Audioquest Pegasus XTRM XLR Modulation Cable

The AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM XLR is the evolution of the famous, award-winning Pegasus XLR. This balanced interconnect cable carries a host of new technical solutions developed by the American manufacturer. Together they further reduce distortion and efficiently dissipate radio-frequency noise and electromagnetic interference.

AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM XLR: conductors

The new Pegasus XTRM XLR uses three solid perfect-surface copper conductors. These prevent strand interaction, a major source of dynamic distortion in cables. They are made from the finest copper AudioQuest offers, NGC copper, and are protected from RF noise by alternating layers of graphene (carbon/metal).

The positive conductors show almost no contact between the metal and its PP (polypropylene) insulation, which limits the cable's memory effect. AudioQuest uses polypropylene air-tube insulation. Since air absorbs almost no energy, and polypropylene is low-loss with a benign distortion profile, polypropylene air-tube insulation and its high air content cause far less memory effect than other insulating materials.

AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM XLR: technology

The AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM XLR is fitted with a dual DBS pack providing a high bias of two times 72 V on the shield.

All conductors benefit from the ZERO-Tech principle, which eliminates the electrostatic field between positive and negative conductors and allows linear noise dissipation.

The 6 % silver-plated RF drain wires, with controlled direction, further improve the efficient dissipation of radio-frequency noise.

AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM XLR: connectors

The AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM XLR is fitted with magnificent XLR plugs in silver-plated red copper. The finest plugs AudioQuest offers are made of copper covered with suspended, unpolished silver, laid directly onto extremely pure red copper to guarantee uncompromised signal transfer.

AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM XLR: sound

AudioQuest is one of the most honest manufacturers in this segment. Its cables therefore do not really compensate for systems that are fundamentally incoherent or that need their shortcomings corrected.

From the opening bars we were staggered by the quality of the soundstage. Focus, definition and spatial rendering are in a class of their own. Harmonic richness and transparency feel far ahead of the previous Pegasus XLR.

There is more light and more precision across every register. Instruments are even easier to follow, and the bass is punchy and highly articulate while still conveying every nuance of the instruments, even on very complex material reaching the lowest frequencies.

The AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM XLR is regarded by its creator as the flagship of the "Mythical Horses" range, and we share that view. This cable is remarkable in every respect, and it clearly pulls ahead of the competition. It naturally belongs between a preamplifier and a power amplifier fitted with balanced connections. Our favourite.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM XLR interconnect cable

Why three conductors on the XLR version?

The balanced version uses three solid 0.52 mm² NGC copper conductors, against two on the RCA version, and receives a dual DBS pack rather than a single one. That is the expected construction for an XLR link. If you are still weighing up your system architecture, our guide on choosing an amplifier will help you decide.

Which equipment can take this cable?

Only units fitted with XLR inputs and outputs: preamplifier, power amplifier, and also many high-end converters and players. On a unit that only offers RCA sockets, the unbalanced version is the one to choose.

What does the dual DBS 72 V bias change?

Each of the two DBS packs applies 72 V to the shield, giving two times 72 V in total to cover the balanced construction. That bias works alongside the ZERO-Tech principle and the 6 % silver-plated RF drain wires. Our technical primer explains these mechanisms in detail.

Which lengths are available?

The Pegasus XTRM XLR comes in 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m and 3 m. As with any link at this level, choose the length you actually need and avoid surplus coiled up behind the rack: our advice on positioning Hi-Fi equipment will help you work it out.