NF-404 Micro AIR | RCA
Quality: Referenz€625.00
Product information "NF-404 Micro AIR | RCA"
The RCA and XLR outputs on hi-fi components transmit very weak signals and are therefore highly sensitive to a cable’s electrical properties—particularly its capacitance. High cable capacitance acts like a low-pass filter: it attenuates high frequencies and causes phase shifts that degrade the musical reproduction. Micro AIR technology consistently reduces capacitance, thereby preserving the integrity of the audio signal—for unadulterated reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum, from powerful bass to the finest high-frequency details.
Another critical factor is signal noise within the conductor structure. Uncontrolled contact points between the individual wires can generate micro-distortions that manifest sonically as an unpleasant “hissing” sound during S-sounds, among other things. The specially developed Guided Copper construction of the NF-404 specifically addresses this problem: The individual conductors are precisely separated and insulated from one another by PE wires. This ensures a defined structure and a consistent, low-loss signal flow.
The symmetrical architecture of the NF-404 Micro AIR also offers high immunity to electromagnetic interference. In environments with numerous potential sources of interference, such as switching power supplies, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks, stray signals are effectively compensated for. The result is stable, low-interference transmission.
Whether used on its own or in combination with the LS-404 speaker cable, the NF-404 Micro AIR unlocks the full sound potential of your system and delivers an open, precise, and detailed sound.
| Application: | High-end audio cable |
|---|---|
| Cable diameter: | 8.5 mm |
| Conductor design: | Guided Copper |
| Conductor material: | High-purity OFC copper |
| Conformity: | CE, REACH, RoHS |
| Connector assembly: | Pressure-grouted contacts (1.5 tonnes) |
| Connector housing: | Solid metal |
| Contact enhancement: | Rhodium-coated |
| Contact material: | Tellurium copper |
| Customized assembly: | On request |
| Design: | Symmetrical |
| Dielectric: | Air chambers |
| Floating shield: | Yes |
| Jacket: | PE network jacket |
| Length: | 0.75 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m |
| Shielding: | 2-fold (braid + foil) |
| in-akustik product group: | Home HiFi |
| in-akustik category: | Analog interconnects |
| Quality: | Referenz |
| Technology: | Micro AIR Double mono |
| Connector: | 2 x RCA > 2 x RCA |
| Made in Germany: | Yes |
| Free trial listening: | Yes |
- 1 x Stereo set Referenz NF-404 RCA Micro AIR
- Quality Certificate
If you have any questions about product safety, please contact:
in-akustik GmbH & Co. KG
Untermatten 12-14
79282 Ballrechten-Dottingen
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 7634 5610-0
E-Mail: service@in-akustik.de
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The RCA and XLR outputs on hi-fi components transmit very weak signals and are therefore highly sensitive to a cable’s electrical properties—particularly its capacitance. High cable capacitance acts like a low-pass filter: it attenuates high frequencies and causes phase shifts that degrade the musical reproduction. Micro AIR technology consistently reduces capacitance, thereby preserving the integrity of the audio signal—for unadulterated reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum, from powerful bass to the finest high-frequency details.
Another critical factor is signal noise within the conductor structure. Uncontrolled contact points between the individual wires can generate micro-distortions that manifest sonically as an unpleasant “hissing” sound during S-sounds, among other things. The specially developed Guided Copper construction of the NF-404 specifically addresses this problem: The individual conductors are precisely separated and insulated from one another by PE wires. This ensures a defined structure and a consistent, low-loss signal flow.
The symmetrical architecture of the NF-404 Micro AIR also offers high immunity to electromagnetic interference. In environments with numerous potential sources of interference, such as switching power supplies, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks, stray signals are effectively compensated for. The result is stable, low-interference transmission.
Whether used on its own or in combination with the LS-404 speaker cable, the NF-404 Micro AIR unlocks the full sound potential of your system and delivers an open, precise, and detailed sound.
Cable capacitance plays a decisive role, especially for audio cable connections between individual devices. As the signal sources are very weak and react sensitively to high cable capacitance, audio cables are virtually predestined for air insulation using air helix technology.
In addition to this, we have also developed a completely new and entirely solder-free RCA connector for the Referenz NF-1205 Air. It consists of several component parts that are only joined together during the course of the assembly process. As with the loudspeaker cable, the thin layer of enamel is first removed from the high-purity copper wires of the "Cross Link Super Speed" waveguide by machine. Then, the contact pin of the connector, which is made of tellurium copper, is pressure-grouted with the conductor using a force of 1.5 tonnes. The connection of the shielding is also completely new: It is now hermetically sealed with screws.
Because the outputs on hi-fi devices only supply extremely weak signals and are sensitive to high cable capacitance, the capacitance of a cable plays a significant role when connecting components together. A “low-pass filter” can be created that cuts off high frequencies and also causes phase shifts. This is the reason why RCA and XLR audio cables are ideal companions for the air-based insulation used in the MICRO AIR technology. Another special feature of the NF-204 Micro AIR is its symmetrical architecture, which guarantees high immunity to EMC radiation. Alone or in combination with the LS-204/LS-204-XL, the NF-204 Micro AIR opens up the connection floodgates and allows your components to perform at their very best.
Click here and discover the exciting details€625.00*
€1,079.00*
€436.00*
Micro AIR technology
Micro AIR technologyWe are not able to switch off the laws of nature, so the best we can do is use them as ingeniously as possible. Due to the laws of nature, every cable exerts so-called parasitic effects. These include capacitance – the capacity to store energy like a battery and release it again with a time delay. This effect has a considerable impact on the transmission of audio signals and is therefore unwelcome. Capacitance is a physical property, and its value depends on a number of different factors, one of the most important of which is the insulation material used, also known as the “dielectric”. The dielectric material can considerably increase the capacitance of the cable. Because air doesn’t do this, it’s ideal for insulation purposes. One of the insulation elements in the Micro AIR technology is a complex, diamond-shaped structure. The tiny chambers created by this structure increase the distance between the conductors and raise the air content of the insulation. This method reduces troublesome capacitance effects and optimizes the cable’s transmission characteristics for the sensitive audio signals it needs to transport.
Guided Copper
Unlike conventional conductor designs, in which individual wires are arranged chaotically and uncontrolled contact points cause signal noise, the Guided Copper conductor follows a clearly defined architecture. At its center is a PE wire, around which the copper wires are arranged. All wires are spatially separated and isolated from one another by additional PE wires. This defined structure consistently prevents irregular contact points and unwanted interactions within the conductor. The result is a stable and uniform signal path in which interference and noise are significantly minimized. Fine details are preserved, and the reproduction gains in clarity and precision. Signals are transmitted cleanly and with precise timing, which also audibly improves spatial imaging and transparency. The conductors are made of high-purity OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper), which is characterized by excellent conductivity and high signal fidelity. The precisely guided arrangement of the conductors supports a consistent signal flow throughout the entire cable.
Electrostatics and capacitance
It’s something we’re all familiar with: when you take off a sweater with a high synthetic content you hear a crackling sound. The reason for this is that the integrated plastic material stores electrical energy, and then discharges it again. The same thing happens in the dielectric material of a cable. It “absorbs” electrical energy like a sponge and then releases it again. In the case of an audio cable, however, this electrical energy is part of the audio signal.
This problematic storage capacity of a cable is referred to as its “capacitance”. While capacitors intended to store energy should have a correspondingly high capacitance, the capacitance of a cable should be as low as possible. If this is not the case, it can have a serious detrimental effect on the transmission characteristics and also lead to interactions with connected electronic devices. The ideal solution is therefore air insulation such as that implemented with the Micro AIR (and previous AIR technology), reducing the capacitance to an absolute minimum.
Cables should not make any sound
The Referenz AIR series cables have already caused something of a sensation in the world of high-end connections. And we have used the very same principles of physics to develop our Referenz Micro AIR series. As the name suggests, air as insulation also plays a key role with these high end connections due to the excellent dielectric properties.
Cables in general don’t make any sound; they have a filtering effect and interact with the devices. We believe audio connections should be as unobtrusive as possible and cause no sound coloration. These would perhaps be astonishing to hear the first time, but they actually distort the original, and eventually are annoying. The trick is to adapt the physical filter effect through the architecture and choice of materials so that losses and interactions are reduced to a minimum. This was our goal when developing the Referenz Micro Air series – and we believe we have achieved our goal once again.
Made in Germany
Just like the AIR Helix cables, the Referenz high-end cables with Micro AIR technology are also manufactured in our own factory in Germany. Along with the complex, manual assembly of the cables, this of course also includes the corresponding quality control. Every cable is put through its paces after production. Both functional tests and mechanical tests are carried out. And of course we also check the live performance as part of product development – for maximum precision and low-loss signal transmission.
The cable manufacturing unit
The beating heart of in-akustik is our manufactory. This is where our success story is rooted – permeated by a congenial working atmosphere, a love of music and a passion for detail. At in-akustik, we believe musical enjoyment stems from a listening experience that remains as close as possible to the original recording and the artist’s interpretation of the piece. That’s why we boast a committed workforce that combines curiosity with a keen sense of precision. With a fascination for music and things that are really special – like the development of our complex AIR cables.
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The LS-404 Micro AIR is a further installment in the success story of the Micro AIR technology: As with the already legendary AIR Helix cables, air is also a central component of the insulation concept in the Referenz Micro AIR technology. Due to the low speaker impedances, however, low line resistances and a low inductance are also very important for speaker cables. For this reason, the Referenz LS-404 Micro AIR uses a total of 8 concentric copper conductors in addition to the air dielectric. Thanks to this multicore architecture, the magnetic fields of the positive and negative conductors overlap and neutralize each other. This significantly reduces the inductance of the cable, which guarantees unaltered transmission of the audio signal over a broad frequency spectrum. Due to our approach, the LS-404 has an extremely balanced sound character with precise timing, on top of a solidly controlled foundation. This cable is primarily designed for full-size floorstanding loudspeakers. The impression sound makes on the listener is always subjective, of course, and depends in no small part on the overall constellation of a hi-fi system. In the end, the decisive factor is your own personal listening impression. Click here and discover the exciting details
The RCA and XLR outputs on hi-fi components transmit very weak signals and are therefore highly sensitive to a cable’s electrical properties—particularly its capacitance. High cable capacitance acts like a low-pass filter: it attenuates high frequencies and causes phase shifts that degrade the musical reproduction. Micro AIR technology consistently reduces capacitance, thereby preserving the integrity of the audio signal—for unadulterated reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum, from powerful bass to the finest high-frequency details. Another critical factor is signal noise within the conductor structure. Uncontrolled contact points between the individual wires can generate micro-distortions that manifest sonically as an unpleasant “hissing” sound during S-sounds, among other things. The specially developed Guided Copper construction of the NF-404 specifically addresses this problem: The individual conductors are precisely separated and insulated from one another by PE wires. This ensures a defined structure and a consistent, low-loss signal flow. The symmetrical architecture of the NF-404 Micro AIR also offers high immunity to electromagnetic interference. In environments with numerous potential sources of interference, such as switching power supplies, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks, stray signals are effectively compensated for. The result is stable, low-interference transmission. Whether used on its own or in combination with the LS-404 speaker cable, the NF-404 Micro AIR unlocks the full sound potential of your system and delivers an open, precise, and detailed sound. Click here and discover the exciting details
A stable, low-noise power supply is essential for high-quality music reproduction. Even modern hi-fi components with sophisticated power supplies and built-in filter stages are not entirely immune to high-frequency interference. One cause of this is capacitive coupling effects within the devices, which partially bypass the electrical isolation of the power supplies for high-frequency interference. In conjunction with the dynamic power consumption of connected components, balancing currents arise on the interconnect cables. These interfere with the sensitive audio signal and impair the purity and precision of music reproduction. Furthermore, power cables themselves emit electromagnetic interference fields that can affect nearby signal and component lines. Since these interferences have significantly higher levels compared to the very small audio signals, they have a particularly strong influence on signal processing. The Referenz AC-404 Micro AIR addresses these challenges with a cable architecture consistently designed for signal purity. The sophisticated 6-fold multicore architecture ensures exceptionally low-impedance coupling of the connected components across a wide frequency range. This effectively reduces compensation currents and creates the conditions for clean and stable signal transmission. At the same time, the design enables a powerful power supply with a high dynamic reserve — even during dynamic musical passages and high load peaks. The Micro AIR technology with an air dielectric minimizes capacitive losses and supports fast, controlled energy transfer. The result is more precise impulse reproduction and an authentic, dynamic sound presentation. The design is complemented by dual shielding consisting of a braided and foil shield. This reduces the spread of high-frequency interference fields to nearby components and interconnect cables, thereby contributing to a quiet, clean signal environment. The AC-404 Micro AIR enables music reproduction with greater clarity, detail, and dynamics—for a sound that comes as close as possible to the original recording. Click here and discover the exciting details
Cable capacitance plays a decisive role, especially for audio cable connections between individual devices. As the signal sources are very weak and react sensitively to high cable capacitance, audio cables are virtually predestined for air insulation using air helix technology. In addition to this, we have also developed a completely new and entirely solder-free RCA connector for the Referenz NF-1205 Air. It consists of several component parts that are only joined together during the course of the assembly process. As with the loudspeaker cable, the thin layer of enamel is first removed from the high-purity copper wires of the "Cross Link Super Speed" waveguide by machine. Then, the contact pin of the connector, which is made of tellurium copper, is pressure-grouted with the conductor using a force of 1.5 tonnes. The connection of the shielding is also completely new: It is now hermetically sealed with screws. Click here and discover the exciting details
