Audioquest Rocket 44 SBA (2 x 4m)

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

Eight solid conductors in a Star-Quad geometry

AudioQuest has opted for 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 tiny parasitic circuits that blur the passage of current. 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 a conventional twist. 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 outperforms parallel-conductor cables in terms of dynamic contrast and clarity of the musical message.

PSC and PSC+: two coppers, two roles

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

PSC+ takes this treatment even further. Its surface is even smoother, with fewer grain boundaries in the metal structure. This copper makes up the majority of the Rocket 44’s conductors. Combining the two types helps balance the sound between treble precision (brought by PSC+) and bass body (brought by PSC).

Radio-frequency noise dissipation

The negative conductors of the Rocket 44 are sheathed in partially conductive, carbon-loaded polyethylene. 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 extra level of protection against environmental interference.

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

Bi-amping: one cable, two paths

The SBA version connects on the amplifier side to two pairs of binding posts. This setup works with an amplifier able to assign separate channels to the bass and treble sections, or with two separate amplifiers. On the speaker side, the four connectors are split 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 finesse, the other bass power. In bi-wiring or bi-amping, this complementarity is fully expressed, as each frequency range benefits from its own signal path.

SureGrip 500 connectors and installation direction

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

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

Technical specifications

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

Conductors

• Materials: PSC+ (ultra-high purity) + PSC
• Structure: Solid conductors to minimize electrical interaction and distortion
• Advantage: Smooth surface that almost completely eliminates sonic 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 fed back into the amplifier
  • Decreases external interference, improving clarity and sound dimensionality

Insulation

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

Additional technologies

• Direction-controlled conductors: Ensure proper dissipation of induced noise

Performance

• Clear, detailed, and faithful sound
• Reduced radio-frequency (RF) interference and noise
• Improved dimensionality and sonic precision