{"product_id":"audioquest-red-river-interconnect-cable-2-0-meter-xlr-to-xlr-single","title":"AudioQuest Red River Interconnect Cable - 2.0 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;\"\u003e⚠ 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 Red River. RCA and XLR connectors are not interchangeable. Before you order, look at the back of the components you want to connect and confirm that 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-red-river-rca-interconnect\"\u003eRed River 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 — the signal from a DAC to a preamp, a CD player to an integrated amp, or a preamp to a power amp. The Red River XLR is the balanced version of one of AudioQuest's longest-running interconnects, and it sits at the entry point of AudioQuest's Rivers series. If you're moving up from the freebie cable that came in the box with your gear, this is a real, identifiable step forward in build quality and engineering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich AudioQuest Family Is This From?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed River belongs to the \u003cstrong\u003eRivers series\u003c\/strong\u003e, AudioQuest's entry into true triple-balanced XLR construction with cold-welded plugs. Compared with the simpler Bridges \u0026amp; Falls cables below it in the line, Rivers cables use a dedicated three-conductor topology specifically engineered for balanced operation — the same fundamental geometry you'll find on Mackenzie and Yukon further up the family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's Different About This One?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed River XLR uses solid \u003cem\u003ePerfect-Surface Copper (PSC)\u003c\/em\u003e conductors. PSC is high-purity copper drawn so the surface stays unusually smooth, which helps with corrosion resistance and signal cleanliness over the cable's lifetime. Solid-core (rather than stranded) is fundamental to AudioQuest's approach — strand-to-strand interaction in a stranded conductor is, in their view, a meaningful source of distortion in a low-level analog signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe insulation around the copper — what engineers call the \u003cem\u003edielectric\u003c\/em\u003e — is foamed polyethylene. That's the same low-loss material used throughout AudioQuest's entry- and mid-tier cables, foamed with air bubbles to reduce energy absorption.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor shielding, Red River uses AudioQuest's \u003cem\u003eMetal-Layer Noise-Dissipation\u003c\/em\u003e, a layered construction designed to absorb and reflect radio-frequency interference (RFI) — the noise from cell phones, Wi-Fi, and similar sources — before it can reach the audio circuit's ground. The plugs themselves are gold-plated, and the connection between conductor and plug is \u003cem\u003ecold-welded\u003c\/em\u003e rather than soldered. Cold-welding bonds the wire to the contact under high pressure, so there's no flux residue 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 Red River represents four decades of accumulated decisions about copper, geometry, and termination — at a price point most people can actually afford.\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 instead, so the shield can do its actual job — keeping interference out — without also having to carry 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 Red River is generally the better choice. If either component only has RCA, you need the \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/audioquest-red-river-rca-interconnect\"\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\u003eRed River XLR is built for systems where you've got a real balanced signal path and want a clear step up from generic interconnects without spending a small fortune.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Connecting a DAC, network streamer, or CD player to a preamp or integrated amp; preamp to power amp; phono stage to preamp — anywhere both components have XLR connections and the system is in the entry-to-mid range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot ideal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reference-grade systems with five-figure components — the cable around it should match. If your front end and amplification are well above $5,000 each, 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=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/audioquest-red-river-rca-interconnect\"\u003eRed River 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, and Red River is no exception. 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, and so on).\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 High-purity copper drawn through a process that leaves the surface unusually smooth, helping with corrosion resistance over the cable's life. 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\u003eMetal-Layer Noise-Dissipation.\u003c\/strong\u003e A layered shielding architecture that absorbs and reflects most radio-frequency interference before it reaches the cable's ground reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCold-welded, gold-plated terminations.\u003c\/strong\u003e The conductor is bonded to the connector contact under high pressure rather than soldered. No flux, no solder alloy in the signal path. Stamped (rather than machined) ground shells let AudioQuest pick the metal for low distortion instead of for ease of machining.\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;\"\u003eMetal-Layer\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;\"\u003eConnectors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eXLR, three-pin, cold-welded, gold-plated\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;\"\u003eRed 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=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/audioquest-mackenzie-xlr-interconnect\"\u003eAudioQuest Mackenzie XLR\u003c\/a\u003e — same Rivers family, but solid PSC+ copper and a Carbon-Mesh Network noise-dissipation shield.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRCA version of this cable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Need single-ended? See the \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/audioquest-red-river-rca-interconnect\"\u003eRed River RCA\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible source components:\u003c\/strong\u003e Browse \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/source-components\/dacs\"\u003eDACs\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/source-components\/network-music-players\"\u003enetwork streamers\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/source-components\/cd-players\"\u003eCD players\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhere the Red River sends its signal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Browse \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/electronics\/preamplifiers\"\u003epreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/electronics\/integrated-amplifiers\"\u003eintegrated amps\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/electronics\/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=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/cables\/speaker-cables\/audioquest\"\u003eAudioQuest speaker cables\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/cables\/power-cables\/audioquest\"\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, your CD player to your integrated, and so on. It's a different cable than a speaker cable (which connects an amp to a speaker) and different from a digital cable (which carries a digital data signal between, say, 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 are usually built to a price — thin stranded copper, basic PVC insulation, soldered connections, and minimal shielding. Red River uses solid Perfect-Surface Copper, a true three-conductor balanced topology, foamed polyethylene insulation, layered RFI shielding, and cold-welded gold-plated plugs. Whether you'll \u003cem\u003ehear\u003c\/em\u003e a difference depends on your system, your room, and your ears — but the engineering is meaningfully different.\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. Shorter is generally better for analog interconnects, but a cable that's stretched tight is worse than one that's a foot too long.\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 (three-pin, locking), the XLR Red River is right. If either component only has RCA (small round single-pin, often red and white), you need the \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/audioquest-red-river-rca-interconnect\"\u003eRCA version\u003c\/a\u003e. The two are not interchangeable — XLR cannot plug into RCA, and vice versa.\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 architecture 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 the 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 and labeled \"Analog Out\" or \"Line Out.\" XLR jacks are larger, three-pin, locking connectors that all look the same color. If you're not sure, 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, so you're covered.\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":45981199597741,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-2-SIN-XLXL","price":224.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/AQRRIVER_XLXL_01_2024__28543.1716306139.1280.1280_ea9c751b-4d38-4173-8d34-e26efd1f2dae.jpg?v=1778140672","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-red-river-interconnect-cable-2-0-meter-xlr-to-xlr-single","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}