Tellurium Q Black Diamond phono cable

During previous tests, we were impressed by British manufacturer Tellurium Q's range of loudspeaker and interconnect cables. We had yet to test the phono range. The tests conducted with Q Blue and Q Black models completely won us over!

After successfully testing the Tellurium Q Black, we decided to take a closer look at the manufacturer's flagship model, the Tellurium Q Black Diamond phono cable! 

Tellurium Q Black Diamond Phono: design

As far as presentation goes, it features the brand's signature understated design, which makes us think that this is a highly optimised product and that the budget is dedicated to the quality of the conductors and to what we cannot see at first sight!

It is covered by a black nylon sheath, held at both ends by heat-shrinkable sleeves.

Tellurium Q Black Diamond Phono: features

RCA connectors are produced by the brand or are produced according to its specifications. Though they are very similar to known models, they depart from them on a number of points. They provide for perfect clamping, hence perfect contact on female RCA connectors. They have been optimised to meet the resistance and capacitance specifications for phono cables and their signals. In fact, let us not forget that the output signal of an MC cartridge is only a few millivolts, and even 10ths of millivolts! A far cry from the signal stemming from a CD player! 

Tellurium Q has focused on the quality of the conductors, structures and shieldings. The manufacturer also lays the emphasis on phase coherence and signal preservation. And they intend to develop a specific and top-of-the-line cable for less than €1,500. Note that a floating shield screen must be used, since this cable indicates a connection direction (purple sleeves preamp side).

A ground cable is used on (in?) one of the cables (the one with the left mark). As strange as it may seem to some, you should know that many turntable manufacturers use this process at the output of the tonearm and hence in the phono cable.

Tellurium Q Black Diamond Phono: listening and review

We tried it with three MC cartridges: an Ortofon Cadenza Black, a Dynavector DV XX2 and a Transfiguration Proteus.

This Tellurium Q Black Diamond focuses on timbre, transparency and neutrality. It is more vibrant and more detailed than the Tellurium Q Black phono cable variant. It is definitely more expressive and less harsh than some of its competitors … But it is one of the most authentic and well-balanced that we have tried in this range and price range!

It has substance and presence on vocals, yet with more detail and definition. The bass dives deeper and, above all, with more punch and articulation. The analogue side that we value so much is there, along with great neutrality.

This Tellurium Q Black Diamond phono cable will make a perfect match with well-balanced systems and will please audiophiles looking for an authentic sound.

Recommended to all audiophiles looking for sonic authenticity. Amazing value for money!