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Silver connectors with BFA connectors

New Connector Generation for the Reference AIR Speaker Cables

For many years, our Reference AIR Series has stood for uncompromising signal transmission. With AIR Technology, we pursue one clear objective: to transfer music from amplifier to loudspeaker as faithfully as possible. Every aspect of our cable design is carefully scrutinized - from the conductors and dielectric to the termination technology.

This philosophy has now led us to further refine our Reference AIR speaker cables. Rather than introducing an entirely new cable architecture, we focused on a component that plays a crucial role in everyday use: the connector.

Why we redesigned the Connector System

For us, high-end audio is about more than outstanding electrical performance—it also requires intuitive and practical usability. Behind most HiFi systems, installation space is often limited, making cable termination a challenging and sometimes frustrating task, particularly when connecting single Bi-Wire or Bi-Wire speaker cables.

To address this, we have completely redesigned our BFA Banana 360° and Spade Connector 360° terminations. Instead of conventional set screws, the new design features a tool-free locking nut, allowing for significantly faster and easier installation - without requiring any tools.

Our objective was straightforward: improve ease of use without compromising either electrical or mechanical performance.

Connection Technology – a critical Part of the Signal Path

When discussing high-end speaker cables, attention is often focused on conductor design, materials and cable geometry. However, the termination is equally important.

Every contact point within the signal path places high demands on material quality, mechanical stability and consistently low contact resistance. The interfaces between cable and component are ultimately where long-term reliability is determined.

Our Reference AIR connectors continue to use tellurium copper for the contact elements. This material combines excellent electrical conductivity with exceptional mechanical strength. A premium rhodium plating provides an extremely hard and wear-resistant surface, ensuring stable contact performance over countless mating cycles.

The connection between conductor and contact element is achieved by a direct compression process using 1.5 tonnes of crimping force. We deliberately avoid solder joints within the signal path, eliminating the additional resistance introduced by solder and preventing potential mechanical stresses caused by thermal expansion.

The integrated three-axis ball joint also contributes to the electrical integrity of the connection. Its contact resistance is less than 0.05 milliohms, making it practically negligible. For comparison, a conventional one-metre speaker cable with a conductor cross-section of 2.5 mm² already exhibits a loop resistance of approximately 20 milliohms, while typical loudspeaker binding posts contribute around 1 to 3 milliohms. Against these values, the additional resistance introduced by the ball joint is effectively insignificant.

Flexibility by Three-Axis Ball Joint

Mechanical stress is just as important as electrical performance. Due to their weight and routing, speaker cables inevitably exert leverage forces on amplifier outputs and loudspeaker binding posts.

The integrated three-axis ball joint allows the connector to align freely in multiple directions, significantly reducing the mechanical forces transferred to the equipment terminals.

As a result, contact pressure remains evenly distributed, ensuring a stable and reliable connection even under mechanical load.

For high-end HiFi systems, this combination of mechanical strain relief and secure electrical contact is an important factor in achieving long-term reliability.

AIR Technology Remains the Heart of the Design

While the connector system has been refined, the core design principle of our Reference AIR Series remains unchanged: AIR Technology. Our approach is based on a fundamental law of physics - air is one of the finest dielectric materials available. For this reason, our signal conductors are suspended almost entirely in air using specially developed support clips.

These precision-engineered clips provide the structural framework of the cable while maintaining the conductors in a precisely defined helical arrangement. Two connecting bridges ensure the required spacing between the conductors while simultaneously providing the necessary mechanical stability.

The exceptionally high air content surrounding the conductors minimizes capacitance and significantly reduces dielectric losse AIR Technology therefore continues to define our Reference speaker cables, reflecting our commitment to minimizing every physical influence that could affect signal transmission.

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Applications

With this new connector generation, we have refined one of the most important aspects of everyday use: creating a simple, secure and reliable connection between cable and component. The new BFA Banana 360° and Spade Connector 360° terminations are now featured across our Reference AIR speaker cable range, including the LS-2405 AIR, LS-4005 AIR and LS-8005 AIR. Each model is available in both high-purity copper and pure silver versions.

Like every Reference AIR cable, these models are handcrafted in our own manufacturing facility in Ballrechten-Dottingen. Every cable is individually assembled, carefully inspected and thoroughly tested before leaving our workshop

Conclusion

With the introduction of this new connector generation, we continue to evolve the Reference AIR Series by improving an aspect that delivers tangible everyday benefits: the connection between cable and component.The new tool-free locking nut makes installation considerably easier, while proven design features such as the three-axis ball joint and AIR Helix Technology remain unchanged.

As with every cable we develop, our objective remains the same: to transmit audio signals with the lowest possible loss and without imposing any sonic signature of our own. The musical performance is created in the recording studio. Our task is simply to deliver it to the listener with the highest possible degree of fidelity.

Rotatable Connectors – Not just for Speaker Cables

Rotatable connectors are not exclusive to our Reference AIR speaker cables. Selected analogue interconnects, phono, digital, USB and Ethernet cables also benefit from this flexible connector technology, which reduces mechanical stress on the connection while making installation considerably easier. Discover the complete range below, featuring all cable models equipped with rotatable connectors.

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in-akustik Reference LS-2405 AIR Speaker Cable in-akustik Reference LS-2405 AIR Speaker Cable
LS-2405 AIR
High-end speaker cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point | Multicore

The LS-2405 AIR high-end speaker cable offers audiophile enthusiasts a unique sound experience. In the new Referenz LS-2405 AIR loudspeaker cable, we have taken the outstanding properties of its predecessor, the LS-2404 AIR, and developed them even further. The point-to-point Air Helix design now enables the AIR Helix architecture to be used from plug to plug and not just between the sleeves. The 360° BFA bananas and spade lugs are a further innovation, developed in-house for easy and convenient connection to the terminals. These and other technical refinements turn the already exceptional AIR cables into true masterpieces. Below you can learn more about the outstanding technical features of this cable, the innovations in the 5th generation and the physical principles used in the AIR technology Click here and discover the exciting details

Regular price: €3,775.00
in-akustik Reference NF-2405 AIR Audio Cable in-akustik Reference NF-2405 AIR Audio Cable
NF-2405 AIR | XLR
High-end audio cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point

Breathtaking sound thanks to air insulation - we have already created many innovative designs on the way to perfect insulation, such as DUO-PE insulation or PETS (PE Tube Support). The Referenz NF-2405 cable is another true milestone and an absolute world first in the cable sector. Normally, the conductors are kept at a distance from each other by more or less high-quality filling and insulation materials. With the NF-2405, however, the conductors run through a series of clips connected in series, which form the inner framework and give the NF-2405 exceptional flexibility for high-end cables. The NF-2405 is manufactured entirely in Germany, like all speaker and audio cables in the Referenz series. The clips are assembled by hand with meticulous care in the company's own factory and then the Cross Link super-speed waveguide is threaded in. The resulting Air Helix is then also shielded by hand and fitted with a PE network jacket before the finished cable is assembled with the XLR 180° connectors developed in-house. New XLR 180° plug: It is only possible to insert XLR connectors in one direction. This can be annoying as the position of the XLR sockets in devices varies. In order for the cable to fit, it must sometimes be twisted by force. This puts a strain on cables, plugs and device sockets and sometimes simply looks a mess. The new XLR 180° plugs developed in-house can be rotated by +/- 45 degrees, i.e., up to a total of +/- 90 degrees from connector to connector. The finishing touch for perfect cabling. Click here and discover the exciting details

Regular price: From €2,049.00
New
Transparentes Produktbild CAT-2405 AIR Konfektioniertes CAT-2405 AIR Kabel überkreuzt und liegend
CAT-2405 AIR
High-end network cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point | CAT 8.1

The CAT-2405 AIR is a high-end LAN cable designed for connecting audio components in streaming setups. It is based on our specially developed Air Helix construction, which enables low-loss and interference-resistant signal transmission. For this construction, we have designed a special clip that forms a stable supporting framework inside the cable. Several of these clips hold the signal pairs in a helical shape and at a defined distance freely in the air. The entire arrangement runs within a high-density shield. Two connecting bridges keep the clips evenly spaced and at the same time provide the necessary flexibility in the cable structure. Digital signal transmission: In mathematics, digital information is represented as binary values, but technically it is transmitted via analog voltage curves. To distinguish between states such as "0" and "1", voltage thresholds and time windows are defined. The transition between these states does not occur abruptly, but continuously—the signal passes through intermediate values, for example, between 0 and 5 volts. Capacitive loads, dielectric losses, noise, and external electromagnetic influences can distort these transitions. This results in timing shifts in the signal, known as jitter. Jitter makes it harder to assign data precisely in time and impairs the reconstruction of digital audio signals. Advantages of the Air Helix construction: The overall shielding made of dense braid, as well as additional foil shields for each pair of wires, effectively protect against external interference. The Air Helix construction uses air as a dielectric and ensures a constant distance between the wire pairs. This arrangement reduces crosstalk and capacitive losses, contributing to unadulterated signal transmission. Streaming components and integrated digital-to-analog converters (DACs) benefit from the improved signal quality and can process data more precisely. CAT connector with rotation mechanism: Conventional RJ45 connectors can only be plugged in at a fixed orientation. Depending on the position of the socket, this can result in unfavorable cable routing and mechanical stress on the connector, cable, and socket. To counteract this, we use rotatable RJ45 connectors with a 180° mechanism. Each connector can be rotated by about ±45°, resulting in a total adjustability of about ±90° between both connectors. This allows the cable to be routed without tension and in a space-saving manner. Sound Advantages at a Glance: Air Helix construction: Signal pairs arranged helically in air—minimal capacitive losses Air as dielectric: Reduces crosstalk and improves signal purity High-density shielding (tinned): Overall and pair shielding against electromagnetic interference RJ45 connector with 180° rotation mechanism: Flexible, tension-free cable routing Optimized for high-end streaming: Supports precise clocking in digital audio transmission Conductor material: High-purity OFC copper for stable, low-loss transmission Technical specification: CAT 8.1—up to 2000 MHz bandwidth Made in Germany: Development, manufacturing, and quality assurance on site Click here to discover exciting details

Regular price: From €1,259.00
New
in-akustik Reference USB 2405 Air Cable in-akustik Reference USB 2405 AIR Cable View
USB-2405 AIR | A < > B
High-end USB cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point

The air helix design of the Referenz USB-2405 AIR is entirely unique. We’ve developed a special clip to achieve practically perfect air insulation. Inside the cable, in the right numbers these clips form a supporting structure that keeps the helically-arranged signal conductors apart in the air, and guides them through the high-density shielding at a specific distance from each other. The flexibility of this structure is ensured with two struts, which both hold the clips together and fix them at an exact distance from each other. In the proper sense of the word, “digital” only exists in mathematics in the form of the binary number system. There are no purely digital signals in the technical world. Electrical voltage limits and time windows are defined to detect zeros and ones. The jump from a zero to a one or vice versa always requires a certain time, during which the signal level passes through all intermediate values, from 0 volts to 5 volts, for example. Capacitive loads, dielectric losses, noise and electromagnetic interferences caused by cables additionally manipulate this change. This results in temporal shifts, or the, “jitter effect”, which makes precise reconstruction of the audio signal difficult or almost impossible. New 180° USB connector: As we know, USB connectors can only be inserted in one direction. This can be difficult, as the position of the USB sockets in devices varies. To adjust the course of the cable, it often has to be twisted quite a lot, which puts strain on cables, connectors and sockets and also looks unsightly. Our recently developed USB connectors with 180° rotation mechanism offer a solution: Each one can be rotated by +/- 45 degrees, enabling a total rotation of +/- 90 degrees from connector to connector, thus providing the finishing touch for perfect cabling. The dense shielding of the Referenz USB-2405 AIR cable protects the sensitive signal from electromagnetic interferences. Under the shielding is the innovative air helix structure, where air and the spacing between the conductors act as insulators, preventing dielectric losses and significantly reducing capacitive loads. On the whole this makes the digital-to-analog converter’s (DAC) work easier and perfects the audio signal’s reconstruction.

Regular price: From €1,309.00
in-akustik Reference Phono 2405 AIR Phono Cable XLR in-akustik Reference Phono 2405 AIR Phono Cable
Phono-2405 AIR | SME 90° - XLR
High-end phono cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point

The good old record sounds more vibrant than ever. The demand is astonishing, even for experts. The figures for records sold are increasing just as surprisingly as the number of record players. It’s a real boom. But how to improve the sound? One way is to use a new, better cable between the tonearm and the phono amplifier. The Phono-2405 AIR is a cable created to deliver top sound. What sets it apart is an absolutely unique air insulation, called the Air Helix. We have developed a special clip for this technology. It separates the two cable bundles, keeps them apart, and virtually embeds them in air. Using a large number of these clips, it is possible to route earth and signal extremely stably over longer distances. Why the effort? With this approach it is possible to pass on the sensitive signals without slowing them down - the result is fast and high-resolution sound. The Super Speed waveguides are threaded by hand and the clips are fitted with great care in the company's own factory. After this, the resulting Air Helix is also shielded and fitted with the PE network jacket by hand. Finally, the rhodium-plated connectors are fitted and cable functionality is tested. Because it's all about the most important, smallest signals: There is nowhere in the audio world where smaller currents flow that need to be passed on perfectly. The signal level of an MM or MC system is extremely sensitive, at just a few thousandths of a volt. In addition to this, the systems have an inductive character. In combination with the cable capacitance, they form what is known as an oscillating circuit, which favors specific frequencies. If these frequencies are unfavorable due to excessively high capacitance, this has a major effect on the harmony of the sound. Extremely low capacitance and dielectric losses are just two advantages of the Referenz Phono -2405 AIR. They form the basis for unadulterated enjoyment of your vinyl jewels. The sound of good records can hardly be resolved in a finer way than this. Click here and discover the exciting details

Regular price: €1,449.00
in-akustik Reference LS-4005 AIR Speaker Cable in-akustik Reference LS-4005 AIR Speaker Cable
LS-4005 AIR
High-end speaker cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point | Multicore

The LS-4005 AIR high-end speaker cable offers audiophile enthusiasts a unique sound experience. In the new Referenz LS-4005 AIR loudspeaker cable, we have taken the outstanding properties of its predecessor, the LS-4004 AIR, and developed them even further. The point-to-point Air Helix design now enables the AIR Helix architecture to be used from plug to plug and not just between the sleeves. The 360° BFA bananas and spade lugs are a further innovation, developed in-house for easy and convenient connection to the terminals. These and other technical refinements turn the already exceptional AIR cables into true masterpieces. Below you can learn more about the outstanding technical features of this cable, the innovations in the 5th generation and the physical principles used in the AIR technology. Click here and discover the exciting details

Regular price: From €5,950.00
New
in-akustik Reference NF-4005 AIR XLR Cable in-akustik Reference NF-4005 AIR XLR Cable
NF-4005 AIR | XLR
High-end audio cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point

Good sound needs space! In developing our Air technology, we have proven that an audio cable’s insulation plays a decisive role and has a significant influence on the sound. This is due to dielectric losses and the electrostatic properties of the insulating materials, which burden the hi-fi system like heavy luggage and make it sluggish. By “omitting” this strain we then help the entire hi-fi chain to achieve top performance. We do this with special clips that guide the signal conductors through the cable in a row and freely suspended. A cable’s geometry also influences these factors. Bigger distances mean less load. This is exactly where our NF-4005 AIR comes in: The AIR helix design and the cable’s dimensions create even more space and air between the signal conductors. The cable thus forms a wide audiophile corridor and rolls out the red carpet, so to speak, for every sound detail. New XLR 180° plug: It is only possible to insert XLR connectors in one direction. This can be annoying as the position of the XLR sockets in devices varies. In order for the cable to fit, it must sometimes be twisted by force. This puts a strain on cables, plugs and device sockets and sometimes simply looks a mess. The new XLR 180° plugs developed in-house can be rotated by +/- 45 degrees, i.e., up to a total of +/- 90 degrees from connector to connector. The finishing touch for perfect cabling. Click here and discover the exciting details

Regular price: From €4,919.00
LS-8005 AIR LS-8005 AIR
LS-8005 AIR
High-end speaker cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point | Multicore

High-end loudspeakers need power – and a lot of it, quickly and precisely. For the perfect sound the power must correspond one hundred percent with the analog image of the original sound source, be it an A cappella soloist or a stomping rock concert. A few technical tricks that help to skillfully circumvent physical influences are required to deliver this power to the loudspeaker right on time and holistically. Line resistance and line inductance play an important role with speaker cables. The powerful Referenz LS-8005 AIR has impressive 32 Cross Link Super Speed waveguides with an enormous total cross-section of 38 mm². The cross-section alone, however, does not make a good cable. The smart nesting of the conductors almost completely eliminates magnetic fields, paving the way for the finest sound facets and powerful pressure in equal measure. Good sound needs air! In developing our Air technology, we have proven that an audio cable’s insulation plays a key role and has a significant influence on the sound. This is due to dielectric losses and the electrostatic properties of the insulating materials, which burden the hi-fi system like heavy luggage and make it sluggish. By “omitting” this strain we then help the entire hi-fi chain to achieve top performance. We do this with special clips that guide the signal conductors through the cable in a row and freely suspended. Grounding option: The number of cell phones, WiFi routers, Bluetooth devices, PV systems and charging stations etc., is constantly increasing. This also increases the potential for electromagnetic interferences, which can affect hi-fi and high-end systems. Cables act like antennae and can transfer the interferences to the devices, where they overlay the audio signal in sensitive circuit areas, resulting in a “washed out” sound. Effective shielding and grounding concepts are crucial to protect the sound. The grounding cable of a record player is a very well-known example of this. The LS- 8005 AIR is equipped with a grounding option, which, depending on the configuration, can be connected to the amplifier’s earth, the protective conductor or earth or a grounding box, to divert disturbances. Click here and discover the exciting details

Regular price: From €15,822.00
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