Audioquest Pegasus XTRM RCA Modulation Cable

The AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM RCA is the evolution of the famous, award-winning Pegasus. This 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 RCA: conductors

The new Pegasus XTRM RCA uses 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 RCA: technology

The AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM RCA is fitted with a DBS pack providing a high 72 V bias 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 RCA: connectors

The AudioQuest Pegasus XTRM RCA is fitted with magnificent RCA 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 RCA: 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.

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 RCA 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. Our favourite.

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

What is the ZERO-Tech principle?

ZERO-Tech eliminates the electrostatic field between positive and negative conductors, which allows linear noise dissipation. Every conductor in the Pegasus XTRM RCA benefits from it, alongside the 6 % silver-plated, controlled-direction RF drain wires. This is the kind of refinement you hear in a coherent Hi-Fi system.

What sets NGC copper apart?

NGC is presented by the manufacturer as the finest copper in its catalogue. It is used here as solid perfect-surface conductors, which prevent strand interaction, a major source of dynamic distortion. The benefit is easiest to hear with a quality source, whether a CD player or a dedicated transport.

Which connectors does the Pegasus XTRM RCA use?

Silver-plated red copper RCA plugs. The plating uses suspended, unpolished silver laid directly onto extremely pure red copper, so that signal transfer is uncompromised. Other connection-treatment solutions are presented in our Hi-Fi accessories section.

What about a balanced connection?

The Pegasus XTRM RCA is an unbalanced cable, intended for RCA inputs and outputs. If your equipment has balanced inputs and outputs, our XLR interconnect cables section is the place to look.