At the Optimum’s core are three silver plated Ohno Continuous Cast (OCC) copper conductors, with each conductor strand being of a square configuration for tighter bunching. The OCC offers a vastly superior level of purity with outstanding electrical conductivity, improved flexibility, resistance to fatigue and corrosion. A high quality FEP provides a very low dielectric constant over a wide frequency range. The three conductors are given a slight rotational twist to aid RFI and EMI rejection, and are then surrounded by a cotton filler which give internal strength and reduce microphony. The whole construction is enclosed in a Mylar wrap to provide an additional dielectric buffer, before applying an active OFC shield for maximum rejection of high frequency interference. A durable PVC outer jacket gives a high degree of flexibility and mechanical strength. Features CONSTRUCTION: The conductors are in a parallel configuration with a slight rotational twist. This established technique remains the first line of defence against RFI and EMI rejection. A) Conductors: 3.0sqmm silver-plated Ohno Continuous Cast copper conductors offer a vastly superior level of purity compared with traditional OFC. Each conductor strand is of an innovative square-shaped configuration. The geometry and metallurgy used in this construction offers superb performance with extremely impressive electrical conductivity. B) Dielectric: Teflon FEP dielectric (insulation) is chemically inert and has a very low dielectric constant over a wide frequency range. FEP possesses a very high degree of stress crack resistance and a low coefficient of friction making it an exceptional dielectric. FEP is the first choice for safety in both temperature and electrical insulation. C) Filler: Cotton filler has been used to give the cable internal strength and reduce microphony. Cotton also possesses excellent dielectric properties, the best of any solid material. D) Wrap: A Mylar wrap is used to secure the construction and offer a barrier shield prior to the application of a flexible PVC jacket. The addition of the Mylar and cotton form a buffer with the PVC so as to maintain exceptional dielectric properties. E) Shield: An earthed OFC shield insures maximum RFI rejection, thus preventing common mode noise affecting the live and neutral conductors. F) Jacket: PVC is used as an outer jacket to give a high degree of flexibility and mechanical strength. TERMINATION: The Optimum cable is terminated using IsoTek’s bespoke audiophile-grade connectors of solid OFC with 24ct gold-plated conductors. These offer the highest quality performance and are less prone to tarnish.
