Oehlbach Series 1 RCA 2m

The Series 1 RCA from Oehlbach is a German-made audio cable designed for audiophile and professional use. It employs HPOCC single-crystal copper and a symmetrical construction, combined with triple shielding to limit interference. The product comes with a 30-year warranty, in line with the manufacturer’s sustainability policy.

Premium construction and exceptional materials

The Series 1 stands out through the use of internal conductors made of silver-plated copper (SPC) featuring HPOCC (High Purity Ohno Continuous Cast) technology. This continuous casting technique produces single-crystal copper of exceptional purity, virtually eliminating material transitions within the metal structure. The silver plating of the conductors further improves electrical conductivity, particularly in the high audio frequencies.

The cable’s symmetrical geometry ensures perfect balance between the left and right channels, contributing to a precise and stable stereo image. This symmetrical construction, rare in this price range, helps minimize distortion and optimize channel separation.

The generous 14 mm diameter reflects the robustness of the construction, integrating multiple layers of protection while maintaining sufficient flexibility for installation. The minimum bending radius of 120 mm indicates a solid construction that preserves signal integrity even in constrained installations.

Triple-layer shielding

The triple-layer shielding system is one of the Series 1’s key strengths. This multi-layer protection includes an aluminum foil and two copper braids, creating an effective barrier against electromagnetic and electrostatic interference.

This professional approach is particularly relevant in modern home environments saturated with electronic devices that generate noise. The aluminum shielding acts as the first barrier against high-frequency interference, while the copper braids neutralize low-frequency disturbances and ensure a stable ground.

The combination of these three layers of protection guarantees pure audio transmission, even near digital equipment, LED lighting, or Wi‑Fi networks that could disrupt the analog signal.

RCA connectors with 24-karat gold finish

The solid metal RCA connectors with 24-karat gold plating ensure an optimal and durable connection. This gold finish provides exceptional resistance to oxidation and corrosion, guaranteeing consistent contact quality over the years. The 12 mm diameter connectors perfectly match RCA standards while offering a comfortable grip during plugging and unplugging.

Optimized electrical performance

The electrical characteristics of the Series 1 reveal meticulous engineering. The capacitance of 45 pF/m remains low enough to preserve high-frequency detail, while the characteristic impedance of 110 Ω at 1 MHz aligns with professional standards for analog audio transmission.

These optimized electrical parameters enable faithful transmission of the audio signal across the entire audible bandwidth, without significant attenuation of extreme frequencies. The low parasitic capacitance preserves dynamics and fast transients, which are crucial for musical reproduction.

Premium positioning and value for money

The Series 1 positions itself in the premium segment of the RCA cable market. This pricing reflects the use of exceptional materials (HPOCC copper, silver plating), the complexity of the symmetrical construction and triple shielding, as well as German manufacturing quality.

Compared to competing models at a similar level, the Series 1 offers a set of technical features rarely combined in this price range. The 30-year warranty significantly enhances the value proposition by reducing the long-term cost of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the high price of the Series 1 justified compared to a standard RCA cable? The price difference is explained by the use of silver-plated HPOCC single-crystal copper, professional triple shielding, symmetrical construction, and the 30-year warranty. These premium technologies deliver purer audio transmission and exceptional durability, justifying the investment for high-end audio systems.

What is the difference between OFC copper and the HPOCC technology used in the Series 1? HPOCC (High Purity Ohno Continuous Cast) copper features a single-crystal structure without grain boundaries, unlike traditional OFC copper. This homogeneous structure improves electrical conductivity and reduces micro-distortions, resulting in more faithful and detailed audio transmission.

Why use silver plating on the internal conductors? Silver has the best electrical conductivity of all metals. Silver plating on the conductors particularly enhances the transmission of high audio frequencies, contributing to more precise reproduction of sonic details and fast transients.

Is triple shielding necessary in a home environment? The modern home environment contains numerous sources of electromagnetic interference (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, LED lighting, digital devices). Triple shielding ensures optimal protection against these disturbances, preserving signal purity even in the most challenging environments.

Technical Specifications

Connectors and Signal

• Connector type: 2 x male RCA ↔ 2 x male RCA
• Signal type: analog audio
• Signal direction: input / output
• Configuration: 1 pair (left / right)

Physical Dimensions

• Cable length: 1 m
• Cable diameter: 14 mm
• Minimum bend radius: 120 mm
• Geometry: round cable
• Color: blue

Construction and Materials

• Inner conductor
  • SPC (oxygen-free copper, silver-plated)
  • HPOCC technology (high-purity mono-crystalline copper)
• Shielding: triple shielding
  • 1 x aluminum foil
  • 2 x copper braids
• Cable material: solid and flexible plastic
• Connectors
  • Type: RCA connectors
  • Material: solid metal
  • Finish: 24-carat gold-plated
  • Contact: optimal reliability

Electrical Performance

• Capacitance: 45 pF/m
• Characteristic impedance: 110 Ω @ 1 MHz

General Information

• Key benefits
  • Symmetrical transmission for purer sound
  • Triple-layer shielding against electromagnetic interference
  • Premium materials: HPOCC copper, silver plating
  • Pleasant handling and high mechanical resistance
• Origin: made in Germany
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 30 years