AUDIOQUEST Rocket 33

The Rocket 33 uses dual triple geometry that divides conductors in two groups: a treble group and bass group. Both groups are combinations of LGC (long grain copper) and PSC (perfect surface copper) of different cross-sections. The variable cross-section areas should eliminate the fact, that specific diameters and materials have typical sound signatures. The effectivity of such a solution is questionable as many different sound signatures will yield their own (though mixed) sound signature but who cares, an ear will be the final arbiter. The bass and treble groups are each housed in a separate PVC jacket so they can be used individually for the purpose of bi-wiring. Quite clever, indeed.

Audioquest providess chemically treated polishing cloth for silver to remove traces of oxidation. They recommend to use it 2-3 times a year to keep the connections perfect. The relevant remark is, however, that unlike copper the silver oxidation remains fully conductive. The good news is that Audioquest does use cold crimping instead of soldering to eliminate imperfections in the contact.

The Audioquest Rocket 33 is a quite attractive piece of cable: looks like a thick carbon grey twin cable that is decorated by a red thread along its length. The flatness of the cable supports its bendability (30mm radius) so it is not an issue to get the cable into a desired position. If you have an impression it is a negligible detail be sure it is not – try to manipulate some highend cables with a metal-bar stiffness and you will find it not only dangerous (for your equipment) but also expensive (extra lengths will be needed to reach the terminals of your amplifier or speakers).

The craftsmanship of the Rocket 33 is top-notch as well as I liked the bananas (not unsimilar to Nordost’s Z-plugs) that were well marked at ends (AMP END and SPEAKER END) as the cable is directional.