Tributaries Series 8AB Balanced XLR Audio Cable – Mark II
Achieve unmatched audio precision with the Tributaries Series 8AB Mark II Balanced XLR Cable—expertly hand-assembled in Orlando, Florida. Engineered for the most discerning audiophiles, this cable features ultra-pure Linear Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper (LC-OFC) in a multi-gauge solid-core configuration, optimized to deliver accurate low, mid, and high frequencies. Each conductor is individually insulated to eliminate strand interaction and distortion, while the triple-balanced design—featuring three dedicated conductors with equal impedance—ensures a dead-quiet signal path. Wrapped in dual-layer shielding and terminated with proprietary Tellurium copper XLR connectors silver-soldered for maximum conductivity, the 8AB Mark II offers a natural, neutral soundstage that captures every nuance of live performance.
Specifications
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Assembly: Hand-assembled in Orlando, Florida using foreign and domestic components
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Conductor Material: Linear Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper (LC-OFC)
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Gauge: Triple-balanced 20AWG conductors in a multi-gauge configuration
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Design: Precision twisted, triple-balanced architecture with dedicated positive, negative, and ground conductors
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Conductor Structure: Individually insulated solid-core wires for low, mid, and high frequencies
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Shielding: Separate shielding to block noise from the signal path
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Connector Material: Tellurium copper contacts for high conductivity and durability
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Connector Assembly: Silver-soldered to ensure a clean, low-resistance connection
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XLR Design: Female ground (pin 1) placed forward to connect first and reduce hum
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Outer Jacket: Decorative woven jacket over a flexible UL® CL2-rated PVC jacket
Expanded Key Features List
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Handcrafted in the USA: Assembled with precision in Orlando, Florida using premium parts.
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LC-OFC Conductors: Linear Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper minimizes signal loss and distortion for pristine audio.
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Multi-Gauge Design: Tonally and mathematically optimized conductor sizes enhance bass, mids, and highs.
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Triple Balanced Construction: Three equal-impedance conductors deliver a quiet and accurate signal.
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Individually Insulated Conductors: Eliminates strand interaction to preserve signal integrity.
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Dual Shielding: Blocks electromagnetic interference to keep the noise floor low.
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Tellurium Copper Connectors: Offers superior conductivity and mechanical strength.
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Silver-Soldered Terminations: Provides ultra-reliable and low-resistance signal transfer.
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Ground-First XLR Design: Reduces hum by connecting the ground pin before signal pins.
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Flexible and Durable Jacket: Decorative woven exterior over a UL® CL2 PVC jacket ensures long-lasting performance and safety.
Q&A Section
Q: What type of copper is used in the 8AB Mark II cable?
A: The cable uses Linear Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper (LC-OFC), which has fewer grain boundaries per foot, reducing signal loss and distortion.
Q: Why is the triple-balanced design important?
A: It ensures equal impedance for the positive, negative, and ground conductors, minimizing noise and maximizing signal accuracy.
Q: Are the conductors solid or stranded?
A: The conductors are solid-core and individually insulated, which improves signal clarity and eliminates strand interaction.
Q: How does the multi-gauge conductor design help?
A: Different gauge sizes are used for low, mid, and high frequencies to maintain tonal accuracy and natural sound reproduction.
Q: What material is used for the XLR connectors?
A: The connectors use Tellurium copper for excellent conductivity and strength, and are silver-soldered for durability.
Q: How is signal hum reduced during connection?
A: The female ground pin (pin 1) is placed forward in the XLR shell, ensuring it connects before signal pins to prevent hum.
Q: Is the cable jacket both durable and flexible?
A: Yes, it features a decorative woven exterior over a flexible UL® CL2-rated PVC jacket, providing protection and easy handling.
Q: Is this cable suitable for professional audio setups?
A: Absolutely. The Series 8AB offers reference-level performance, making it ideal for high-end studios and audiophile-grade systems.
