Description
About the Black Rhodium Calypso XLR Cable
The Black Rhodium Calypso XLR Cable is positioned above the Minuet XLR and is designed for higher-quality music systems where clean signal transfer, interference rejection, and value all matter. Black Rhodium describes it as an ideal upgrade from a lower-price cable.
It uses a screened balanced design to reduce external interference, plus Black Rhodium gold-plated XLR connectors, a black vibration-damping braid, and hand assembly at Black Rhodium’s Derby factory in the UK.
What We Think
At Rapallo, the Black Rhodium Calypso XLR Cable is a strong step-up option for customers using balanced hi-fi separates. It makes sense when your DAC, streamer, preamp, integrated amplifier, or power amplifier has proper XLR connectivity.
The key benefit is a cleaner signal path. Balanced XLR connections already help reduce external interference. However, the Calypso XLR also uses screened construction, which gives another layer of protection in busy modern systems with routers, TVs, power supplies, streamers, and amplifiers nearby.
We also like that it is handmade in Derby using carefully selected parts. The gold-plated XLR connectors help prevent tarnishing, while the black braid helps damp micro-vibrations and reduce the effects of external vibration on the cable.
For NZ customers upgrading from basic XLR cables, the Calypso XLR is a practical and worthwhile choice. It suits revealing systems where you want better build quality, improved shielding, and a more confident connection between balanced components.
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The Black Rhodium Calypso XLR Cable is ideal for
- Hi-fi systems with balanced XLR connections
- DAC to amplifier connections
- Streamer to preamp connections
- Preamp to power amplifier connections
- Customers upgrading from basic XLR interconnects
- Systems where shielding and interference control matter
- Mid-level to higher-quality two-channel systems
What the Experts Say
- Hi-Fi Choice reviewed the Calypso RCA interconnect and noted that it builds on the Minuet with higher-purity conductors and additional RFI screening. While this review is for the RCA version, it supports the Calypso range’s positioning as a step-up interconnect family.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Black Rhodium Calypso XLR Cable?
The Black Rhodium Calypso XLR Cable is a balanced audio interconnect for connecting hi-fi components with XLR sockets, such as a DAC to amplifier or preamp to power amplifier. - What is the Calypso XLR used for?
It is used between balanced hi-fi components. Common uses include DAC to integrated amplifier, streamer to preamp, CD player to amplifier, or preamp to power amp. - Why choose XLR instead of RCA?
XLR balanced connections can help reduce external interference and noise. This is useful in higher-quality systems, longer cable runs, and equipment racks with several power and signal cables nearby. - Is the Black Rhodium Calypso XLR screened?
Yes, the Calypso XLR uses screened construction to reduce external interference and help protect the analogue audio signal. - What conductors does the Calypso XLR use?
Rapallo lists the Calypso XLR as using high-quality silver-plated copper conductors with low-loss silicone rubber insulation. - Does the Calypso XLR come as a pair?
Yes, the Calypso XLR is sold as a stereo pair for left and right channel balanced audio connections. - What length is the Calypso XLR Cable?
The standard Calypso XLR stereo pair is 1 metre. Longer or shorter lengths may be available by request. - Are the connectors gold plated?
Yes, the Calypso XLR is fitted with Black Rhodium gold-plated XLR connectors to help resist tarnishing and maintain reliable contact. - How is Calypso XLR different from Minuet XLR?
Calypso XLR is the step-up option above Minuet XLR. It is aimed at higher-quality systems and uses upgraded construction for customers wanting better performance from balanced connections. - Who is the Black Rhodium Calypso XLR best suited to?
It is best for hi-fi listeners using balanced separates who want a well-made, screened XLR interconnect with stronger conductor quality, vibration control, and interference rejection than basic cables.
Key Features
Balanced XLR Interconnect Design
The Calypso XLR is made for components with balanced XLR inputs and outputs. It can be used between source equipment and amplifier, or between a preamp and power amp. Balanced connection can help reduce external interference compared with single-ended RCA connections.
Screened Cable Construction
The cable is screened to further reduce external interference and help deliver a more natural sound. This is useful in hi-fi racks where analogue audio cables often sit close to mains cables, digital sources, amplifiers, and other electronics.
High-Quality Silver-Plated Copper Conductors
Rapallo lists the Calypso XLR as using high-quality silver-plated copper conductors insulated in low-loss silicone rubber. This gives the cable a stronger conductor platform than basic balanced interconnects.
Low-Loss Silicone Rubber Insulation
The low-loss silicone rubber insulation is designed to preserve signal quality while supporting flexibility and long-term reliability. This makes the cable suitable for tidy installation behind hi-fi racks and equipment cabinets.
Outer Sheath for RFI and Magnetic Noise Reduction
The outer sheath is designed to reduce external radio-frequency interference and magnetic fields that can affect sound quality. This helps protect the delicate analogue signal between components.
Black Rhodium Gold-Plated XLR Connectors
The Calypso XLR is fitted with Black Rhodium gold-plated XLR connectors. Gold plating helps resist tarnishing on the pins, which supports reliable contact over time.
Vibration-Damping Black Braid
The attractive black braid helps reduce micro-vibrations within the cable and reduce the effect of external vibration. It also gives the cable a tidy, premium appearance in a quality hi-fi system.
Handmade in the UK
The Calypso XLR is assembled by hand at Black Rhodium’s factory in Derby, using carefully selected materials and parts chosen after listening tests.
Supplied as a Stereo Pair
The Calypso XLR is sold as a stereo pair. Standard length is commonly 1 metre, while longer or shorter lengths can be supplied to suit different system layouts.
Perfect System Match
The Black Rhodium Calypso XLR Cable is a strong match for a balanced DAC or streamer feeding an integrated amplifier with XLR input. It is also ideal between a preamplifier and power amplifier where a clean balanced signal path is preferred.
For best results, use it where both connected components have genuine balanced XLR circuitry. It can still be used with XLR sockets on many components, however the full benefit depends on the equipment design.
Product Comparison Snapshot
| Model | Best For | Key Difference |
| Black Rhodium Minuet XLR | First balanced hi-fi separates systems | More affordable screened XLR cable |
| Black Rhodium Calypso XLR | Better balanced hi-fi systems | Step-up cable with silver-plated copper conductors and stronger interference control |
| Black Rhodium Overture XLR | Higher-end systems | More premium construction above Calypso |
| Basic RCA Interconnect | Single-ended systems | Uses RCA rather than balanced XLR connection |
Specifications
Brand: Black Rhodium
Model: Calypso XLR
Product Type: Balanced XLR Audio Interconnect Cable
Connection Type
XLR balanced audio interconnect
Typical Use
Source to amplifier
Source to preamplifier
Preamplifier to power amplifier
DAC to integrated amplifier
Conductors
High-quality silver-plated copper conductors
Insulation
Low-loss silicone rubber insulation
Screening
Screened cable construction to reduce external interference
Noise Reduction
Outer sheath designed to reduce radio-frequency interference and magnetic field effects
Outer Jacket
Black braided outer sleeve
Vibration Control
Braid designed to reduce micro-vibrations and external vibration effects
Connectors
Black Rhodium gold-plated XLR connectors
Standard Length
1 metre stereo pair
Other Lengths
Longer or shorter lengths may be available by request
Sold As
Stereo pair
Colour
Black
Country of Manufacture
Hand assembled in Derby, United Kingdom
MPN: Calypso XLR
SKU: CALYPSO-XLR
EAN / UPC / GTIN: Not publicly published
Cable Type: Balanced XLR Interconnect
Length: 1m / 1.5m standard pair, other lengths by request
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