The SLiP-DB 14/4 White from AudioQuest brilliantly meets the challenges of in-wall hi-fi and home theater installations. Part of the American manufacturer’s SLiP range, this cable features semi-solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC) conductors, renowned for their excellent conductivity and low distortion.
Its exceptionally smooth outer surface makes it easy to pull through conduits and walls, even in tight spaces. Thanks to its 4-conductor configuration with each conductor measuring 2.08 mm² (14 AWG), it can be used to power two speakers or for bi-amping a single speaker, all while maintaining the high-level audio performance that has made AudioQuest’s reputation.
The SLiP 14/4 uses packed semi-solid concentric conductors that reduce harshness and confusion. This approach is fundamentally different from conventional stranded cables, where distortion caused by the electrical and magnetic interaction of the strands is worsened as each strand changes position within the bundle. In an AQ semi-solid concentric cable, the strands maintain fixed relationships, significantly reducing distortion.
The low-inductance spiral geometry is the other technical pillar of the SLiP-DB 14/4. This geometry helps limit losses as cable length increases, ensuring consistent performance whether it’s a short run of a few meters or an installation spanning several rooms. The spiral geometry minimizes sound distortion by keeping the audio signal focused—a particularly valuable feature over long distances where other cables may show signs of degradation.
The LGC copper used by AudioQuest is optimized by a specific casting method that further reduces the copper’s oxygen content. Even high-purity oxygen-free copper still contains a very small amount of oxygen, which can form copper oxide and generate distortion. The density is about 300 grains per 30 cm for LGC copper, compared to over 1,500 grains for standard copper.
This difference is significant: the interaction between two grains results in a contrast in conductivity as well as distortion. The low number of grains in Long Grain Copper ensures better performance. LGC copper delivers a smoother, clearer sound than cables using ordinary OFHC (Oxygen-Free High-Conductivity) copper.
The major innovation of the SLiP-DB 14/4 lies in its outer jacket. The “EasySLiP Minimalist” technology reduces the cable’s friction coefficient, making it easier to install in conduits or other tight spaces. While no cable is perfectly slippery, AudioQuest believes the materials and shape used for FLX/SLiP are state-of-the-art, making these cables as slick as possible.
This approach addresses a real-world issue: pulling cable can be a real pain. The FLX/SLiP series was designed to make installers’ lives at least a little easier. The smooth surface of the jacket reduces snags and resistance when pulling through conduits, partitions, or technical ducts.
With its 4 x 2 mm² sections, the AudioQuest SLiP-DB 14/4 cable is equally suited to bookshelf speakers and large floorstanding speakers. This versatility allows it to be used in a wide variety of setups. You can easily connect the cable in single wiring or bi-wiring, offering the flexibility needed to adapt to future changes in your installation.
Suitable for hi-fi and home theater use, the AudioQuest SLiP-DB 14/4 cable allows you to connect in-wall speakers to each other. It excels especially in installations where visual discretion is paramount: integrated home theaters, multi-zone audio systems, or high-end hi-fi setups where no cable should be visible.
Absolutely. Its 4-conductor configuration makes it ideal for bi-wiring a single speaker. You can dedicate two conductors to the lows and two to the highs, allowing the amplifier to control each section of the speaker more precisely. This approach can reveal additional detail and improve dynamics, especially with high-end speakers equipped with separate terminals.
The low-inductance spiral geometry of the SLiP-DB 14/4 allows it to maintain its performance over long distances. For typical home applications (4-8 ohm speaker impedance), lengths of 50 to 100 meters are perfectly feasible without significant audible degradation. Beyond that, consider a larger gauge or a more in-depth analysis of your installation.
Like many AudioQuest cables, the SLiP-DB 14/4 may have an optimal directionality related to the manufacturing process. Look for directional markings on the jacket or consult the manufacturer’s documentation. If there is no clear marking, a comparative listening test may sometimes reveal a slight preference, though the impact is subtle with this type of cable.
While not always mandatory for residential use under French regulations, CL3 certification is a recommended safety guarantee. It becomes essential in certain contexts: multi-unit dwellings, installations within electrical distribution walls, or simply for maximum peace of mind. The additional cost is minimal compared to the safety benefits.
The SLiP-DB 14/4 is listed as “Direct Burial” certified according to some sources, suggesting resistance to direct burial. However, check the exact specifications of your reference, as not all versions necessarily have this qualification. For exposed outdoor use, opt for additional protective sheathing or a version specifically rated for outdoor use.
Jean-Marc
Fantastic product that allowed me to bi-amp my BW 603 speakers, which completely transformed their performance when paired with my Denon 3800h amplifier.
Comment from May 08, 2024 — Experience from April 27, 2024
