Interconnect Cables are the “inter”connecting links to the audio components in your sound systems. They are used in both analog and digital applications. As with speaker cables, they are the highways that transfer information received from these components to amplifiers and then from the amplifiers to the speakers through your speaker cables. They are also used extensively in recording studios “inter” connecting recording consoles to microphones, amplifiers and other pieces of sound recording equipment. As with speaker and power supply cables, there are a variety of interconnect cables available for sale, ranging from very expensive high performance exotic models to inexpensive generic types that work, but do not have the critical performance characteristics suited for use in good quality, high performance audio systems and recording studios.

Analog interconnects transfer analog waveforms in the audio band of frequencies. They deliver a delicate signal with relatively low voltage. RF interference can have a negative affect on the delivery of the signals being transmitted. Properly designed and, where necessary, shielded interconnect cables can negate the affect of RF signal interference.

Digital applications are highly dependent upon interconnect cable designs with low dielectric loss, low capacitance and low inductance. The higher frequencies involved in digital transfer applications make these specifications critically important! Digital signals have encoded information, including high frequency timing signals, which must be communicated between system components to ensure proper decoding of the signals before they are converted back to analog.

The patented Soundstring Starfire Series of Octaphase™ Interconnect Cables have all the design and performance attributes necessary to greatly enhance the performance of DACS, CD/DVD/SACD players, high performance turntables, magnetic cartridges, microphones, etc. The circular mil area of the four Progressive Geometric Multi-Gauge™ conductors for each leg of these cables is a composite #22 AWG. The Omega Pro-Line has a 97% braided shield of OFBC (oxygen free finely stranded electrolytic bare copper) content to insure crisp, clean signal transfer and maximum accuracy. The combined impedance rating of all four conductors is 37.4 ohms. The capacitance is 45.68 pico farads (p/f) per foot.

At this time, all four of these cables are being tested and evaluated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for “in wall” CL-2 flame retardant certification. Until such time as these certifications are granted and we formally receive our “in-wall” listings, we will not advertise or sell these cables as UL approved for in-wall or through-the-wall  installations. We anticipate receiving our  UL approvals for CL-2 fire ratings in early 2009, sooner if possible.