{"product_id":"audioquest-mackenzie-interconnect-cable-1-5-meter-xlr-to-xlr-single","title":"AudioQuest Mackenzie Interconnect Cable - 1.5 Meter - XLR to XLR - Single","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- RCA vs XLR CALLOUT --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border: 2px solid #d97706; background: #fef3c7; padding: 14px 18px; border-radius: 6px; margin: 20px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0; font-weight: bold; color: #92400e;\"\u003eâš  Check Your Component's Inputs Before Ordering\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;\"\u003eThis is the \u003cstrong\u003eXLR version\u003c\/strong\u003e of the Mackenzie. RCA and XLR connectors are not interchangeable. Before you order, look at the back of the components you want to connect and confirm both have matching XLR (three-pin, balanced) inputs and outputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003eNeed the other connector? See the \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/audioquest-mackenzie-rca-interconnect\"\u003eMackenzie RCA version\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You Need to Know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is This Cable and What Does It Do?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn analog interconnect carries the line-level audio signal between two components in your stereo — a DAC to a preamp, a CD player to an integrated amp, a preamp to a power amp. Mackenzie XLR is the balanced version of one of AudioQuest's most popular mid-line interconnects, sitting comfortably above Red River and below Yukon in the Rivers family. For many systems, it's the cable that finally feels right — a clear step beyond the entry tier without spending top-tier money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich AudioQuest Family Is This From?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMackenzie belongs to the \u003cstrong\u003eRivers series\u003c\/strong\u003e, AudioQuest's middle ground for true triple-balanced XLR construction. Rivers cables share a common philosophy: solid-core conductors, dedicated three-conductor topology for balanced operation, and cold-welded plugs. Moving up the Rivers ladder, you get progressively higher-grade copper, better shielding, and more refined connector materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's Different About This One?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMackenzie's headline upgrade over Red River is the conductor metal: solid \u003cem\u003ePerfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)\u003c\/em\u003e. PSC+ is AudioQuest's highest-purity copper grade, refined further than the standard Perfect-Surface Copper used at the entry tier. The same surface-smoothing process that helps with corrosion resistance is applied to a more refined feedstock. Solid-core construction (rather than stranded) is fundamental — strand-to-strand interaction is, in AudioQuest's view, a meaningful source of distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe insulation around the copper — what engineers call the \u003cem\u003edielectric\u003c\/em\u003e — is foamed polyethylene. Low-loss, with air pockets foamed in to reduce energy absorption.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMackenzie steps up to \u003cem\u003eCarbon Mesh-Network Noise-Dissipation\u003c\/em\u003e: alternating layers of metal and carbon-loaded synthetics that \"shield the shield,\" absorbing and reflecting most radio-frequency interference (RFI — the noise from cell phones, Wi-Fi, and similar sources) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) before it can reach the audio circuit's ground reference. This is a meaningful step up from the Metal-Layer shielding on the entry-tier cables below it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plugs are AudioQuest's \u003cem\u003eHanging-Silver over Purple Copper\u003c\/em\u003e: direct silver plating bonded to high-purity copper, with no intermediate nickel layer that can color the contact. The connection between conductor and plug is \u003cem\u003ecold-welded\u003c\/em\u003e rather than soldered — bonded under high pressure, with no flux or solder alloy in the signal path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudioQuest has been making analog audio cables since founder Bill Low started the company in 1980, and Mackenzie reflects four decades of incremental refinement in copper metallurgy, shielding, and termination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTriple-Balanced Geometry — What It Means\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost cheaper XLR cables use the shield as one of the signal-carrying conductors. AudioQuest's Triple-Balanced Geometry uses a separate ground-reference conductor, so the shield can do its actual job — keeping interference out — without also carrying signal. The cable's three conductors give the positive and negative signals matching, low-distortion conducting paths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRCA versus XLR — Which One Do I Need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe answer comes down to what's on the back of your gear. RCA inputs and outputs are the most common type — you'll find them on nearly every DAC, preamp, integrated amp, and turntable phono stage. XLR inputs and outputs (sometimes labeled \"balanced\") are more common on higher-end gear and on long cable runs, because the balanced design helps reject noise picked up along the cable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIf both your components have XLR connections, the XLR Mackenzie is generally the better choice. If either component only has RCA, you need the \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/cables\/audioquest-mackenzie-interconnect-cable-pairs-rca-to-rca\/\"\u003eRCA version\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere Does This Cable Belong in Your System?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMackenzie XLR is for systems that have crossed into proper mid-fi territory and want a cable that doesn't drag the system down or overshoot the budget.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e DAC to preamp, streamer to integrated amp, preamp to power amp, phono stage to preamp — anywhere both components have XLR connections and the system value is roughly $3,000–$15,000.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot ideal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reference-grade, five-figure systems where the cable becomes a bottleneck — Yukon, Black Beauty, or higher will likely serve you better.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifferent connector?\u003c\/strong\u003e See the \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/cables\/audioquest-mackenzie-interconnect-cable-pairs-rca-to-rca\/\"\u003eMackenzie RCA version\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use the shortest cable that comfortably reaches between the two components. Measure the actual route — not the straight-line distance — and add a little slack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDirection Arrows and the Warranty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery modern AudioQuest cable is direction-controlled. AudioQuest listens to every batch of conductor metal and marks each cable with an arrow showing the orientation they've selected. Install with the arrow pointing from your source toward the destination (DAC toward preamp, preamp toward amp).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudioQuest cables purchased from an authorized U.S. dealer carry a non-transferable, original-owner limited lifetime warranty. Audio Advisor is an authorized AudioQuest dealer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeatures \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSolid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) conductors.\u003c\/strong\u003e AudioQuest's highest-purity copper grade, drawn through a process that leaves the surface unusually smooth. Solid-core (not stranded) prevents strand-to-strand interaction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTriple-Balanced Geometry.\u003c\/strong\u003e Three conductors plus a separate shield. The shield never carries signal current, so the positive and negative signal paths stay clean and matched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoamed-Polyethylene insulation.\u003c\/strong\u003e A low-loss dielectric with air pockets foamed in to reduce energy absorption around the conductor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarbon Mesh-Network Noise-Dissipation.\u003c\/strong\u003e Alternating layers of metal and carbon-loaded synthetics absorb and reflect most RFI\/EMI before it can reach the audio ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCold-welded Hanging-Silver over Purple Copper terminations.\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct silver plating bonded to high-purity copper, with no intermediate nickel layer. Cold-welding bonds the wire to the contact under high pressure rather than soldering, so there's no flux residue or solder alloy in the signal path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirection-controlled conductors.\u003c\/strong\u003e Marked with an arrow showing the preferred orientation. Install from source toward destination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLimited lifetime warranty\u003c\/strong\u003e from authorized U.S. dealers. Audio Advisor is an authorized AudioQuest dealer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick-Reference Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 0.92em; margin-top: 16px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; width: 45%;\"\u003eConductor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eSolid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eGeometry\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eTriple-Balanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eDielectric\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eFoamed-Polyethylene\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eNoise Dissipation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eCarbon Mesh-Network\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eTerminations\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eXLR, three-pin, cold-welded, Hanging-Silver over Purple Copper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eJacket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eBrown on black nylon braid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eDirection Control\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eYes — arrow indicates source-to-destination orientation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eAvailable Lengths\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eMultiple lengths stocked at Audio Advisor — see length selector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eSold As\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003ePair (or single, depending on length selection)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; font-weight: 600; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eWarranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eLimited lifetime, original owner, authorized U.S. dealer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStep up the AudioQuest line:\u003c\/strong\u003e If your system is asking for more, the next stop is \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/search-results\/?q=yukon\"\u003eAudioQuest Yukon XLR\u003c\/a\u003e — same Rivers family, but with Polyethylene Air-Tube insulation in place of foamed PE, for further reduced energy absorption around the conductors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRCA version of this cable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Need single-ended? See the \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/cables\/audioquest-mackenzie-interconnect-cable-pairs-rca-to-rca\/\"\u003eMackenzie RCA\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible source components:\u003c\/strong\u003e Browse \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/digital-audio\/digital-to-analog-converters\/\"\u003eDACs\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/digital-audio\/music-streamers\/\"\u003enetwork streamers\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/digital-audio\/cd-players-and-transports\/\"\u003eCD players\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhere the Mackenzie sends its signal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Browse \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/electronics\/preamplifiers\/\"\u003epreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/electronics\/amplifiers\/integrated-amplifiers\/\"\u003eintegrated amps\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/electronics\/amplifiers\/stereo-amplifiers\/\"\u003epower amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMatch the rest of your cable loom:\u003c\/strong\u003e See \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/search-results\/?lp=brand-audioquest\u0026amp;filters=Product+Category,Speaker+Cables\"\u003eAudioQuest speaker cables\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/search-results\/?lp=brand-audioquest\u0026amp;filters=Product+Category,Power+Cords\"\u003eAudioQuest power cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-faq gsbp-ab3b28d\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does an analog interconnect cable actually do?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt carries the line-level audio signal between two components in your stereo — your DAC to your preamp, your preamp to your amp, and so on. It's not a speaker cable (which connects an amp to a speaker) and it's not a digital cable (which carries digital data between components like a streamer and a DAC).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow is this cable different from the basic cable that came in the box with my component?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStock cables tend to use thin stranded copper, basic PVC insulation, soldered connections, and minimal shielding. Mackenzie uses solid PSC+ — AudioQuest's highest-purity copper grade — true triple-balanced topology, Carbon Mesh-Network shielding, and cold-welded Hanging-Silver plugs. The engineering is meaningfully different. Whether you'll \u003cem\u003ehear\u003c\/em\u003e a difference depends on your system, room, and ears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat length do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the shortest cable that comfortably reaches between the two components. Measure the actual route the cable will take (not the straight-line distance), add a little slack so nothing is under tension, and pick the next length up from that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShould I get the RCA version or the XLR version?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose the connector your components actually have. If both ends of the connection have XLR jacks, the XLR Mackenzie is right. If either component only has RCA, you need the \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/audioquest-mackenzie-rca-interconnect\"\u003eRCA version\u003c\/a\u003e. The two are not interchangeable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the XLR version a better cable than the RCA version?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot inherently — the conductor metal, geometry, and shielding are the same. XLR is a different circuit topology that can offer noise-rejection advantages, especially on long runs or in electrically noisy environments. The right answer is whichever connector your components have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I tell whether my component has RCA or XLR inputs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLook at the back of the unit. RCA jacks are small round single-pin connectors, usually color-coded red and white. XLR jacks are larger, three-pin, locking connectors that all look the same color. Snap a photo and email it to us, or call \u003ca href=\"tel:+18009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e and we'll help you figure it out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's the warranty?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudioQuest cables purchased from an authorized U.S. dealer carry a non-transferable, original-owner limited lifetime warranty. Audio Advisor is an authorized AudioQuest dealer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ec-titlebox-text\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f3b5.svg\" alt=\"music note emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e40+ Years of Expertise\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— Since 1981, we’ve helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f504.svg\" alt=\"repeat emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4de.svg\" alt=\"phone emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReal Experts, Real Help\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— Our team is here to answer your questions at\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"tel:8009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f69a.svg\" alt=\"truck emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFree Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4b3.svg\" alt=\"credit card emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible Payment Options\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant to learn more about analog interconnects and how to choose one? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AudioQuest","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":45981455777965,"sku":"NEW-AQMKENZIE-1.5-SIN-XLXL","price":282.48,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/aqmkenie_xlr-large__65689.1690478029.1280.1280_4ac79431-d2ca-47b4-b4fa-d06cbf2d4473.jpg?v=1778101378","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-mackenzie-interconnect-cable-1-5-meter-xlr-to-xlr-single","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}