How its made:
Rhodium has a conductivity rating of 38% IACS, gold is rated at 73% IACS, copper at 100% IACS, and high-purity silver at approximately 108% IACS. The copper conductors used in Nightingale Audio power cables conductivity rating of 102% IACS.
The influence of plating materials, skin effect, ferrite magnets, active DC biasing and various other methods on sound quality is a subject of ongoing debate among audiophiles. Proponents of high-quality audio cables argue that different technics can affect the electrical properties of the cable, potentially influencing the sound transmitted through them.
Introducing different metals—especially through plating—modifies a cable’s impedance by influencing resistance and capacitance, based on each metal’s inherent conductivity. In particular, the skin effect, which causes higher-frequency signals to travel near the conductor’s surface, makes surface conductivity and plating material especially relevant. The implementation of high-mass or low-mass terminations, DC biasing, and various other techniques can potentially alter the sound negatively. These factors invite deeper consideration of how construction choices shape the sonic characteristics of audio cables.
Nightingale Audio cables take a fundamentally different approach—prioritizing unrestricted power delivery and wide-bandwidth signal transfer. Designed to be free from bottlenecks, coloration, or any imposed sound signature, they enable your components to perform at their highest potential. The result is pristine signal transmission from source to speaker, delivering full-bandwidth performance with absolute fidelity.
Unlike cables that act as passive equalizers or "band-aid" solutions to system shortcomings, Nightingale Audio cables are engineered to preserve the purity and integrity of the original signal, enabling your system to perform as it was truly meant to.
Nightingale Audio’s power cables undergo a meticulous four-stage die-forging process, where the conductor is cold-forged directly to custom-made lugs, creating a seamless, permanent bond. A proprietary plug end with pure copper pins provides maximum surface contact, ensuring outstanding conductivity and a reliable connection. This technique eliminates resistance caused by loose wire strands and stabilizes impedance, resulting in consistent, stable power delivery.
The cable’s triple-shielded architecture, combined with integrated vibration damping, offers exceptional noise rejection. Every material is purposefully selected, each contributing to the cable’s overall performance.
Though the aesthetics are undeniably striking, performance is paramount. These cables are engineered to be both rugged and refined, embodying durability, precision, and elegance. Nightingale Audio power cables are not mere accessories—they are high-performance components designed to elevate your system's performance and deliver lasting value on your investment.
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Q: “I was chatting with my dad and he swears by high-quality rhodium for connectors (harder, won't scratch as easy, and the high frequencies travel on the skin of the conductor). I saw you mentioned rhodium on your site, was curious about your experience.”
A: Rhodium has a conductivity rating of 38% IACS, Gold has a rating of 73% IACS, Copper has a rating of 100% IACS, Silver has a rating of 108% IACS depending on purity. Silver is most conductive in an oxidizing state.
Copper conductor I use for my cables have a rating of 102% IACS.
The influence of plating on sound quality in audio cables is a topic of debate among audiophiles, and opinions vary. Proponents of high-quality audio cables argue that different plating materials can affect the electrical properties of the cable, potentially influencing the sound transmitted through them.
One consideration is the skin effect, which refers to the tendency of higher-frequency signals to travel near the surface of a conductor. The skin effect can be influenced by the conductivity and surface characteristics of the plating material. Some argue that using different metals for plating can alter the skin effect and impact the overall performance of the cable.
The impact of plating on sound remains significant regardless of the metal used. While Furutech advocates for direct plating, it's essential to acknowledge that under physical stress, this plating may exhibit flaking issues, a concern I find more problematic than alternative plating methods incorporating tin as a primer.
The introduction of different metals alters impedance, thereby influencing resistance and capacitance based on their respective conductivity ratings. This prompts contemplation on how plating, particularly regarding skin effect, contributes to the modification of sound characteristics.
Q: “Next, when reading through your site I didn't notice any mention of the cable materials used or the dielectrics. Could you share a bit about that? I know people can get hung up on the material, I'm not in that camp, I'm just genuinely curious to hear about your process.”
A: I intentionally steer clear of highlighting the conductor, despite utilizing top-tier materials, because doing so would undervalue the comprehensive craftsmanship that goes into constructing the cables. While the conductor is undeniably crucial, comprising about 40 percent of the cable, it's imperative to recognize the collective significance of every component. From the connectors to the internal parts, the choice of dielectric for damping, float shielding, and the meticulous integration of these materials into the cable's design—all contribute to its overall performance. Neglecting any aspect, no matter how exceptional the conductor, can compromise the cable's effectiveness. Therefore, I refrain from placing undue emphasis on the conductor alone, acknowledging the holistic approach essential for optimal cable performance..
However, I welcome the opportunity for you to challenge my theory through an in-home demonstration. I would be delighted to personally showcase my cables in your system, irrespective of the cables you currently use, regardless of their price or scientific basis. I derive great enjoyment from experiencing the setups of local audiophiles, as it has significantly contributed to my growth in this hobby. There are no obligations or purchases required; let's simply have a enjoyable and informative time together.
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A - It is best to engage in a dialogue with customers to understand their specific needs and preferences when it comes to cables for audio components. This personalized approach helps ensure that customers receive cables that are optimized for their particular setup. Customizing cables based on the characteristics and preferences of different audio components can contribute to an optimized audio experience for the users. This personalized approach may help customers achieve the best performance from their equipment. If you have any specific questions, anything specific you'd like assistance with, in-home demos or if there's anything else you'd like to discuss regarding cabling your system, feel free to contact me.
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“Sound extends beyond walls, sound stage opened up and music is just gushing out. Speakers disappeared. Background noise is virtually nonexistent. A gift that keeps on giving”
Kevin.
“I know my components, I’ve had them for years, I can definitely hear what the cables are doing, sounds like I upgraded all my components.”
Mark.
"Kevin just demoed a full loom of power, balanced interconnect and speaker cables in my system. I was quite happy with my system before Kevin showed up. After installing all your cables I could hear some improvement, but not significant. It was also clear the cables were brand new and not broken in. I left my system playing all night, and this morning there was quite a transformation. The best way for me to describe what I am hearing now is that I just hear music, no components, no speakers, it is a distinct sense of “ being there” and I have never experienced that before. The magic is there, and I suspect it will only improve with more hours in my system."
Greg.
“I did not realize my system had so much potential, music just flows so engaging. How vocals and strings appear from pitch dark background is something I never experienced before at least not with my gear... I am going to be up late again listening to music”
Robert.
“Your cables rocked”
In-Home Demo
“I have no idea what kind of magic you put in these cables, but they are outrageously good .”
Gerald.
“At $2,800, these cables aren't exactly cheap but compared to the ones I replaced with the AudioQuest Source Dragon power cable, Nightingale Audio cables are an absolute bargain. The improvement was noticeable across the board. I'll definitely be coming back for more..”
“LPs and digital files were brought to life with newfound voice and presence. The cable performance was simply over the top—delivering copious, richly layered textures and bold, vivid tonal colors within a soundstage you could almost walk through. Dynamics scaled effortlessly and without restraint, presenting every source with crystalline clarity, expansive definition, and astonishingly fast, articulate pitch resolution. Nightingale Audio cables embody the pinnacle of speed, tonal purity, and lifelike realism.”