Oehlbach Series 2 RCA 1m
Overview
Oehlbach’s Series 2 RCA is an analog audio cable designed to ensure faithful signal transmission in hi-fi and home theater systems. It stands out through the use of carefully selected materials, such as HPOCC copper, and a triple-shielded construction intended to limit interference. Designed for demanding users, it comes with a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty, a testament to the long-term reliability expected.
Technical construction and exceptional materials
The Series 2 design is based on an optimized symmetrical coaxial architecture to minimize signal loss. The central conductor uses HPOCC (High Purity Ohno Continuous Cast) copper, an oxygen-free single-crystal material produced through a specialized continuous casting process. This particular manufacturing technique makes it possible to obtain a uniform crystalline structure along the entire length of the conductor, significantly reducing micro-discontinuities that can impair audio signal transmission.
The robust polymer outer jacket offers remarkable flexibility while effectively protecting internal components against mechanical stress. This design allows for a minimal bend radius, facilitating installation in confined spaces, a valuable feature in modern home theater setups where aesthetics and discretion are paramount.
The solid metal connectors feature 24-carat gold plating across their entire contact surface. This premium finish is not merely aesthetic: gold offers excellent electrical conductivity and exceptional resistance to oxidation, ensuring a stable and durable connection even in humid or corrosive environments.
HPOCC technology: the art of pure transmission
The HPOCC copper used in the Series 2 represents the state of the art in audio conductors. Unlike traditional OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) coppers, which still feature microscopic grain boundaries, the HPOCC process produces a virtually single-crystal conductor over significant lengths. This continuous crystalline structure eliminates internal resistance barriers that can introduce subtle distortions into the audio signal.
In practical terms, this technology provides better preservation of musical detail, particularly in high frequencies where micro-distortions are most noticeable. Fast transients, essential for faithful reproduction of acoustic instruments and voices, benefit from more linear transmission, contributing to a more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
The Series 2’s capacitance of 52 pF/m demonstrates a carefully considered balance between the cable’s electrical parameters. This moderate value prevents undesirable filtering effects that could alter the audio system’s frequency response, especially important when connecting high-impedance equipment such as certain tube amplifiers or audiophile DACs.
Multi-layer shielding system and protection
The Series 2’s triple shielding provides an effective barrier against the electromagnetic interference ubiquitous in the modern home environment. The first layer, made of aluminum foil, provides primary protection against high-frequency electromagnetic fields generated by digital equipment, mobile phones, and Wi-Fi networks.
The two overlapping copper braids complete this protection by forming a Faraday cage that is particularly effective against low-frequency interference. This multi-layer configuration achieves a remarkable level of insulation without excessively stiffening the cable, preserving its ease of handling during installation.
This protection is particularly valuable in home theater installations where numerous electronic devices coexist in a confined space. Power amplifiers, video processors, and digital sources generate electromagnetic fields that can interfere with analog audio signals, making effective shielding essential to preserve sonic purity.
Applications and system compatibility
The Series 2 is suitable for a wide range of audiophile and home theater applications. Its symmetrical design makes it particularly well suited to connections between analog sources and amplifiers, where preserving signal integrity is of paramount importance. Turntables equipped with MC or MM cartridges, high-fidelity CD players, and digital-to-analog converters fully benefit from this cable’s transmission qualities.
In a home theater context, the Series 2 excels in connections between audio processors and multichannel power amplifiers. Its low capacitance makes it compatible with the high-impedance outputs of certain vintage or specialized equipment, extending its scope of use to the most eclectic audio systems.
The 75 cm length of the standard model meets the needs of most home installations, allowing direct connections between adjacent equipment without excess length that could degrade the signal. This optimized size also avoids unsightly cable loops while retaining sufficient flexibility for future system rearrangements.
Documentation
French
Technical Specifications
Connectors and Finishes
- Connector type: 2 x RCA
- Signal direction: input / output
- Contact finish: 24-carat gold-plated
- Plug material: solid metal
Cable Specifications
- Signal type: analog audio
- Configuration: balanced cable
- Capacitance: 52 pF / m
- Conductor material: HPOCC (single-crystal oxygen-free copper)
Construction and Materials
- Shielding: triple shielding
- 1 aluminum foil
- 2 copper braids
- Outer sheath material: robust, highly flexible plastic
- Geometry: round
Dimensions and Physical Characteristics
- Cable diameter: 9.5 mm
- Bending radius: 105 mm
- Length: 1 m
- Color: blue
Performance and Benefits
- HPOCC conductors for lossless transmission
- High-performance shielding for excellent interference immunity
- 24-carat gold-plated contacts for reliable, long-lasting connection
- Robust design: resistant to wear and mechanical stress
- Optimal sound quality with rich detail
- Enhanced insulation against unwanted noise
- High flexibility for easy installation
General Information
- Designation: Oehlbach balanced analog audio cable
- Applications: high-fidelity wiring, home theater installations, demanding audiophile use
- Ideal use: high-end RCA connections for amplifiers, DACs, CD players, turntables
- Manufacturing: German, quality and precision Made in Germany
- Manufacturer’s warranty: 30 years
Frequently asked questions
What is the practical difference between HPOCC copper and standard OFC copper?
HPOCC copper has a continuous crystalline structure throughout the entire length of the conductor, unlike OFC copper, which retains microscopic grain boundaries. This difference results in more uniform conductivity and reduced micro-distortions, particularly audible in fast transients and fine details of music reproduction.
Is triple shielding really necessary in a home environment?
In modern installations where numerous electronic devices coexist, triple shielding provides effective protection against interference. Wi-Fi networks, mobile phones, and digital equipment generate disturbances that can subtly degrade audio quality. The Series 2’s multi-layer shielding preserves signal purity even in these interference-prone environments.
Does the 30-year warranty cover all types of damage?
The manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials under normal conditions of use. It generally does not cover accidental mechanical damage, normal wear and tear of connectors, or unauthorized modifications. The exact terms are specified in the documentation supplied with the product.
How can I optimize the performance of the Series 2 in my system?
To fully reveal the cable’s potential, ensure that your audio system has a sufficient level of resolution. Avoid excessive bending during installation and maintain a reasonable distance from sources of electromagnetic interference. A break-in period of several dozen hours can also allow the materials to stabilize.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: D1C13202
- GTIN / EAN: 4003635132029
