Daniel J SaitCoinciding with the 40th anniversary of Kimber Kable, Russ Andrews is introducing the Kimber Carbon Interconnect cable, the first in a number of Carbon Series products for audiophiles who demand the most natural of musical performances.
The name Carbon refers to the electrostatically dissipative carbon polymer used between the Teflon dielectric and VariStrand 19.5 AWG conductors. The maker says this revolutionary manufacturing technology reduces mechanically induced electrical noise in the cable and improves the uniformity of the voltage gradient within the insulating dielectric.
To those familiar with Kimber Kable, the easily recognised and renowned braiding construction features in the Carbon cables. Building on the work done during the development of the Axios range, the Kimber engineers say they have perfected the use of a seamless braid transition to the left and right channel connectors, eliminating the need for any soldered joints, therefore aiding signal transmission and hence audio reproduction quality.
The Carbon Interconnect is designed to provide a very natural sound that is neither excessively bright nor overly dark, thus continuing the very neutral performance characteristics for which the brand is known for.
Russ Andrews, who has been importing Kimber Kable into the UK since 1986, was one of the first people outside of Kimber to hear the new cables. His reaction was, “Wow, I didn’t think it possible for Kimber to improve on the performance of an interconnect at this price point. With Carbon they have done something remarkable.
“The sense of naturalness and even handed neutrality is palpable when using this cable, the system is truly allowed to convey the music without even a hint of colouration or undue emphasis. It is relaxing and analytical at the same time. I know our customers are going to be equally enthusiastic about it.”
Ray Kimber, founder and owner of Kimber Kable is just as excited about Carbon, adding, “It isn’t an inexpensive cable, but it absolutely outperforms the current products in the line that are at the same price. We’ve improved the quality of the strands and we are pressuring a conductive polymer over the top of them before we insulate. This means the cable is quieter and the handling noise goes down. It’s a big jump for us.”
Clamping down
Carbon is fitted with the WBT 0114 CU RCA plugs, that benefit from a clamping mechanism which works in the same way as the chuck device in a drill, firmly clamping the outer contact against the RCA socket. This not only offers a secure connection but also minimises transition resistance. In addition, any size variation in the outer contact of a socket is compensated for, thereby ensuring a strong fit. Optional XLR connectors can be specified, as can the upgraded WBT 0114 Ag silver plated RCA plugs.
Carbon is hand-built to order and available now direct from Russ Andrews and visitors to the Russ Andrews website can now find out more about Kimber Kable at the dedicated Kimber Hub, created to coincide with the 40th anniversary.
Kimber Carbon Interconnect prices:
0.5m pair £525
0.75m pair £580
1m pair £635
XLR available at no extra cost.
WBT 0114 Ag cost an additional £110.
For more on this range of products, click here.