Description
About the Black Rhodium Minuet XLR Cable
Balanced XLR connections are often preferred in hi-fi systems because they help reduce external interference that can affect low-level audio signals. The Black Rhodium Minuet XLR Cable builds on that advantage with screened cable construction, a 110 ohm impedance specification, Black Rhodium gold-plated XLR connectors, and an attractive black braided outer sleeve.
Black Rhodium positions the Minuet XLR as an ideal cable for first systems of audio separates, where customers want the sound quality benefits of individual components without moving into very expensive cable ranges. It is sold as a stereo pair, with a standard length of 1 metre, while longer or shorter lengths may be available by request.
What We Think
At Rapallo, the Black Rhodium Minuet XLR Cable is a sensible upgrade for systems using balanced connections. It is especially useful where source components, preamps, power amplifiers, or integrated amplifiers have proper XLR inputs and outputs.
The key benefit is noise control. Balanced connections already help reject external interference, which is valuable in modern systems with power supplies, streamers, TVs, routers, and other electronics nearby. The Minuet XLR adds screening to further reduce interference, making it a practical choice for clean signal transfer.
We also like the mechanical design. The black braided outer jacket is not only for appearance. Black Rhodium says it helps damp micro-vibrations within the cable and reduce the effects of external vibration. That is useful in hi-fi racks where cables sit close to loudspeakers, amplifiers, and other vibrating surfaces.
The gold-plated XLR connectors are another good touch. They are designed to prevent tarnishing of the connecting pins, which helps maintain a reliable connection over time. For NZ customers building a balanced hi-fi system, the Minuet XLR is an easy, well-priced way to connect quality separates cleanly.
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The Black Rhodium Minuet XLR Cable is ideal for
- Hi-fi systems with balanced XLR connections
- DAC to amplifier connections
- Preamp to power amp connections
- Source to preamp connections
- Customers upgrading from basic interconnects
- Systems where interference control is important
First separates systems using XLR inputs and outputs
What the Experts Say
- Hi-Fi Choice reviewed the Minuet interconnect range and described it as a great value interconnect with a classy performance. The review also noted its screened construction and silver-plated copper conductors in the RCA version.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Black Rhodium Minuet XLR Cable?
The Black Rhodium Minuet 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 an XLR cable used for in hi-fi?
An XLR cable carries a balanced audio signal between compatible components. It is commonly used between DACs, preamps, power amplifiers, integrated amplifiers, and some CD players or streamers. - Why choose XLR instead of RCA?
Balanced XLR connections can help reduce external interference and noise. This is useful in systems with longer cable runs, high-gain equipment, or several electronic devices nearby. - Is the Black Rhodium Minuet XLR screened?
Yes, the Minuet XLR is screened to reduce external interference. This helps protect the audio signal as it travels between components. - What does the 110 ohm specification mean?
The Minuet XLR is made from cable manufactured to a 110 ohm impedance specification. This is commonly associated with balanced audio cable design and supports stable signal transfer. - Does the Minuet XLR come as a pair?
Yes, the Minuet XLR is sold as a stereo pair for left and right channel balanced audio connections. - What length is the Minuet XLR Cable?
The standard Minuet XLR stereo pair is 1 metre. Longer or shorter lengths may be available by request, depending on supply. - Are the connectors gold plated?
Yes, the Minuet XLR is fitted with Black Rhodium gold-plated XLR connectors. Gold plating helps resist tarnishing and maintain a reliable connection. - Will this cable improve my system?
It can be a useful upgrade if your components have XLR connections and you want a better-screened, better-made interconnect than a basic cable. The result will depend on your equipment and system setup. - Who is the Black Rhodium Minuet XLR best suited to?
It is best for hi-fi listeners using balanced audio separates who want a clean, well-made, screened XLR cable for source-to-amplifier or preamp-to-power-amp connections.
Key Features
Balanced XLR Connection
The Minuet XLR is designed for components with balanced XLR inputs and outputs. Balanced connection can help reduce externally induced noise, making it useful for longer cable runs or systems with many electronics nearby.
Screened Cable Construction
The cable is screened to reduce external interference and help deliver a more natural sound. This makes it a stronger option than basic unscreened interconnects in many real-world hi-fi setups.
110 Ohm Cable Specification
The Minuet XLR is made from cable manufactured to a 110 ohm impedance specification. This supports stable signal transfer and shows that the cable has been designed with balanced audio use in mind.
Black Rhodium Gold-Plated XLR Connectors
The cable is fitted with Black Rhodium gold-plated XLR connectors. Gold plating helps resist tarnishing on the connector pins, which supports long-term connection quality.
Black Braided Outer Sleeve
The attractive black braid helps protect the cable and gives it a tidy premium look. Black Rhodium also says the braid helps damp micro-vibrations and reduce external vibration effects.
Designed for Hi-Fi Separates
The Minuet XLR is made for use between source equipment and amplifier, or between preamp and power amplifier. It is especially well suited to first systems of audio separates where XLR connectivity is available.
Standard Stereo Pair Format
Minuet XLR stereo pairs are available in a standard 1 metre length. Shorter or longer custom lengths may be available to suit specific system layouts.
Strong Value Entry Into Black Rhodium
Hi-Fi Choice described the Minuet interconnect range as an entry-level Black Rhodium cable with features usually associated with more expensive interconnects, including screening and silver-plated copper signal conductors in the RCA version.
Perfect System Match
The Black Rhodium Minuet 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 the best result, use it where both connected components have genuine balanced XLR connections. 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 |
| Basic RCA Interconnect | Simple single-ended systems | Works with RCA sockets, not balanced |
| Black Rhodium Minuet XLR | First balanced hi-fi separates systems | Screened 110 ohm balanced cable with gold-plated XLR connectors |
| Black Rhodium Calypso XLR | Higher-performance balanced systems | Step-up cable in the Black Rhodium XLR range |
| Black Rhodium Overture XLR | More advanced systems | More premium construction and higher price point |
Specifications
Brand: Black Rhodium
Model: Minuet 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
Cable Impedance
110 ohm specification
Screening
Screened cable construction to reduce external interference
Outer Jacket
Black braided outer sleeve
Vibration Control
Braid designed to damp micro-vibrations and reduce 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
MPN: Minuet XLR
SKU: MINUET-XLR
EAN / UPC / GTIN: Not publicly published
Cable Type: Balanced XLR Interconnect
Length: 1m/ 1.5m standard pair, other lengths by request
Colour: Black
Warranty: Manufacturer Warranty
Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom, brand origin
Why Buy From Rapallo
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