Oyaide AR-910

A pure silver XLR interconnects for your luxury audio listening experience

The selection of the connector is one of the most important factors that determine the quality of transmission capability of an interconnect cable. In order to produce the ultimate analog/digital hybrid interconnect cable, we have started to make a selection of the best XLR connector right after we released FTVS-910, the twin-axis pure silver interconnects. As a result of repeated listening tests, the one that proved the highest performance was our original XLR connector, FOCUS 1. As the AR-910, the collaboration between FTVS-910 and FOCUS 1 made astonishing progress in lossless and natural signal transmission. AR-910, made of premium materials, will elevate your listening pleasure to radically new heights.



The most distinctive feature of AR-910 is 5N pure silver conductor which is produced by advanced manufacturing processes including the continuous casting process that takes place in a high-frequency electric furnace, 19 stages of cold rolling, a drawing process and a final annealing operation. The insulator is also significant in enhancing the transmitting capabilities of the cable. For the purpose of lessening signal loss, we employed PFA which provides excellent electrical isolation and low electric permittivity. And also we selected PE (Polyethylene) which keeps permittivity to a minimum and enhances the flexibility of the cable. This layering of these different materials not only enhances the conductor's electric capabilities but also attenuates internal vibration by altering the resonance point. The ultra silent background of the AR-910 is provided by a triple-layered shielding structure. The first semiconductor layer attenuates static noise and electric micro waves. The second copper foil shielding protects against high-frequency noise. The third, silver plated mesh shielding, protects against low-frequency noise. Furthermore, FOCUS 1, the original XLR connector, is attached to the terminals of AR-910. By its one-touch push-pull function, cable clamp and ball-bearing locking system, it actualized smooth insertion and tight holding capability. The materials are closely examined for the ultimate quality. The brass body is plated by hard chrome. The contact pins are made of phosphor bronze and plated by silver and rhodium. Each component is processed with remarkable accuracy by CNC machining.

Conductor

Pure silver is the best material for high-speed transmission due to its excellent electrical conductivity which is far superior to high-purity copper. However, the price of silver continues to rise ever higher making it one of the rare metals. For the core of FTVS-910, 5N jewelry grade pure silver, which is far better than industrial grade, is used. After being melted in a ceramic crucible, it is molded into 15mm diameter round bars. It is further reduced in diameter by means of 19 repetitions of the cold rolling process. Afterwards, the silver wire is further reduced to 1.05mm by a low-speed drawing process. After the final rolling operation and mirror surface finishing, stress and strain that is generated by the drawing process is slowly removed by a lengthy annealing operation in a high-frequency electric furnace filled with inactive gas to prevent the silver from combining with oxygen. The completed ultra-pure silver wires are immediately packaged in nitrogen gas and are safely stored until the next process.

Insulator

Although the conductor is the most important factor in signal transmission, the insulator is also significant in enhancing the transmitting capabilities of the cable. For the purpose of lessening signal loss, we employed PFA which provides excellent electrical isolation and low electric permittivity. For the first insulation layer, we selected PE (Polyethylene) which keeps permittivity to a minimum and enhances the flexibility of the cable. This layering of these different materials not only enhances the conductor's electric capabilities but also attenuates internal vibration by altering the resonance point.
 

Triple-layered shielding structure

When we conceived of the FTVS-910 our goal was unlimited transparency. The ultra silent background of the FTVS-910 is provided by a triple-layered shielding structure. The first semiconductor layer attenuates static noise and electric micro waves. The second copper foil shielding protects against high-frequency noise. The third, silver plated mesh shielding, protects against low-frequency noise. It also protects against high-frequency noise by means of the skin effect on the silver plating.
 

Semiconductor layer

Although PFA has a great electric characteristic, we needed to adopt a method for static electricity removal due to the fact that PFA charges easily. When signal flows in a cable, it generates ultra weak vibrations which cause the discharge of an electric corona. In order to solve this problem, we installed Carbon PE as a semiconductor layer. By surrounding just the outside of the first insulation layer, this semiconductor layer helps to discharge static buildup from the PFA layer in an orderly fashion.

The exterior

The beautiful and clear urethane sheathing has excellent mechanical strength and always maintains a stable level of hardness without being affected by temperature change. Moreover, due to its high shock absorption and degree of elasticity, polyurethane provides powerful isolation from vibrations.


■ XLR connector （FOCUS 1)

Originality

One-touch push-pull function is the entirely-new locking system. You can lock Just by inserting FOCUS 1 into the inlet and unlock by pulling the tip ring. Ball bearing system, manufactured by ultraprecision machining, is employed for its locking mechanism. These functions deliver smooth and absolute plug connection.
In addition, an innovative idea is utilized for the contact of FOCUS1.
The No.1 contact pin (earth) is 3mm longer than other pins, so that it contacts fast for the purpose of protection from POP noise at the moment of connection.
Furthermore, bladed cable clump is employed for cable fixture. By applying this clumping system, it is possible to connect chassis ground and stabilize cable simultaneously.

Material

The contact pins of FOCUS 1 are made from phosphor bronze bar which is precisely shaped by CNC machining. After careful machine barreling, silver (inner) and rhodium (outer) are directly plated on them. Then, these pins are molded into highly rigid 30% glass filled PBT which insures high-speed vibration attenuation.
The body and housing, processed by CNC machining, are high-density and have high shielding performance compared to an existing lost-wax processed body. For its surface treatment, hard chrome plating is coated like a body of camera.
 

Usability

Due to its 12mm install cable O.D. (when cable bushing is removed), it gives infinite possibility to do-it-yourselfers. And its tapered insertion hole makes cable installation easier and avoids from cable disconnection by bending.
Furthermore, a rubber ring which is installed at the junction of the body and housing acts as vibration damper and loosening protector.
 

Appearance designing

The design of FOCUS 1 is inspired by an appearance of lens on a camera which projects subtle and exquisite image.
For the identification of channel L and R, the SWAROVSKI rhinestones, blue and red, are enchased on the surface of its body.
The beauty of its body design and a brilliance of SWAROVSKI enhance the appeal of this product and produce a sense of expectancy.

Feature　AR-910

Conductor

1.0mm 5N（99.9995％）Pure Silver

Insulator/Filling layer

PFA/ Foamed polyethylene

Shielding

PE / Copper foil + Silver plated copper mesh

Outer sheath

UV protective polyurethane

Impedance

110 Ω

Capacitance

72.1　nF/Km

Attenuation

74.5 dB/Km

Conductor resistance

25 Ω/Km

Diameter

8.5mm

Connector

FOCUS 1

Lineup

AR-910 0.7m 720 euro

AR-910 1.0m 849 euro

AR-910 1.3m 959 euro