AUDIOQUEST
AudioQuest: Excellence in Signal Integrity
Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Irvine, California, AudioQuest has built a reputation as a pioneer in high-performance audio and video cables, as well as custom-install solutions. The company’s journey began with William E. Low (Bill), whose passion for music and audio systems evolved into a lifelong mission to deliver cables that minimise distortion and preserve the fidelity of the original signal.
Philosophy: Do No Harm
At the core of AudioQuest’s design philosophy is the principle of "Do No Harm." This guiding mantra reflects the company’s dedication to creating cables and components that introduce the least amount of noise and distortion. Every design decision, from material selection to proprietary technologies, is driven by the goal of preserving the original integrity of the music and video signals.
The Four Elements of Cable Design
AudioQuest’s approach to cabling technology is rooted in constant evolution. While early designs addressed fundamental deficiencies in signal transmission, the company’s commitment to innovation has led to a diverse portfolio of products. AudioQuest’s foundational design principles, referred to as "The Four Elements," have evolved to address contemporary challenges in signal transmission. These elements focus on minimising distortion and preserving signal clarity, with each contributing to the performance of the final product:
1: SOLID
CONDUCTORS
Solid Conductors eliminate strand interaction, a major source of distortion, ensuring cleaner signal transmission. Semi-solid conductor technologies provide a flexible alternative, reducing strand-related distortions with innovative multi-conductor designs.
2: METAL
DIRECTIONALITY
When a cable is pulled, it forms a grain structure in the metal conductors that resembles fish scales, impacting high-frequency signals' flow. Due to the skin effect, radio frequency (RF) noise travels along the conductor’s outer layer, increasing RF impedance in one direction. Due to this effect, all AudioQuest cables are carefully tested and oriented to optimise performance.
3: NOISE
DISSIPATION
When a cable is pulled, it forms a grain structure in the metal conductors that resembles fish scales, impacting high-frequency signals' flow. Due to the skin effect, radio frequency (RF) noise travels along the conductor’s outer layer, increasing RF impedance in one direction. Due to this effect, all AudioQuest cables are carefully tested and oriented to optimise performance.
4: QUALITY
MATERIALS
Higher-purity metals with smooth surfaces help reduce noise and distortion in audio signals. By carefully selecting combinations of metals and conductor sizes, AudioQuest tailors the sonic signature of each cable, balancing cost and performance.
As the demands of modern audio and video systems grow, Noise-Dissipation has become a cornerstone of AudioQuest's technological focus, incorporating cutting-edge solutions to meet the challenges of today’s environments. While Geometry is no longer listed as a standalone element, it remains an integral part of every cable design, playing a key role in optimising performance and minimising distortion.
AudioQuest is renowned for its high-performance audio and video solutions, specialising in cables, power products, and custom-install solutions. Their product range includes:
Cables: AudioQuest offers a comprehensive range of analog, digital, and AC power cables, designed to reduce noise, distortion, and interference. Their cables utilise advanced materials like solid conductors, directional technology, and Noise-Dissipation techniques to optimise signal quality. This attention to detail ensures that every cable contributes to a cleaner, more accurate audio experience.
DACs: The multi-award-winning DragonFly DACs deliver exceptional digital-to-analogue conversion, providing high-quality audio playback through USB and other digital connections. DragonFly is a key product in AudioQuest’s portfolio, reflecting their expertise in both hardware design and audio quality.
Power Products: AudioQuest’s Niagara and PowerQuest series are dedicated power solutions designed to protect audio systems from noise, voltage spikes, and surges, while providing clean, stable power. These products ensure that your system’s performance is free from power-related distortions.
Custom-Install Solutions: Tailored audio/video solutions designed for high-end installations, ensuring superior performance and seamless integration in home and professional environments.
