Semi-Solid Concentric Conductors of the AudioQuest Forest USB C-C significantly reduces strand-interaction distortion and jitter. These conductors are ideal for high-frequency applications such as USB audio and video. As high-frequency signals travel primarily along the conductor’s surface, the use of high-purity silver plating ensures performance that closely matches that of a 100% silver cable—while remaining much more affordable, closer in cost to solid copper. This makes it a highly cost-effective method for producing premium-quality USB cables. Metal-Layer Noise-Dissipation Achieving 100% shield coverage is simple, but preventing captured radio-frequency interference (RFI) from distorting the ground reference of equipment requires advanced technology. AudioQuest’s Noise-Dissipation system "shields the shield" by absorbing and reflecting most RFI before it reaches the grounding layer. Traditional shielding systems can introduce distortion by draining RF energy to the component’s ground, thereby disrupting the critical reference ground plane. Noise-Dissipation significantly reduces this issue, maintaining signal integrity. Hard-Cell Foam Insulation Hard-Cell Foam (HCF) Insulation plays a key role in preserving signal-pair geometry. Any solid material near a conductor forms part of an imperfect circuit, as insulation materials tend to absorb energy, later releasing it as distortion. HCF, like the Foamed-PE used in AudioQuest’s Bridges & Falls cables, is nitrogen-injected to form air pockets. Nitrogen, like air, does not absorb energy, thereby reducing distortion. Additionally, the material’s rigidity keeps conductors properly spaced throughout the cable’s length, maintaining consistent impedance and minimising signal distortion. Direction-Controlled Conductors All drawn metal conductors possess a directional grain structure. AudioQuest takes advantage of this natural asymmetry by controlling the direction in which conductors are used, thereby optimising RF impedance and directing noise away from sensitive components. The correct direction is established through careful listening tests on each batch of conductor material. Directional arrows are marked on the connectors to guide proper installation. This system is integral not only to Noise-Dissipation but also to ensuring that shielding and grounding are configured for maximum system performance. Features Semi-Solid Concentric 5% Silver Conductors: Semi-Solid Concentric Conductors greatly reduce strand-interaction distortion and silver-plated conductors are excellent for very high-frequency applications like USB audio. An incredibly cost-effective way of manufacturing very high-quality USB cables. Hard-Cell Foam Insulation: Hard-cell foam insulation is nitrogen-injected to create air pockets. Because nitrogen (like air) neither absorbs nor releases energy from or into the conductor, it causes much less of the out-of-focus effect common to other materials, thereby reducing distortion. Direction-Controlled Conductors: A fundamental aspect of AudioQuest's multifaceted Noise-Dissipation technology, Direction-Controlled Conductors ensure induced noise is dissipated and drained properly. Optimised Signal Purity And Performance A cornerstone of AudioQuest's advanced engineering, Direction-Controlled Conductors and innovative insulation methods work together to ensure clean signal transmission and minimal distortion. Combined with high-quality materials like silver-plated conductors and multi-layer noise-dissipation systems, these technologies result in USB cables that deliver precise, high-fidelity performance for demanding digital audio and video applications. Specifications Metal: 0.5% silver semi-solid concentric Insulation: Hard-cell foam Jacket: Black with green stripes PVC Features & Performance: Noise-Dissipation: Metal-layer noise-dissipation Voltage: 5 Power Delivery: No USB Version: High speed USB 2.0 Bitrate: Up to 480 Mbps Country Of Origin: China Sold As: Each
