Audioquest Rocket 44 SBA (2 x 2m)

The second most advanced model in the Rocket series, the Rocket 44 stands out with its Double Star-Quad geometry and blend of two smooth-surface coppers. This SBA (Single Bi-Amp) version comes with four SureGrip 500 banana connectors on each end: two on the amplifier side, two on the speaker side. A cable that takes advantage of bi-amplification without requiring two separate pairs.

Eight solid conductors in a Star-Quad geometry

AudioQuest has chosen solid conductors rather than stranded ones. The reason lies in the electrical interactions between strands in a conventional cable: when the signal flows, adjacent wires behave like numerous small parasitic circuits that interfere with current flow. A solid conductor eliminates this problem at the source.

The Rocket 44 uses eight conductors arranged in two Star-Quad groups. This configuration is neither parallel nor conventionally twisted. The four wires in each group are arranged in a star pattern, which optimizes inductance and capacitance values while reducing electromagnetic interference between polarities. According to AudioQuest, this geometry surpasses parallel-conductor cables in terms of dynamic contrast and musical clarity.

PSC and PSC+: two coppers, two roles

The cable combines two proprietary copper types. PSC (Perfect Surface Copper) is high-purity copper whose surface has been treated to eliminate microscopic irregularities. These imperfections, present in standard coppers like OFHC or OCC, create disruptions in signal flow, particularly noticeable in the high frequencies.

PSC+ takes this treatment further. Its surface is even smoother, with fewer grain boundaries in the metallic structure. This copper represents the majority of the Rocket 44’s conductors. The combination of both types balances the presentation between treble precision (provided by PSC+) and bass body (provided by PSC).

Radio frequency noise dissipation

The Rocket 44’s negative conductors are sheathed in partially conductive polyethylene, carbon-loaded. This material absorbs radio frequency interference picked up by the cable (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile telephony) and dissipates it before it can travel back to the amplifier. An outer carbon layer adds an additional level of protection against surrounding interference.

The positive conductors receive different insulation: nitrogen-injected foamed polyethylene. The air trapped in this foam absorbs very little energy. Conventional insulators store part of the electrical energy and release it with a slight delay, which produces a blurring effect on transients.

Bi-amplification: one cable, two paths

The SBA version connects on the amplifier side to two pairs of binding posts. This configuration works with an amplifier capable of assigning separate channels to the bass and treble sections, or with two separate amplifiers. On the speaker side, the four connectors are distributed across the dual binding posts: two for the bass/midrange drivers, two for the tweeters.

Each Star-Quad group in the cable has a slightly different “personality.” One favors treble refinement, the other bass power. In bi-wiring or bi-amplification, this complementarity is fully expressed since each frequency section benefits from its own signal path.

SureGrip 500 connectors and installation direction

The SureGrip 500 banana plugs use a silver-plated copper body. The connection between cable and plug is made by Cold-Weld: calibrated pressure mechanically fuses the two metals without heat, preserving the conductor’s crystalline structure. AudioQuest offers these connectors in silver or gold plating depending on preference.

The cable has a directional orientation. “Amp” and “Speaker” sleeves indicate which end to connect where. This directionality stems from the “fish-scale” structure of drawn metal: RF interference, sensitive to skin effect, dissipates better when the cable is oriented correctly.

Technical Specifications

• Speaker cable with SureGrip 500 Rocket 44 connectors
• Designed for bi-amping

Conductors

• Materials: PSC+ (very high purity) + PSC
• Structure: Solid conductors to minimize electrical interaction and distortion
• Advantage: Smooth surface almost completely eliminates harshness and increases clarity

Geometry

• Double Star-Quad Configuration
  • Superior to parallel or twisted conductors
  • Reduces distortion and optimizes electrical values (capacitance and inductance)

Noise Dissipation

• Carbon-Based Noise Dissipation Technology
  • Negative conductors covered with partially conductive carbon-loaded polyethylene
  • Reduces radio frequency noise sent back to the amplifier
  • Decreases external interference, improves clarity and sound dimensionality

Insulation

• Air-filled foamed polyethylene
  • Reduces energy absorption and distortion
  • Less blurring effect compared to traditional insulators

Complementary Technologies

• Controlled-direction conductors: Ensure proper dissipation of induced noise

Performance

• Clear, detailed and faithful sound
• Reduction of radio frequency (RF) interference and noise
• Better dimensionality and sound accuracy