{"product_id":"audioquest-red-river-interconnect-cable-xlr-to-xlr","title":"AudioQuest Red River Interconnect Cable - XLR to XLR","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eRed River Is the Rivers-Series Cable Built Around a Third Conductor\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAudioQuest's Red River sits second in the Rivers series, above Chicago. It is a two-cable design, one lead per channel. Solid Perfect-Surface Copper, a dedicated ground wire and cold-welded gold plugs set it apart from the entry cables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSolid Perfect-Surface Copper, Direction-Controlled\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe wires are solid Perfect-Surface Copper, which AudioQuest calls PSC. AudioQuest draws the wire with a very smooth surface and says this cuts the distortion caused by grain boundaries. Solid wire also removes strand interaction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe wire is also direction-controlled. AudioQuest says drawn wire has a grain with a direction. It listens to every batch, picks the direction, and marks the jacket with arrows. Point the arrows at the amplifier and noise drains where AudioQuest intends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHard-Cell Foam and Triple-Balanced Geometry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe insulation is Hard-Cell Foam, injected with nitrogen to form air pockets. AudioQuest says the stiff foam holds the signal pair in a fixed geometry along the whole cable. Air stores almost no signal energy, so little is released late as smear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe layout is what AudioQuest calls Triple-Balanced. A third wire carries the ground on its own. The shield never has to double as a signal path. AudioQuest says both signal legs then travel equally clean routes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe Cold-Welded, Gold-Plated XLR Plug, Explained\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRed River ends in AudioQuest's cold-welded, gold-plated XLR plug. A press bonds the plug to the wire under high pressure. AudioQuest calls solder \"a common source of distortion.\" The ground shells are stamped rather than machined, so AudioQuest can pick the metal for low distortion. The plug latches into the jack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAround the cable is AudioQuest's Metal-Layer Noise-Dissipation. AudioQuest says an ordinary shield drains radio noise straight into the equipment's ground and pollutes the reference the signal is measured against. The metal layer absorbs the noise before it gets that far.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYagiz, reviewing the XLR version for \u003cem\u003eHeadfonia\u003c\/em\u003e on May 26, 2022, found that \"compared to the generics, Red River improves the midrange and tightens the bass response.\" It \"sounds almost as good as the Mackenzie with some differences,\" he wrote.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat Hi-Fi?\u003c\/em\u003e reviewed the RCA version on May 13, 2014 and gave it four stars. What Red River \"lacks in smoothness and subtlety, it makes up for in scale and dynamic scope,\" the magazine wrote.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Interconnect Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want scale and drive\u003c\/strong\u003e — \u003cem\u003eWhat Hi-Fi?\u003c\/em\u003e heard a broad soundstage and driving sound, so music fills the room\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour left and right jacks sit far apart\u003c\/strong\u003e — Red River is two separate cables, so mono amplifiers and wide racks are no problem\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour sources sit near power supplies\u003c\/strong\u003e — the separate ground wire and metal shield drain noise, so the shelf stays out of the music\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a plug that locks\u003c\/strong\u003e — the cold-welded, gold-plated XLR latches into the jack, so the connection stays put and no solder sits in the path\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour components have only RCA jacks\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Red River XLR will not fit an RCA jack. Choose the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-red-river-interconnect-cable-1-0-meter-rca-to-rca-pair\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudioQuest Red River RCA\u003c\/a\u003e instead, or call us and we will match the connector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRun Red River from a balanced XLR output on your DAC, streamer, CD player or phono stage to a balanced XLR input on your preamp or amplifier. Point the arrows on the jacket toward the amplifier. Line up the pins and push until the latch clicks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThen listen. Other and longer lengths available. Call for prices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn interconnect is one link in the chain. It usually joins these categories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated Amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the usual input end\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/digital-to-analog-converters\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eDigital-to-Analog Converters\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — DAC output to amplifier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono Preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — phono stage to line input\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/speaker-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eSpeaker Cables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the last link to the speakers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat XLR plug does Red River use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAudioQuest's own gold-plated XLR plug, cold welded to the wire by pressure rather than solder. AudioQuest names solder as a common source of distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat does Triple-Balanced mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe cable has three wires: positive, negative and a separate ground. AudioQuest says this keeps the shield out of the signal path, so both signal legs travel equally clean routes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhich way do the arrows point?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eToward the component that receives the signal, normally the amplifier or preamp. AudioQuest sets the direction of the wire and says the arrows let noise drain the right way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs Red River sold as a pair or a single?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBoth. Each channel is its own cable, so we list a stereo pair and a single for mono runs and center channels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat warranty does AudioQuest give?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA limited lifetime warranty to the original owner, for cables bought from an authorized US dealer. AudioQuest will repair or replace a defective cable that has not been abused. Keep your proof of purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs there a step up?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-mackenzie-interconnect-cable-1-0-meter-xlr-to-xlr-pair\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudioQuest Mackenzie XLR\u003c\/a\u003e is the next rung. It moves to Perfect-Surface Copper+, a carbon three-layer shield and Hanging-Silver plugs over pure Purple Copper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about interconnects, solid-core cables, or RCA versus XLR? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"AudioQuest","offers":[{"title":"0.5 Meter \/ Pair \/ New","offer_id":47238421479597,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-0.5-PR-XLXL","price":359.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"0.5 Meter \/ Single \/ New","offer_id":45981604020397,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-0.5-SIN-XLXL","price":179.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"0.75 Meter \/ Pair \/ New","offer_id":47238421577901,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-0.75-PR-XLXL","price":374.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"0.75 Meter \/ Pair \/ Open Box","offer_id":47249354752173,"sku":"OPEN-AQRRIVER-0.75-PR-XLXL","price":280.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.0 Meter \/ Pair \/ New","offer_id":45983361401005,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-1-PR-XLXL","price":389.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.0 Meter \/ Single \/ New","offer_id":45983229018285,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-1-SIN-XLXL","price":194.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.5 Meter \/ Pair \/ New","offer_id":45982199251117,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-1.5-PR-XLXL","price":419.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.5 Meter \/ Single \/ New","offer_id":45983023759533,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-1.5-SIN-XLXL","price":209.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.0 Meter \/ Pair \/ New","offer_id":45981233610925,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-2-PR-XLXL","price":449.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.0 Meter \/ Single \/ New","offer_id":45981199597741,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-2-SIN-XLXL","price":224.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3.0 Meter \/ Pair \/ New","offer_id":45983082053805,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-3-PR-XLXL","price":509.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3.0 Meter \/ Single \/ New","offer_id":45981167911085,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-3-SIN-XLXL","price":254.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5.0 Meter \/ Pair \/ New","offer_id":45983050334381,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-5-PR-XLXL","price":629.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5.0 Meter \/ Single \/ New","offer_id":45982860869805,"sku":"NEW-AQRRIVER-5-SIN-XLXL","price":314.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/AQRRIVER_XLXL_01_2024__46944.1716306549.1280.1280_fed422a8-9627-4449-a084-a0b277a7f6c6.jpg?v=1778132244","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/audioquest-red-river-interconnect-cable-xlr-to-xlr","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}