Description
Designed and handcrafted using multiple configurations of 5N OCC silver conductors, each cable is carefully 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 ~ True Silver Series
Design & Construction
- Improved design: Revised HDMI cable construction for enhanced sound quality.
- Constructed with European-made 5N OCC silver conductors, individually shielded, precisely twisted, and carefully soldered.
- Uses 24 AWG 5N OCC silver conductors for all major signal connections, including DATA+/-, BCLK+/-, LRCK+/-, MCLK+/-, SCL, and SDA.
- Built with audiophile-grade solder, carefully fine-tuned, with dedicated connections for all required grounding.
- Incorporates multiple types and layers of shielding materials to minimize noise and RFI/EMI interference.
- Features a dedicated damping design using selected anti-vibration and isolation materials to suppress unwanted mechanical vibration.
- Standard length: 1.0 m, with additional lengths available upon request.
Sound Characteristics
The True Silver Series HDMI I²S Cable represents Audiolund’s interpretation of modern pure-silver performance, delivering a distinctive silky, refined, and natural presentation.
Its 5N OCC silver construction provides a sweet and delicate tonal character, complemented by powerful dynamics, speed, rich tonal density, warmth, and a full-bodied organic presentation.
The result is a highly refined balance of detail, musicality, dynamics, and tonal richness, establishing a new standard for Audiolund’s pure-silver digital cable designs.
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.
I²S Pinouts
Please provide the I²S pinouts for both devices and the required cable direction.
There are generally two commonly encountered configurations, referred to here as Definition A and Definition B.
Alternatively, provide the brand and model numbers of your equipment, such as your Streamer, CD Transport, DDC, and DAC, so the appropriate configuration can be determined.
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:
Installation Precautions
IMPORTANT: Insert the HDMI connector gently and slowly into the correct HDMI port. Do not force the connector into the socket.
HDMI connectors contain 19 electrical contacts and should be handled carefully during installation and removal.
Due to its substantial conductor, shielding, and damping construction, the Audiolund HDMI I²S cable is relatively thick and heavy compared with conventional HDMI cables.
To minimize mechanical stress on the HDMI connector and equipment socket, we highly recommend using suitable cable support. A cable support, isolation block, or wooden support positioned beneath the connector can help support the cable’s weight and maintain proper alignment.
1) Default: White Stripe + Transparent Stripe on White Background
- Better wear resistance
- Recommended and default option
2) Silver Foil + Transparent Stripe on White Background
- Distinctive silver appearance
- Silver foil has lower wear resistance and should be handled with additional care
Cable Run-In
Audiolund cables primarily use multi-core constructions with carefully selected combinations of conductors. As a result, they generally require an extended run-in period to reach their intended performance.
The thicker solid-core OCC silver conductors used in the True Silver Series typically require a longer run-in period than the parallel, fine-stranded Duelund tinned-copper conductors used in other Audiolund designs.
As a general guideline, we recommend approximately 100 to 200 hours of run-in.
Thought would share my experience on my purchase of the Audiolund True Silver Series I2S cable.I have no association or received payment for this.
After quite a few e mails with Danny at Audiolund regarding pin configurations with my CD transport and Dac and my current listening sound and what I was looking for.It was decided the True Silver Series would be the best fit.
Upon receiving the cable I was immediately impressed with the thickness and build of the cable.
The first couple of hours the sound stage was quite confined and on the bright side a touch.Once the cable reached double digit hours it was obvious that the sound stage now had width and depth.The sound stage edges have great detail compared to any type of interconnect I have used in the past.The sound is natural and organic but at the same time balanced from top to bottom.
I have used a Nordost SPDIF cable in my current set up which is more than twice the price of the Audiolund and found the Nordost to be a touch more warm but didn’t have the micro resolution and sound stage of the Audiolund True Silver Series I2S cable.
I would recommend Danny at Audiolund Cables and his customer service without hesitation.
I have been using various cables for my HI FI equipment for forty years
I recently came across the company AudioLund Design on the internet and I was interested in an HDMI cable of course I always buy the best model in this case it was the True Silver Series ~ HDMI I2S/IIS/AV Cable (OCC Silver)
From my experience I can say that these are the best HDMI cables I have ever had in my possession and I have had the pleasure of testing all that are possible
In the near future I will buy two more and the best power cable
What else I pay attention to is their very high quality of workmanship and the use of pure silver from probably the best company which is Duelund
I have only had the cable for a week and I can already see a very big improvement in the quality of sound and image on my latest and best model Sony OLED tv
I highly recommend this cable
Follow-up Review:
The cable is fully stabilized after 1,000 hrs. I compared Audiolund i2S and Black Cat digit 75 SPDIF cables with the clock normalised.
The overall music quality is close with the i2S presenting a wider stage and more details. The wider stage was always there, however previously the left and right end were fuzzy. Now is a clear and vertical.
The music signature for both cables are similar. No adulteration just straight out transparent.
The Black Cat has the special quality of somehow separating the vocals and music with a dark band making it easy to listen to complex songs like Dire Strait “money for nothing”.
Now my cable options is i2S for classicals and “Live” recording and Black Cat for all others.
Your i2S cable is actually very good for it’s price, Just need lots of patient for it to develop full potential.
Danny had been very helpful helping me make my decision promptly and cable was delivered after 2 days.
Upon installation, the musical stage became wider and deeper. And general music separation improves and you’re hearing more things.
The i2s cable really started opening up around 400 hours of burning in and the result is “wow”. It’s absolutely wonderful for classical and instrumental music, however complex it may be. All other type of music sounds wonderful, including heavy metals and nostalgic 60s music.
Very obvious and distinctive improvement is the wider and deeper stage, especially the nuances and clear vocal and music separation (Dire Straits – money for nothing).
I think to fully benefit from it, the system should be at least quite transparent. I’m hooked.
The notable characteristics of these cables, includes elevated sound-staging, airiness, speed, and transient response, all indicative of their ability to create a spacious and well-defined sonic image. The increased airiness and speed contribute to a more open and transparent sound, allowing for a clearer and more detailed presentation of the music’s subtle nuances and textures.
Non-fatiguing nature of the cables enables extended listening .
Excellent build quality too.
Following the break in of this cable it is by far the best sounding cable I have used in my system. The True Silver connects my Esoteric Grandioso P1X to the mono DACs Esoteric Grandioso D1X. The cables are easy on the eye, solidly built and sound fabulous… what more could you need! I had tried Wireworld, Audioquest, Nordost Valhalla 2 (£3,000 each). you will not go wrong with “True Silver”.
I am using the True Silver HDMI x 2 on my Esoteric Grandioso P1X and Grandioso D1X (mono blocks) and I have never been happier with the sound I am getting once the cables reached break in. They are gorgeous cables and seriously well built and sound fabulous…..what more do you need! I had tried Wireworld, Audioquest, Nordost Valhalla 2 (Cost £3,000 each). Pick True Silver and you will be more than happy.
Grateful that Danny allows home demo of his cables which is quite rare (unfortunately) in the local audio scene. Tried the xtreme and true silver series I2S cables. Much prefer the latter out of the 2 and no prizes for guessing, I made the purchase.
Cable is of excellent build quality albeit a little thick and not as flexible as I would like. But when it comes to audio, I could immediately hear an audible difference. Everything sounds much clearer, akin to lifting of the veils. More details and nuances of the music could be heard, soundstage is further enlarged with greater depths.
This deserves more attention among the audiophiles and look forward to more reviews from others as well!
Purchased this beautiful cable to connect an Audio-GD DI20HE DDC to a Gustard R26 DAC. Danny provided a custom pinouts and direction of the cable since Audio-gd uses type B standard and Gustard type A. The cable is thick, heavy and quite stiff and Danny adviced me to me use some form of support under the termination (wooden blocks in my case). You need to be patient because the cable requires quite a break in time to perform at its best, but then you are rewarded with a natural tone, excellent microdynamic, huge soundstage with tiny ambience sounds retrieval. Highly recommended to make the most from your H2S connection.
I’ve previously found high purity silver (as used here) to give the best results in audio. Beautifully made, finished, & very promptly delivered, this cable from Audiolund confirms it! Silver has the lowest resistance of all & gives the most detail, which in turn gives warmth and speed. Using it as a digital audio interconnect the sound is brilliant – pure, warm, fast & as close as I’ve ever heard to the sound I’ve experienced daily over 40 years as a member of a professional symphony orchestra! Thank you Danny!