Clarus Aqua MkII Phono Cables, Pair

Clarus Aqua MkII Phono Cables 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.

A Clean Pathway

Phono cables are essential for connecting your turntable and tonearm to a separate phono stage or the phono input of your preamp. Given that the low-level output from the phono cartridge is particularly delicate, these cables must be designed to protect this fragile signal. 

Clarus Aqua and Crimson Phono Cables address this need with meticulous engineering. Aqua cables feature double shielding, while Crimson cables use triple shielding, both ensuring the protection of the sensitive signal. Additionally, both models incorporate a 12 AWG silver-plated PCCC ground cable. This grounding cable helps match the ground potential between the turntable and amplifier, preventing ground loops that can introduce unwanted 60-cycle alternating current into your audio system. Without proper grounding, this can result in audible hum through the phono input. Clarus cables offer a clean, interference-free pathway from turntable to preamp, preserving the integrity of your audio signal.

The Purest Copper Available for the Purest Sound Possible

Clarus caters to discerning audiophiles by utilizing the purest copper available: Pure Continuous Cast Copper (PCCC). This material is produced through a proprietary mold extrusion process that generates substantial lengths of single-crystal copper. The resulting copper is directional, free from impurities, flexible, corrosion-resistant, and has exceptionally low electrical resistance. Its structural perfection is due to the absence of crystal boundaries, ensuring superior performance and purity in every cable.

Conductor Geometry Optimized for the Full Audio Spectrum

Clarus takes cable engineering beyond simple wire gauge with insights from Jay Victor's extensive research and five patents, crafting single-ended audio cables featuring three optimized conductor types for bass, midrange, and high frequencies.

• Bass Frequencies: Heavy-gauge, solid, round conductors with a broad cross-sectional area handle low frequencies effectively.
• High Frequencies: An ultra-thin, spiraled ribbon conductor encircles a non-conductive core, creating an optimal path for high frequencies.
• Midrange Frequencies: A wide, flat conductor addresses midrange signals. Its design minimizes low bass and reduces high frequencies, resulting in a clear, smooth, and precise midrange.

This advanced conductor geometry ensures superior audio clarity and tonal balance, providing an exceptional listening experience.

Multiple Levels of Insulation and Shielding Maintain Signal Purity

Clarus phono cables are meticulously engineered to preserve the integrity of the audio signal for unparalleled sonic purity.

Each conductor within the Clarus phono cables is independently insulated to reduce both intra-conductor and inter-conductor interference, ensuring a stable and clear signal. The cables feature a robust shielding design with a combination of aluminum and Mylar® layers encased in a heavy copper-braided shield. This shield is connected only at the source end, acting as an antenna to drain away induced noise from the connected component’s input stage. The result is a pristine, full-range audio experience with a remarkably quiet background.

Mark II — The Final Connection

Clarus terminates MKII phono cables with precision-engineered RCA connectors made from two high-quality copper alloys. High-purity, high-conductivity tellurium copper ensures low resistance and superior sound quality, while lightweight, springy beryllium copper provides solid contact and ultra-low signal loss.

The tellurium copper center pin features a hollow design to reduce eddy currents and enhance signal transfer efficiency. The beryllium copper used for the ground section is engineered with a strong memory characteristic, allowing it to return to its original shape after deformation. This design ensures that the RCA plug’s ground plates maintain a secure grip on the RCA receptacle, guaranteeing a stable and reliable ground connection.

Clarus MKII Phono Audio Cables— Exquisite Openness and Transparency

Clarus designs, engineers, and crafts each phono cable to deliver the ultimate listening experience for discerning audiophiles. Featuring Clarus MKII RCA connectors, these cables incorporate innovative engineering breakthroughs and advanced performance characteristics that set them apart from other audiophile-grade options.