Description
About the Black Rhodium XTRA Speaker Cable
The Black Rhodium XTRA Speaker Cable is a “first upgrade” cable family. The XTRA Speaker Cable uses 1.5 sq. mm copper conductors, a UL-approved and RoHS-compliant sheath, a braided metal screen, an expandable flame-retardant damping sleeve, and a large ferrite core to help reduce high-frequency noise within the cable.
It is designed to deliver tighter and more controlled bass, smoother high frequencies, greater soundstage depth, and improved stereo imaging compared with basic cables often supplied with entry-level systems.
What We Think
At Rapallo, the Black Rhodium XTRA Speaker Cable is a strong step up from standard speaker cable. It suits customers who have invested in a proper amplifier and speaker system, but are still using basic cable that may be holding the system back.
The XTRA design focuses on practical improvements. The copper conductors provide a solid signal path, while the braided metal screen helps reduce distortion caused by external RF and magnetic fields. Plus, the damping sleeve helps reduce vibration within the cable. That combination makes the XTRA more thoughtfully engineered than many basic speaker cables.
We also like the ferrite core near the cable end. Black Rhodium uses it to help reduce high-frequency noise within the cable, which can be useful in modern homes with Wi-Fi routers, TVs, streamers, switch-mode power supplies, and other electronics nearby.
For NZ customers building a first proper hi-fi system, the XTRA Speaker Cable is a sensible choice. It gives you better construction, proper termination options, interference control, and a more polished system finish without jumping into premium cable pricing.
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The Black Rhodium XTRA Speaker Cable is ideal for
- First proper hi-fi systems
- Stereo amplifiers with passive speakers
- Customers upgrading from basic speaker cable
- Compact and mid-sized listening rooms
- Systems where RFI control is useful
- Listeners wanting terminated speaker cable rather than bare wire
- Hi-fi setups where neat installation and build quality matter
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Black Rhodium XTRA Speaker Cable?
The Black Rhodium XTRA Speaker Cable is a loudspeaker cable for connecting a stereo amplifier to passive speakers. It is designed as a first serious upgrade from basic speaker cable. - What is XTRA Speaker Cable used for?
It is used between an amplifier and speakers. Connect one cable to the left speaker output and left speaker, and the other to the right speaker output and right speaker. - Does XTRA Speaker Cable come as a pair?
Yes, XTRA Speaker Cable is commonly supplied as a stereo pair for left and right speakers. - What conductors does XTRA Speaker Cable use?
It uses 1.5 sq. mm copper conductors in a UL-approved, RoHS-compliant sheath. - Is the XTRA Speaker Cable screened?
Yes, it uses a braided metal screen over the cable length to help reduce distortion caused by external RF and magnetic fields. - What does the ferrite core do?
The ferrite core helps minimise high-frequency noise within the cable. This can be useful in modern hi-fi systems where cables are close to digital equipment, routers, power supplies, and mains wiring. - Why does the cable have a braided sleeve?
The expandable flame-retardant braided sleeve helps protect the cable and reduce vibration-related distortion within the cable. - What terminations does XTRA Speaker Cable use?
XTRA Speaker Cable is commonly supplied with gold-plated Z-plugs. These suit most modern amplifier and speaker binding posts. - Is XTRA Speaker Cable good for a first hi-fi system?
Yes, it is designed specifically as a first upgrade for music lovers who want better sound from a separates system without moving into expensive high-end cables. - Who is the Black Rhodium XTRA Speaker Cable best suited to?
It is best for hi-fi listeners who want a well-made speaker cable with copper conductors, screening, vibration damping, ferrite noise control, and reliable terminations for an amplifier and passive speaker system.
Key Features
Designed as a First Cable Upgrade
The XTRA Speaker Cable is designed for music lovers making their first upgrade from basic speaker cable. It is aimed at entry-level and mid-level separates systems where better cable construction can make a worthwhile difference.
1.5 sq. mm Copper Conductors
The cable uses 1.5 sq. mm copper conductors in a UL-approved and RoHS-compliant sheath. This gives it a practical conductor size for typical stereo hi-fi systems and common speaker cable runs.
Braided Metal Screen
A braided metal screen runs over the cable length to help reduce distortion caused by external radio-frequency and magnetic fields. This is useful in real-world hi-fi racks where speaker cables often run near power cables, digital sources, routers, and amplifiers.
Flame-Retardant Damping Sleeve
The expandable flame-retardant braided sleeve has acoustic damping properties. Black Rhodium uses it to help reduce distortion caused by vibration within the cable.
Large Ferrite Core
A large ferrite core is fitted to help minimise distortion caused by high-frequency noise within the cable. This adds another layer of noise control beyond the cable’s screened construction.
Gold-Plated Z-Plug Terminations
XTRA Speaker Cable is commonly supplied with gold-plated Z-plugs. These are chosen for clear sound and reliable connection with most modern amplifier and speaker binding posts.
Improved Bass, Smooth Treble and Better Imaging
Black Rhodium describes the XTRA Speaker Cable as offering tighter and more controlled bass notes, smooth high frequencies, greater soundstage depth, and superior stereo imaging compared with basic first-system cables.
Available in Practical Stereo Pairs
XTRA Speaker Cable is available as a stereo pair, with retailers listing common lengths such as 2 x 2m and other pair lengths depending on supply. Custom lengths may also be available by request.
Perfect System Match
The Black Rhodium XTRA Speaker Cable is a strong match for a stereo integrated amplifier driving passive bookshelf or floorstanding speakers.
It works especially well in systems where the electronics and speakers are good enough to benefit from better cable construction, but where a high-end cable would be unnecessary. For example, it is a good match with a quality integrated amplifier, a turntable or streamer source, and speakers from ELAC, Triangle, Paradigm, SVS, Focal, or Klipsch Heritage.
Product Comparison Snapshot
| Model | Best For | Key Difference |
| Basic Speaker Cable | Budget systems | Lower-cost cable, usually simple construction |
| Black Rhodium Foxtrot S | First serious hi-fi systems | Vibration-damping braid, ferrite RFI control, gold-plated Z-plugs |
| Black Rhodium XTRA Speaker Cable | First upgrade systems wanting stronger noise control | 1.5 sq. mm copper conductors, braided metal screen, damping sleeve, ferrite core |
| Black Rhodium Operetta Speaker Cable | Higher-quality systems | Step-up cable for more revealing setups |
Specifications
Brand: Black Rhodium
Model: XTRA Speaker Cable
Product Type: Speaker Cable / Loudspeaker Cable
Connection Type
Amplifier speaker output to passive loudspeaker input
Cable Format
Stereo speaker cable pair
Typical Use
Stereo amplifier to passive speakers
Integrated amplifier to bookshelf speakers
Integrated amplifier to floorstanding speakers
Conductors
1.5 sq. mm copper conductors
Sheath
UL-approved, RoHS-compliant sheath
Screening
Braided metal screen over cable length
Vibration Control
Expandable flame-retardant braided sleeve with acoustic damping properties
Noise Control
Large ferrite core fitted to minimise high-frequency noise within the cable
Terminations
Gold-plated Z-plugs, common supplied configuration
Standard Lengths
Length options vary by order configuration
Common retailer listings include 2 x 2m stereo pair and other pair lengths
Other Lengths
Custom lengths may be available by request
Sold As
Stereo pair
Colour
Black
Country of Manufacture
United Kingdom, brand origin
Rapallo Product Data
MPN: XTRA Speaker Cable
SKU: XTRA-SPEAKER-CABLE
EAN / UPC / GTIN: Not publicly published
Why Buy From Rapallo
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