." The particular type of coloration
caused by eddy-currents is dependent on the materials, construction
techniques and the geometric configuration of the cable. The Au24
cables exhibit extremely low eddy–current resistance.
Many cables are designed for the lowest possible capacitance. Other
cables are designed for the lowest possible inductance. Actually,
for properly balanced sound reproduction these inductive and capacitive
values should both be minimized and the ratio of inductance to capacitance
(L:C) must be optimized. By designing for the lowest possible eddy-current
resistance at the correct specific frequency, proper L:C ratio is
naturally arrived at and both of these properties are minimized.
The result is natural reproduction as heard in real life without
added emphasis or editorializing. The Au24 cables may not sound
as exciting at first but the virtues become apparent as the listener
becomes familiar with them. Perhaps even more importantly, the musical
overtones arrive in their proper time relationship with the fundamentals.
This creates a more convincing illusion of reality and improves
sound staging. For example, when properly recorded, a drummer’s
cymbals will now be placed back with the rest of the drum kit instead
of appearing to emanate from the speakers.
There is a common misconception that loudspeaker cable must be large
in diameter and have a low DC resistance in order to provide good
bass response. DC resistance is relatively unimportant. What really
matters is the characteristic impedance (AC resistance) of the cable.
Music is an AC signal after all. Most of these large diameter/low
DC resistance cables have excessively high characteristic impedance
anywhere from 100 to 600 ohms with some measuring in the 1000’s
of ohms. The Au24 Loudspeaker Cable is only 4mm or 1/8" in
diameter. Although the DC resistance may be slightly higher than
the garden hose variety speaker cables the characteristic impedance
is only 16 ohms. Musical signals from the bass to the overtones
pass through this cable with less actual impedance than a cable
with a lower DC resistance. The Au24 Loudspeaker Cable provides
nearly perfect bass timbre and extension. Plus, the low eddy-current
resistance means the cable is very quick and linear in the time
domain. Voices and instruments sound strikingly real with this loudspeaker
cable.
In developing the Au24 line we discovered how important simplicity
is when highest possible performance is the design goal. Fancier
connectors and layers of cosmetic sleeve would have made the cable
look more expensive. However every time we made it look better it
sounded worse. We were truly amazed at the sonically detrimental
effects caused by bulky high-end connectors. The lessons learned
with the Au24 cables have now been applied to our lower and mid-priced
cables as well.
Audience exclusive Au24 RCA connectors are used on all cables requiring
RCA termination. These simple, high quality connectors are far less
colored than bulkier, fancier connectors. They are an advanced,
minimalist design and have excellent grip and low contact resistance.
Audience balanced analog and AES/EBU digital interconnects are terminated
with Neutrik XLR plugs. Audience loudspeaker cables are terminated
with rhodium plated spade connectors. Audience will provide custom
lengths and termination. The Au24 cables will begin to sound good
after 2 to 3 hours playing time and will continue to improve for
approximately 50 to 100 hours.
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