AUDIOQUEST
AudioQuest History
The Quest Group was born from one man’s passion for music and the arts. William E. Low (Bill), founder and chief designer of AudioQuest became intensely interested in music and audio equipment during his teenage years. A burning curiosity and the economic realities of subsidising higher education soon found Bill selling music systems to fellow classmates on Reed College's campus in Portland, Oregon, in the early 1970s.
By 1976, with his college days in the rear-view mirror, Bill found the urge to move to California irresistible. After a two-year stint as a manufacturer’s representative in the Bay area, he continued south and established a small, high-end audio salon in Santa Monica. During this time, Bill recognised that deficiencies in the signal-carrying cables were a source of distortion.
He began experimenting with various cable construction techniques and quickly realised that seemingly small changes in construction could substantially affect the sound of an audio system. Subsequently, he came to the same realisation with video cable. From then on, an ever-evolving journey of improving the performance of audio & video cables became Bill’s passion.
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.