Connect your audio source components to amplifiers and receivers with this analogue audio cable. The AudioQuest Chicago is designed to deliver exceptional performance at an affordable price, and remarkable value. Its solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC) conductors minimise distortion.
AudioQuest Chicago: technology
The Chicago is built with solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC) conductors. This copper produces a sound that is smoother and clearer than cables using ordinary OFHC copper. Solid conductors prevent strand interaction, a major source of distortion. They are paired with foamed polyethylene insulation, which preserves dynamic contrast. Metal-layer shielding efficiently dissipates high-frequency noise.
The arrows printed 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 the gold-plated RCA plugs. This design allows a connection without added solder, which is a common source of distortion. Instead of solder, the process uses a high-pressure technique.
AudioQuest Chicago: sound
The midrange is the Chicago's strong point. Voices are present, with pleasant, slightly warm timbres. They come with a clean, precise treble, entirely free of harshness. The bass has real body, with substance and a very solid foundation.
Dynamics are good, and excellent on most of the tracks we used. On top of that comes an excellent soundstage, well focused and wide. Definition is good and lets micro-information and nuance through.
The AudioQuest Chicago is a sound recommendation for Hi-Fi systems that are slightly bright or forward. It calms the presentation down without any loss of dynamics or definition. The full range is available on the AudioQuest brand page.
FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the AudioQuest Chicago RCA interconnect cable
Where does the AudioQuest Chicago sit in a system?
This is an analogue interconnect cable, intended to link a line-level source to the input of an amplifier or receiver: CD player, network player, converter or tuner. Its gold-plated RCA plugs connect to the analogue outputs of the source component.
What are the arrows printed on the jacket for?
They show which way round to fit the cable. That direction optimises the metal's directionality for noise dissipation, and also indicates the non-symmetrical attachment of the shield. Our guide to the different types of Hi-Fi cables explains these wiring conventions.
Can it be used with a turntable?
Not straight out of the turntable: the signal from the cartridge must first be amplified and equalised. The Chicago is, however, perfectly at home between the line output of a phono preamplifier and the amplifier input. For the turntable-to-preamp link, dedicated phono cables are required.
Which kind of system suits the Chicago best?
It is a sound recommendation for systems that are slightly bright or forward, calming the presentation without losing dynamics or definition: a present midrange with slightly warm timbres, clean treble with no harshness, and full, well-anchored bass. You are welcome to hear it by appointment at our Rennes auditorium.
FranckType: unbalanced analogue interconnect cable
Connectors: gold-plated RCA
Termination: cold-weld, high-pressure process
Conductors: Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
Structure: Solid Core
Noise dissipation: metal-layer shielding
Insulation: foamed polyethylene
Construction: controlled direction (arrows on the jacket)
