We’ve been following the story of WK Audio’s TheRed cables for some time. Two years ago, the TheRed power cord was the first product out of the WK Audio doors. TheRed loudspeaker cables followed a year later. Finally, the WK Audio TheRed interconnects (digital and analogue signal) cables have arrived, starting with XLR connections tested here.
To recap, WK Audio is the brainchild of Polish architect and audiophile Witold ‘Witek’ Kamiñski. The power cord was a COVID lockdown project, with Witek putting those months of isolation to good use. He used that time to develop the optimum structure, geometry and materials needed to create a damn fine audio cable. Each cable design takes Witek months to create, as he realised that what works in one category doesn’t apply universally. They have a family resemblance in looks, sound, and build. But each cable design results from months of meticulous fine-tuning and listening.
Simply red
The distinctive, red-woven outer braid hides a hand-made cable. Three cores of high-purity, oxygen-free silver-plated copper form each conductor. These cores have different designs and cross-sections with a custom, hand-made, woven layout. The cables use special (read: it’s a secret) vibration-damping materials. These minimise any resonance from outside sources or even between the cores of a conductor. The aluminium couplers also check external vibration at the end of each cable. As a bonus, they act as strain-relief blocks for the cable. Witek suggests the installation and placement of these couplers are crucial. He thinks poorly adjusted couplers act like de-tuning the strings of a violin in terms of cable tensioning.
Now that we (hopefully) don’t have lockdowns to contend with again in this lifetime, Witek could expand his listening test protocols, this time including many of the best ears in the Polish audio community. Prototypes of TheRed interconnect were installed in Roger Adamek’s RCM Audio system. When not making high-grade phono stages, Roger distributes many of the best audio around, giving TheRed another high-end crucible of evaluation. RCM Audio also supplies the Furutech connectors WK Audio prefers.
Excellent in every way
The listening tests worked because WK Audio’s TheRed interconnects are excellent. It’s a detailed and expressive cable on its own. Combined with WK Audio’s other ‘TheRed’ products, the interconnects let the system’s inherent dynamic range and energy pour through the loudspeakers. It’s also exceptionally detailed, and a lot of information is coming through the system, especially spatial information that gives instruments a sense of physicality and shape in the room. However, this information is not presented in a cold or sterile way; you always feel a strong sense of engaging with the musicality of the recording rather than some analytical breakdown of what the recording or system is doing. TheRed leads from the midrange, with a strong sense of authority to voices and instruments, but don’t mistake that for roll-offs in the bass and treble. The smoothness of that midrange extends up and down with ease.
Dressing down audio
TheRed demands a lot of the equipment it connects with. Weaknesses elsewhere in the system will manifest fast when TheRed is in the signal chain. However, not by sounding harsh, hard, edgy, or even imbalanced. Instead, TheRed gives those underperforming products a sonic dressing down; you feel disappointed in those products not pulling their weight.
This is a gateway to WK Audio. The combination of dynamic range, outstanding – yet always musical – detail and excellent soundstaging is an attractive paring that might make some see red in a good way. You may find this is not the last WK Audio cable in your system; don’t be surprised if TheRed comes to dominate your system’s connections throughout. I’ve said it before, but WK Audio’s TheRed interconnects are audio’s best little secret.
Price and contact details
- TheRed interconnect: €5,500/1.5m pair XLR (as tested)
Manufacturer
WK Audio
By Alan Sircom
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