Audioquest Mackenzie RCA Modulation Cable

The AudioQuest Mackenzie analogue audio cable is designed to deliver exceptional performance at an affordable price, with PSC+ copper conductors.

AudioQuest Mackenzie: technology

The AudioQuest Mackenzie is built with solid PSC+ (Perfect-Surface Copper+) conductors. Solid PSC+ copper minimises the distortion caused by strand interaction and maximises linear RF noise dissipation.

The conductors are paired with foamed polyethylene insulation, which preserves dynamic contrast.

Triple shielding is formed of alternating layers of metal and carbon-loaded synthetics, which absorb and reflect most of the RF noise and energy before it reaches the layer attached to ground.

The arrows on the cable indicate not only the direction that optimises the metal's directionality for noise dissipation, but also the non-symmetrical attachment of the shield.

The conductors are cold-welded to silver-plated purple copper RCA plugs. This design allows a connection without added solder, a common source of distortion. Instead of solder, the process uses a high-pressure technique.

AudioQuest Mackenzie: sound

From the first bars, the AudioQuest Mackenzie is clearly a neutral, realistic performer. The bass is deep, articulate and controlled, with no excess weight at all.

The midrange is reproduced with a great deal of precision and neutrality. Voices have substance and instruments sound entirely natural. Above that sits an open, precise and refined top end that never becomes aggressive. The Mackenzie offers excellent dynamics and surprising transients.

Timbre is probably this AudioQuest cable's greatest strength: natural and unusually lifelike. The soundstage is wide and well layered in depth.

This cable will work wonders with an analogue source (the line output of a phono preamplifier) or a quality digital source with a balanced response. Recommended.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the AudioQuest Mackenzie RCA interconnect cable

What does PSC+ copper bring over ordinary copper?

Perfect-Surface Copper+ is used here as solid conductors. That solid structure removes strand interaction, a major source of distortion, and maximises linear RF noise dissipation. It is one of the parameters worth considering when upgrading the links in a complete Hi-Fi system.

Why are the connectors cold-welded?

Because solder is a common source of distortion. AudioQuest therefore does away with added solder and fixes the conductors to the silver-plated purple copper RCA plugs using a high-pressure technique. The same principle is shared by several families of cables in our audio cables and power filters section.

Which way round should the Mackenzie be fitted?

Follow the arrows printed on the jacket. They show the direction that optimises the metal's directionality for noise dissipation, and also indicate that the shield is attached at one end only. Once the direction is right, pay attention to cable routing, as set out in our advice on positioning Hi-Fi equipment.

Which sources get the best out of the Mackenzie?

It will work wonders with a quality analogue or digital source with a balanced response: its presentation is neutral and realistic, with deep, controlled bass, a precise midrange and particularly natural timbre. It is therefore as much at home with a network player as with an already balanced analogue source.