Audioquest Rocket 44 (2 x 1.5m)

The second most advanced cable in the Rocket series, the Rocket 44 adopts the Double Star-Quad geometry of AudioQuest’s higher-end models while introducing PSC+ copper into its conductor assembly. It stands out from the Rocket 33, its predecessor in the range, through superior metal quality and a more generous cross-section of 3.31 mm² (13 AWG gauge). The cable is supplied here as a 2-meter pair, terminated with silver-plated banana plugs.

Solid conductors and high-purity copper

AudioQuest uses exclusively solid-core conductors across its entire Rocket range. This choice eliminates strand interaction that occurs in multi-strand conductor cables, a well-documented source of dynamic distortion. The Rocket 44 combines two proprietary types of copper: PSC (Perfect-Surface Copper) and PSC+ (Perfect-Surface Copper+). PSC+ has a smoother surface and fewer grain boundaries than common OFC, OCC, or 8N copper. These grain boundaries, present in any metallic conductor, are areas of crystalline discontinuity where the signal undergoes micro-reflections. Reducing their number limits listening harshness, particularly in the upper part of the spectrum.

The Rocket 33 combines PSC copper with LGC (Long-Grain Copper), a lower-grade copper than PSC+. The move to PSC+ in the Rocket 44 is the most significant technical difference between the two models.

A geometry that separates bass and treble

The Double Star-Quad arrangement organizes the eight conductors into two groups of four, each arranged in a star pattern. This geometry controls the cable’s capacitance and inductance values more precisely than a simple parallel assembly or twisted pairs. AudioQuest has calibrated the two groups in a complementary way: one is optimized for finesse in the treble, the other for energy in the bass. Used together in full-range mode, they form a cable balanced across the entire spectrum.

This arrangement has a notable practical advantage: the Rocket 44 can operate in bi-wiring. When the two Star-Quad groups are separated on the speaker side (via a dedicated termination pants, sold separately), each group independently feeds the speaker’s bass or treble terminals. This creates double bi-wiring from a single physical cable, simplifying routing and reducing bulk compared with two separate pairs. The cable is also available in a bi-amping configuration (4 plugs on each side) for systems that require it.

Three levels of interference treatment

The Rocket 44 stacks several measures to limit radio-frequency (RF) noise, a recurring issue with speaker cables that can act like antennas.

The four negative conductors are jacketed with carbon-loaded polyethylene, a partially conductive material. This coating serves two functions: it absorbs RF noise before it travels back to the amplifier, and it attenuates crosstalk between positive and negative conductors. An external carbon-based dissipation layer wraps the entire cable to reduce outside interference. Finally, all conductors are factory-oriented (Direction-Controlled): the granular structure of drawn copper presents directional asymmetry that affects the path of RF noise. AudioQuest tests each conductor to determine the direction that best drains induced noise, then installs it in that orientation.

Foamed polyethylene insulation

Any solid material in contact with a conductor absorbs part of the signal energy, stores it, then releases it as distortion. This is the main flaw of conventional dielectrics such as PVC. The Rocket 44 uses foamed polyethylene on its positive conductors. This material contains a high proportion of air, and air absorbs virtually no energy. Polyethylene itself also has a low distortion profile. The combination of the two reduces the blurring effect that less effective insulation materials can introduce.

The negative conductors, meanwhile, are insulated with the carbon-loaded polyethylene mentioned above, which simultaneously provides insulation and RF treatment.

SureGrip 500 connectors and cold welding

The SureGrip 500 banana plugs terminating this version of the Rocket 44 are machined from a single piece of high-purity Purple Copper, with no brass. The silver plating is applied by dipping (“Hanging Silver”) directly onto the copper, with no intermediate layer of nickel or any other metal. AudioQuest uses a cold-welding technique to attach the conductor to the plug: the cable is mechanically compressed into the connector without heat or solder, preserving the conductor’s metallurgical integrity at the termination point.

Technical Specifications

Conductors

• High-purity PSC and PSC+ conductors
  • Blend of very high-purity PSC and PSC+ copper
  • Extremely smooth surface reducing distortion
  • Fewer grain boundaries for a smoother signal
  • Improved clarity and sonic fidelity
• Direction-controlled conductors
  • Optimization of signal flow direction
  • Reduction of induced noise
  • Better management of interference dissipation

Noise Dissipation

• Carbon-based technology
  • Negative conductors coated with carbon-loaded polyethylene
  • Reduction of radio-frequency (RF) interference
  • Lower background noise
  • Improved spatialization and sonic dimension

Geometry

• Double Star-Quad configuration
  • Optimization of the relationship between conductors
  • Reduction of parasitic capacitance and inductance
  • Less distortion than parallel or twisted cables
  • Better audio signal stability

Insulation

• Foamed polyethylene insulation
  • Air-rich insulation
  • Very low energy absorption
  • Reduction of blurring and energy storage effects
  • Improved sonic transparency

Audio Performance

• Clearer, more detailed sound
• Reduced background noise
• Better stereo imaging
• Greatly reduced distortion
• Faithful reproduction of the original signal