Oyaide AR-910 XLR Interconnect Cable

The selection of the connector is one of the most important factors that determine the quality of transmission capability of an interconnect cable. In order to produce the ultimate analog/digital hybrid interconnect cable, we have started to make a selection of the best XLR connector right after we released FTVS-910, the twin-axis pure silver interconnects. As a result of repeated listening tests, the one that proved the highest performance was our original XLR connector, FOCUS 1. As the AR-910, the collaboration between FTVS-910 and FOCUS 1 made astonishing progress in lossless and natural signal transmission. AR-910, made of premium materials, will elevate your listening pleasure to radically new heights. The most distinctive feature of AR-910 is 5N pure silver conductor which is produced by advanced manufacturing processes including the continuous casting process that takes place in a high-frequency electric furnace, 19 stages of cold rolling, a drawing process and a final annealing operation. The insulator is also significant in enhancing the transmitting capabilities of the cable. For the purpose of lessening signal loss, we employed PFA which provides excellent electrical isolation and low electric permittivity. And also we selected PE (Polyethylene) which keeps permittivity to a minimum and enhances the flexibility of the cable. This layering of these different materials not only enhances the conductor's electric capabilities but also attenuates internal vibration by altering the resonance point. The ultra silent background of the AR-910 is provided by a triple-layered shielding structure. The first semiconductor layer attenuates static noise and electric micro waves. The second copper foil shielding protects against high-frequency noise. The third, silver plated mesh shielding, protects against low-frequency noise. Furthermore, FOCUS 1, the original XLR connector, is attached to the terminals of AR-910. By its one-touch push-pull function, cable clamp and ball-bearing locking system, it actualized smooth insertion and tight holding capability. The materials are closely examined for the ultimate quality. The brass body is plated by hard chrome. The contact pins are made of phosphor bronze and plated by silver and rhodium. Each component is processed with remarkable accuracy by CNC machining.

Features

1.0mm Solid 5N Pure Silver Conductor

Pure silver is the best material for high-speed transmission due to its excellent electrical conductivity which is far superior to high-purity copper. However, the price of silver continues to rise ever higher making it one of the rare metals. For the core of FTVS-910, 5N jewelry grade pure silver, which is far better than industrial grade, is used.

After being melted in a ceramic crucible, it is molded into 15mm diameter round bars. It is further reduced in diameter by means of 19 repetitions of the cold rolling process. Afterwards, the silver wire is further reduced to 1.05mm by a low-speed drawing process. After the final rolling operation and mirror surface finishing, stress and strain that is generated by the drawing process is slowly removed by a lengthy annealing operation in a high-frequency electric furnace filled with inactive gas to prevent the silver from combining with oxygen. The completed ultra-pure silver wires are immediately packaged in nitrogen gas and are safely stored until the next process.

Insulator

Although the conductor is the most important factor in signal transmission, the insulator is also significant in enhancing the transmitting capabilities of the cable. For the purpose of lessening signal loss, we employed PFA which provides excellent electrical isolation and low electric permittivity. For the first insulation layer, we selected PE (Polyethylene) which keeps permittivity to a minimum and enhances the flexibility of the cable. This layering of these different materials not only enhances the conductor's electric capabilities but also attenuates internal vibration by altering the resonance point.

Triple-Layered Shielding Structure

When we conceived of the FTVS-910 our goal was unlimited transparency. The ultra silent background of the FTVS-910 is provided by a triple-layered shielding structure. The first semiconductor layer attenuates static noise and electric micro waves. The second copper foil shielding protects against high-frequency noise. The third, silver plated mesh shielding, protects against low-frequency noise. It also protects against high-frequency noise by means of the skin effect on the silver plating.

Semiconductor Layer

Although PFA has a great electric characteristic, we needed to adopt a method for static electricity removal due to the fact that PFA charges easily. When signal flows in a cable, it generates ultra weak vibrations which cause the discharge of an electric corona. In order to solve this problem, we installed Carbon PE as a semiconductor layer. By surrounding just the outside of the first insulation layer, this semiconductor layer helps to discharge static buildup from the PFA layer in an orderly fashion.

The Cable Exterior

The beautiful and clear urethane sheathing has excellent mechanical strength and always maintains a stable level of hardness without being affected by temperature change. Moreover, due to its high shock absorption and degree of elasticity, polyurethane provides powerful isolation from vibrations.

Original "FOCUS 1" XLR Plug

Originality. Innovation. And skilled craftsmanship. Oyaide always pursues innovation without being bound by the status quo. This is also Oyaide's philosophy. The FOCUS 1 XLR connector is no exception." One of the most innovative and novel features of the "FOCUS 1" is the one-touch push-pull function (utility model). The FOCUS 1 is locked by simply inserting it into the inlet on the output side, and when removing it, simply pull the ring on the end to release the lock. In addition, a ball bearing type lock is used for the lock, which is the result of the most sophisticated precision machining.

These are completely new locking functions not found in conventional products. This ensures smooth and secure installation of the "FOCUS 1". In addition to these locking features, the "FOCUS 1" also incorporates innovative ideas in its contacts. The ground contact (No. 1) is 3 mm longer than the other signal contacts to ensure that ground is always the first contact, preventing POP noise during connection. Oyaide's originality can also be seen in the cable fastening. Blade-type cable clamp for easy installation. This clamping system secures the cable and enables connection of the chassis earth at the same time.

Materials and Production

FOCUS 1" is the result of highly polished Japanese craftsmanship. The contact pins are made of phosphor bronze round bar, machined with high precision by highly programmed CNC machining, and after careful mechanical barrel polishing, they are direct plated with two layers of silver + rhodium. These pins are then insert-molded into PBT (GF30%) resin to form the strongest and most shock-resistant contacts ever.

Similarly, the outer shell and housing are CNC-machined from brass round bar stock, and the CNC-machined shell and body are denser than conventional lost-wax materials, providing higher shielding performance. The surface treatment is hard chrome plated, just like the camera body.

Easy Usability

No other product has as much usability as Oyaide's. This is because Oyaide has always been in contact with end users through sales and has an environment where customer needs are easily accommodated. This is because Oyaide is in constant contact with its end-users through sales and is easily accessible to their needs. This spirit is alive and well in the FOCUS 1. With a maximum cable outer diameter of 12 mm (when the cord bushing is removed), the imagination of D.I.Y. users is limitless. The cable insertion opening has also been meticulously considered. The tapered insertion opening prevents cable breakage due to bending. In addition, a rubber ring on the joint between the body and cap prevents loosening due to vibration and acts as a vibration damper.

Appearance Designing

The design of FOCUS 1 is inspired by an appearance of lens on a camera which projects subtle and exquisite image. For the identification of channel L and R, the SWAROVSKI rhinestones, blue and red, are enchased on the surface of its body. The beauty of its body design and a brilliance of SWAROVSKI enhance the appeal of this product and produce a sense of expectancy.

Oyaide "SS-47" Solder for Audio Use

Plugs and cables are soldered with "SS-47", a lead-free silver solder specially designed for acoustic use. Ordinary solder has a tin purity of about 99.9% (3N) due to cost considerations." SS-47" is made of high-purity tin that is 99.993% (4N) or higher, eliminating impurities to the utmost limit. In addition, silver and copper are added to improve conductivity and prevent solder from being eaten away.

Furthermore, the ratio of silver in a normal alloy solder is 3 to 3.5%, but in "SS-47" a whopping 4.7% is used without hesitation. In addition, SS-47 contains 1.7% copper, which has the second highest conductivity among metals after silver. This ratio dramatically improves the conductivity, and we succeeded in setting the eutectic point at 217 degrees Celsius. Of course, these blending ratios were not determined by numerical data and workability alone.

We believe that sound quality should be the top priority for a product to be labeled as an audio solder. SS-47" is the result of numerous listening tests of prototype models with various mixing ratios.

Specifications