Description
Designed and handcrafted using a carefully selected combination of Duelund tinned copper and 5N OCC silver conductors, the Xtreme Silver Series is meticulously fine-tuned to maximize sound quality while minimizing signal transmission loss.
Important: Please provide the I2S pinout configuration and HDMI connector orientation of your devices. Alternatively, provide the brand and model of each device, together with their placement configuration, either side-by-side or stacked vertically (top-down).
Audiolund HDMI I2S/IIS/AV Cable ~ Xtreme Silver Series
Key Features
- Improved Construction: Revised HDMI cable construction, carefully optimized for enhanced sound quality.
- Hybrid Conductor Design: Uses 20GA Duelund tinned copper conductors combined with 42 × 36GA (0.12 mm) fine-strand 5N OCC silver conductors across the various signal paths, including DATA+/−, BCLK+/−, LRCK+/−, MCLK+/−, SCL, and SDA.
- Optimized Connections: Built with audiophile-grade solder, with carefully fine-tuned connections and additional grounding connections.
- Multi-Layer Shielding: Incorporates multiple types and layers of shielding materials to help reduce noise and RFI/EMI interference.
- Advanced Damping: Features a unique damping design using multiple anti-vibration and damping materials to help suppress and isolate unwanted vibration.
- Length: 1.0 m standard length, with additional lengths available.
Sound Characteristics
The Xtreme Silver Series HDMI I2S Cable uses a construction approach similar to our Flagship Series I2S Cable, combining 20GA Duelund tinned copper conductors with 42 × 0.12 mm (42 × 36GA) fine-strand 5N OCC silver conductors.
Its overall sonic character is remarkably close to the Flagship Series, with each cable offering a slightly different emphasis.
The Flagship Series HDMI I2S/AV Cable places greater emphasis on the organic character of OCC pure silver, while the Xtreme Silver Series brings slightly more of the musicality, warmth, and natural tonal character associated with Duelund tinned copper.
Both series combine the sweetness, delicacy, speed, power, and dynamic presentation of OCC silver with the musicality, warmth, and natural tonal balance of Duelund copper.
Humble Comments
If you appreciate both Western Electric-style tonal characteristics and the qualities of pure silver conductors, particularly musicality and tonal richness, either the Xtreme Silver Series or Flagship Series HDMI I2S Cable would be an excellent choice.
If your preference leans more toward the musical, warm, and natural character of Duelund tinned copper, the Xtreme Silver Series HDMI I2S Cable should be high on your priority list.
Personally, the Xtreme Silver Series, Ultimate Silver Series, and Flagship Series HDMI I2S Cables are my top three choices within the Audiolund HDMI I2S range.
About I²S
I²S (Inter-IC Sound) is a serial bus interface used for transmitting digital PCM audio data between integrated circuits.
Unlike interfaces that combine clocking and data transmission, I²S separates the clock and serial data signals. This architecture can simplify signal handling and potentially provide excellent detail and sound quality when properly implemented.
Compared with S/PDIF or AES/EBU (AES3), I²S carries clock and data over separate signals rather than combining them into a single data stream.
An I²S interface typically incorporates several signal lines:
- Bit Clock: Serial Clock (SCK) or Bit Clock (BCLK)
- Word Clock: Word Select (WS) or Left/Right Clock (LRCLK)
- Serial Data: SD, SDATA, SDIN, SDOUT, DACDAT, ADCDAT, etc.
- Master Clock: Typically 256 × LRCLK, depending on the implementation
Important: I²S Pinout Compatibility
There is no universal standard for HDMI-based I²S pin assignments. Different audio equipment manufacturers may use different pin configurations.
For this reason, the I²S pinout configuration of both the source and receiving device must be confirmed before the cable is built.
A-Definition vs B-Definition:
HDMI I2S A Definition: Pink Faun, Wyred4Sound, Audiobyte, Wadia, Rockna, SMSL, LKS, Gustard, JAVS, Singxer
HDMI I2S B Definition: Sonore, PS Audio, Mola Mola, M2 Tech, Aune, Holo Audio, Empirical Audio, K&K Audio, Channel Islands Audio, Musica Pristina, Stahl~Tek, Matrix, DiDiT, HiFime, X-Sabre, Soundaware, Audio-gd, Denafrips, Jay’s Audio
Compatibility
For an I²S cable to operate correctly, the I²S source and playback device must use compatible signal configurations. We therefore recommend confirming the pin configuration of your CD player, transport, streamer, DDC, or other digital source, as well as your DAC, before ordering.
When the signal configuration is correctly matched, an Audiolund HDMI I2S cable can deliver its intended level of performance.
Note: Audiolund generally recommends HDMI I²S over RJ45 I²S where compatible HDMI I²S connections are available. If the I²S cable does not function correctly in your system, the cause may be an incompatible I²S pin configuration. Customers may request a full refund if the cable is incompatible with their equipment.
HDMI AV (HDMI 2.0):
For standard audio-video applications, the cable is built according to HDMI 2.0 specifications.
Features include:
- Compatible with HDMI 2.0, HDMI 1.4, and HDMI 1.3 devices
- Supports video resolutions up to 4K
- Full 18Gbps bandwidth in accordance with HDMI 2.0b specifications
Note: This cable does not support 8K resolution, as 8K transmission requires HDMI 2.1 hardware and specifications.
HDMI Plug Orientations:
Please provide the orientation of the HDMI sockets on your equipment when ordering. This enables us to determine the preferred connector orientation so that the cable can be installed with minimal twisting or mechanical stress.
If your equipment is positioned side-by-side or vertically stacked, please provide this information as well.
Example:
Precautions
Important Handling Notice
Please insert the HDMI connector gently, slowly, and in the correct orientation. Never force the connector into the HDMI socket.
HDMI connectors require careful handling due to their compact 19-pin construction. In addition, Audiolund I2S cables are relatively thick and heavy because of their conductor, shielding, damping, and insulation construction.
To minimize mechanical stress on the HDMI connector and equipment socket, we strongly recommend using a suitable cable support or wooden support block beneath the HDMI connector, particularly when using heavier Audiolund HDMI I2S cables.
1) Default: Red copper + Black Strip with Black Backgrounds
2) Optional: Red Copper + Red Stripe with Black Background
Cable Run-In
Most Audiolund cables use multi-core designs incorporating various conductor types, gauges, and combinations. As a result, they require an extended run-in period to reach their intended sonic performance.
The thick, solid-core OCC silver conductors typically require a longer run-in period than Duelund tinned copper conductors, which use multiple parallel strands of finer wire.
As a general guideline:
- Most Audiolund cables: approximately 100 to 200 hours
- Xtreme Silver Series: approximately 200 to 400 hours
Because the Xtreme Silver Series incorporates multiple solid-core OCC silver conductors together with Duelund tinned copper conductors, additional run-in time is recommended before making final critical listening evaluations.
My entire cable set is from Audiolund, I needed an I2S cable and did not think twice before ordering the Extreme silver version. Best quality and sound in the market.