Clarus Aqua MkII XLR Interconnects, Pair

Clarus Aqua MkII XLR Interconnects Product Description: 

Aqua - Exquisite Sound Reproduction for Discriminating Audiophiles

Clarus Aqua cables deliver many of the standout performance features found in the Crimson series, albeit with slightly smaller wire gauges. This reduction in size is not due to any form of scaling down but rather the result of meticulous design and evaluation by Clarus engineers. They have fine-tuned each Aqua cable to achieve peak performance from its unique topology. Similar to the Crimson cables, the Aqua series employs a multi-gauge configuration with three specially shaped and individually insulated conductors, offering exceptional bass, midrange, and high frequencies. This design ensures remarkable imaging and definition across the entire sound spectrum. The use of ultra-low-distortion PCCC conductors contributes to enhanced clarity, while the precision-formulated polyethylene (PE) insulation minimizes loss and ensures superior imaging and sound definition. The Clarus Aqua cables stand out in the audiophile market for their patented design breakthroughs and sound reproduction, much like their Crimson counterparts.

Astounding Clarity, Detail, and Tonal Balance

Professional-grade audio components use differential mode signaling over balanced connections to transmit audio signals. Balanced cable technology involves three conductors: one for the main signal, one for the inverted signal (180 degrees out of phase), and one for the ground. By subtracting the inverted signal from the main signal, any induced noise is canceled, resulting in a pristine audio signal. This process ensures that balanced audio cables provide the highest quality and quietest analog audio signals.

Clarus balanced audio cables are engineered with a triple balanced geometry, featuring dedicated conductors for the (+) signal, (-) signal, and ground connections. Each conductor is crafted from the purest copper and optimized for bass, midrange, and high frequencies. These conductors are individually insulated to reduce inter-conductor interference. The cables are meticulously hand-terminated in Orlando, Florida, with highly conductive tellurium copper XLR connectors. The result is an audio signal characterized by exceptional openness, transparency, clarity, detail, and tonal balance.

The Purest Copper Available for the Purest Sound Possible

Clarus designs cables for discerning audiophiles utilizing the highest quality copper available. Pure Continuous Cast Copper (PCCC) is produced through a specialized proprietary mold extrusion process, resulting in extensive lengths of single-crystal copper. This unique process ensures that the copper is directional, free from impurities, flexible, corrosion-resistant, and features low electrical resistance. The absence of crystal boundaries contributes to its structural perfection.

Conductor Geometry Optimized for the Full Audio Spectrum

Clarus cable engineering transcends traditional wire gauge considerations by leveraging the extensive research and development of independent designer Jay Victor, who has contributed eight years of expertise and five patents to the creation of their balanced audio cables. These cables feature three distinct types of conductors, each optimized for specific frequency ranges: 

- Solid, heavy-gauge round conductors with a broad cross-sectional area are designed to enhance the path for low frequencies.

- A spiraled ultra-thin ribbon conductor encircles a non-conductive core, providing an ideal route for high frequencies.

- Mid-range signals are precisely managed by a wide, flat conductor. This design avoids the skin depth necessary for low bass while its large insulated surface area effectively reduces high frequencies, resulting in a refined and smooth audio mid-range.

Multiple Levels of Insulation and Shielding Maintain Signal Purity

Clarus balanced audio cables are designed with meticulous attention to preserving the integrity of the audio signal, ensuring maximum sonic purity.

These cables feature three conductors: (+) signal, (-) signal, and ground. The conductors are twisted together and encased in a protective layer of aluminum and Mylar® along with a heavy copper-braided shield. This shield, connected only at the source end, functions as an antenna/drain, channeling any induced noise away from the component’s input stage and grounding it effectively.

Each conductor within the cable employs a sophisticated geometry of individually insulated solid conductors, supporting a full range of audio frequencies. The insulation on each conductor reduces inter-conductor interference, preserving the clarity, openness, and transparency of the unique three-conductor design.

Mark II — The Final Connection for Balanced Audio

Clarus terminates Mark II balanced audio cables with exceptionally designed high-performance XLR connectors crafted from two distinct copper alloys. The high-purity tellurium copper used in the male pins offers low resistance and excellent sound characteristics, while the lightweight and conductive beryllium copper in the female pins ensures reliable contact and minimal signal loss.

The male XLR pins are hollowed out to minimize eddy currents that can hinder signal transfer. The female XLR pins are designed with the earth ground pin (pin one) positioned forward in the connector. This design ensures that the ground connection is established before the signal lines are connected, allowing for the insertion and removal of XLR connectors in live equipment without introducing hum or buzz that could potentially damage the loudspeaker drivers.