Analysis Plus Crystal Apex Interconnect Cable - RCA to RCA

Crystal Apex Is the Copper Version of Analysis Plus's Flagship Design

Analysis Plus's Crystal Apex is built much like the company's top cable, Silver Apex. It uses Pure Crystal Copper instead of silver, woven into the hollow oval geometry in a double-shielded design. Analysis Plus says the build keeps the high frequency content of your source intact. The plugs are the company's non-locking RCAs.

Pure Crystal Copper in a Double-Shielded Hollow Oval

The conductors are Pure Crystal Copper, copper cast so that the signal does not cross grain boundaries along its length. Analysis Plus weaves it into its hollow oval shape, which keeps current flowing evenly across the audio band. Two shields wrap the signal path. Analysis Plus says the same double-shielded layout gives Silver Apex its very low noise floor.

The Non-Locking RCA Plug, Explained

Crystal Apex ends in Analysis Plus's non-locking gold RCA plug, used on many of the company's cables and made in house. It pushes straight onto the jack and pulls straight off, with no barrel to twist, so it suits crowded rear panels. Both shields end at the plug. The same cable can be ordered with XLR plugs.

Made by Hand in Michigan

Analysis Plus was founded in 1993 as a scientific research and design company. It builds its cables by hand at its own shop in Flushing, Michigan. It introduced Crystal Apex as a new design built much like Silver Apex, with copper in place of silver.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Thomas Wang reviewed the balanced version for Hong Kong's HiFi Review in January 2023. In the English translation Analysis Plus publishes, he called it "transparent, natural, and soft" and heard the company's far dearer Golden Oval in it.

He compared it directly with Silver Apex and gave the silver cable the edge in hall sound and reverb. Crystal Apex, he wrote, still delivered strong rhythm and dynamics for its price.

Who Is This Interconnect Best For?

• You want the flagship build in copper — Crystal Apex shares Silver Apex's double-shielded hollow oval layout, so the design is the same
• You listen for a natural, relaxed tone — HiFi Review heard a transparent, natural and soft cable, so bright systems calm down
• Your sources sit near power supplies — two shields wrap the signal path, so the shelf stays out of the music
• You want a plug that pushes straight on — the non-locking RCA needs no twist, so crowded panels are easy
• You want the most air and reverb — HiFi Review gave the silver flagship the edge there. If that is the goal, call us and we will talk through the options

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run Crystal Apex from a line-level output, a DAC, streamer, CD player or phono stage, to a line-level input on your amplifier or preamp. Keep left to left and right to right. Push each plug straight on until it seats. Pull it off by the barrel, never by the cable.

Then listen. Other and longer lengths available. Call for prices.

Pairs Well With

An interconnect is one link in the chain. It usually joins these categories.

• Integrated Amplifiers — the usual input end
• Digital-to-Analog Converters — DAC output to amplifier
• Phono Preamplifiers — phono stage to line input
• Speaker Cables — the last link to the speakers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the non-locking RCA plug?

Analysis Plus's own gold RCA plug, used on many of its cables. It pushes straight onto the jack with no locking barrel, so it suits crowded rear panels and pulls off without a twist.

What is Pure Crystal Copper?

Copper cast so the signal does not cross grain boundaries along the cable. Analysis Plus uses the same idea in Solo Crystal Oval and adds the double shield here.

How does it differ from Silver Apex?

Same double-shielded hollow oval build. Silver Apex uses pure silver over a copper strand. Crystal Apex uses Pure Crystal Copper and costs less.

What is the hollow oval design?

Analysis Plus's own conductor shape. At high frequencies current crowds to the outside of a wire and bunches unevenly. The oval keeps the outgoing and return paths close, and the hollow center drops the metal that would carry little current.

What warranty does Analysis Plus give?

One year against mechanical defects, from the date of purchase, on cables sold as new. Keep your proof of purchase. The warranty is not transferable and does not cover cables that have been altered or misused.

Is there a step up from Crystal Apex?

Crystal Apex is the top of our current Analysis Plus RCA range. Ready to go further? Call us and we will talk through the options.

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