Audioquest Black Lab 16m

A subwoofer deserves a connection that matches what it can deliver. Too often neglected in favor of the main speakers, the cable that connects the amplifier or processor to the subwoofer nevertheless plays a decisive role in low-frequency reproduction. AudioQuest designed the Black Lab to address this issue with a coherent technical approach, from the conductor all the way to the connector.

Copper optimized for low frequencies

The Black Lab uses a solid Long Grain Copper conductor, a crystalline structure that limits the number of junctions between the metal’s grains. These junctions act as microscopic obstacles to signal flow, particularly in the low-frequency range where the slightest discontinuity can result in a loss of definition. By reducing these friction points, LGC (Long Grain Copper) promotes a more direct transfer of audio information.

The chosen geometry is a symmetrical coaxial design: the positive and negative conductors have identical cross sections, while the shielding remains physically separated from the signal path. This architecture allows the shield to perform its protective function without interfering with transmission itself, helping to maintain a stable signal with low background noise.

Insulation designed for timing accuracy

Between the conductor and the outer jacket, insulation plays a role that is often underestimated. The Black Lab uses nitrogen-injected foamed polyethylene, a material whose high air content reduces energy storage in the dielectric. In practice, this limits temporal smearing that can affect the attack and decay of low notes, preserving the bite of a bass line or the impact of a cinematic effect.

Protection against interference and ground loops

Home cinema and hi-fi setups multiply potential sources of interference: Wi‑Fi routers, dimmer switches, switching power supplies. The Black Lab incorporates a metal-layer noise dissipation system that combines absorption and reflection of radio-frequency (RF) and electromagnetic (EMI) disturbances. This protection also extends to ground loops, which are responsible for hums and buzzes that can contaminate the signal, especially over cable runs of several meters between the electronics and the subwoofer.

The cable is suitable for installations where the subwoofer is located far from the amplifier: runs through walls, under carpets, or through conduits. The quality of the shielding keeps the signal clean over these distances without audible degradation.

RCA connectors and heat‑free cold‑weld assembly

The Black Lab’s RCA plugs feature gold plating that protects the contacts from oxidation over time. AudioQuest has opted for a high-pressure cold-weld assembly rather than traditional tin soldering. This method avoids exposing the conductors to high temperatures that could alter the copper structure and create additional resistance points. The result is a mechanically solid and electrically reliable connection over the long term.

What the Black Lab brings to your listening experience

On a well-calibrated system, the Black Lab allows the subwoofer to operate under better conditions: tighter, better-defined bass, improved integration between the subwoofer and the main speakers, and the absence of interference that clarifies the entire spectrum. In home cinema, this signal cleanliness also translates into better dialogue intelligibility, as the subwoofer no longer masks or disturbs midrange frequencies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the extra ground wire supplied with the cable for? This wire with a fork connector solves humming problems caused by ground loops between the subwoofer and the amplifier. If a hum appears, simply connect the metal chassis of the two devices. In most installations this wire remains unused, but having it included helps avoid future complications.

Is the Black Lab suitable for all subwoofers? This cable works with any active subwoofer equipped with an RCA input, whether it’s a hi‑fi or home cinema model. It is compatible with subwoofer (LFE) outputs on amplifiers, AV receivers, soundbars, and audio processors with a dedicated RCA output.

Can I use this cable to connect two subwoofers? Each Black Lab cable provides a mono connection between one output and one input. For a dual-sub configuration, you need two separate cables, one per subwoofer, connected to the corresponding outputs of the amplifier or via an RCA splitter if only a single output is available.

Cold-weld connections: what practical difference does this make? Traditional soldering heats the conductor to several hundred degrees, which can locally alter the copper structure and create micro-resistances. High-pressure cold-weld assembly joins the elements mechanically, with no thermal input, thus preserving the integrity of the conductor over its entire length.

Technical specifications

General information

• Cable type: Mono RCA for subwoofer (LFE / Subwoofer)
• Function: transmission of low-frequency signal between a source device and an active subwoofer
• Compatibility: amplifiers, AV receivers, soundbars, home cinema processors

Connectors and connection

• Connectors: gold-plated RCA
• Connection method: cold-weld high-pressure connection
  • Connection without thermal degradation
  • High resistance to oxidation
• Installation: suitable for in-wall installation and long-distance use without signal loss

Conductors and structure

• Conductor material: solid long-grain copper (LGC, Long Grain Copper)
  • Reduced distortion
  • Improved low-frequency transmission
• Structure: symmetrical coaxial geometry
  • Positive and negative conductors with identical cross-section
  • Shielding independent from the audio signal
  • More stable signal with low distortion and reduced noise

Insulation and shielding

• Insulation: nitrogen-injected foamed polyethylene
  • High air content
  • Reduced energy storage and sonic blur
  • Improved timing accuracy
• Shielding: metal-layer noise dissipation system
  • Absorbs and reflects radio-frequency (RF) interference
  • Protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI)
  • Elimination of ground loops
  • Protection of ground from electrical pollution
  • Elimination of hum and noise

Audio performance

• Deeper, tighter, and more controlled bass
• Excellent low-frequency dynamics
• No hum or ground noise
• Very high immunity to interference
• Increased clarity of dialogue and sound effects
• Clean signal even over long distances