Audio T Verdict
The Black Rhodium Minuet XLR is a balanced analogue interconnect pair designed for compatible source components, amplifiers and preamplifier-to-power-amplifier connections.
Its screened 110-ohm cable construction is covered with a vibration-damping black braid and terminated with Black Rhodium gold-plated XLR connectors.
Supplied as a one-metre stereo pair, Minuet XLR offers a worthwhile step up from basic interconnects for a capable separates system.
Black Rhodium Minuet XLR Interconnect Pair
The Black Rhodium Minuet XLR is designed to carry left and right analogue audio signals between compatible Hi-Fi components fitted with XLR inputs and outputs.
The standard package contains two one-metre interconnects. One cable carries the left audio channel and the other carries the right.
Minuet XLR combines screened construction, cable manufactured to a 110-ohm impedance specification, vibration damping and gold-plated XLR connectors.
Balanced Analogue XLR Connection
Minuet XLR is intended for balanced analogue audio connections between compatible Hi-Fi components.
Typical applications include connecting:
- A network streamer to an integrated amplifier
- A CD player to an amplifier or preamplifier
- A DAC to an amplifier or preamplifier
- A compatible phono stage to an amplifier
- A preamplifier to a stereo power amplifier
- A preamplifier to a pair of monoblock power amplifiers
Both connected components must provide compatible analogue XLR connections.
Check the Function of the XLR Sockets
XLR connectors can be used for analogue audio, AES/EBU digital audio and other specialist functions.
Confirm that the source provides an analogue XLR output and that the receiving component provides a compatible analogue XLR input before connecting the cables.
Supplied as a Stereo Pair
The standard Minuet XLR package contains two separate cable runs.
One cable connects the left output of the source component to the left input of the receiving component. The second cable completes the corresponding right-channel connection.
Both cables are required to create a complete stereo analogue connection.
One-Metre Standard Length
Each cable in the standard Minuet XLR stereo pair measures one metre.
This length suits many systems where the source, amplifier or preamplifier and power amplifier are positioned on the same equipment rack.
Measure the intended route before ordering and allow enough length for gentle curves without placing tension on the connectors or equipment sockets.
Alternative Lengths Available
Black Rhodium can supply Minuet XLR in longer or shorter lengths to meet different installation requirements.
A custom length may be useful where components are separated across a wide equipment rack, where monoblock power amplifiers are positioned close to the loudspeakers or where a shorter cable is preferred between adjacent components.
Custom-length availability, price and lead time should be confirmed with Audio T before purchase.
Measure the Complete Route
Measure between the appropriate XLR sockets while following the route each cable will take behind the equipment and furniture.
Allow enough additional length for access to the connectors and gentle curves, but avoid leaving large coils of unused cable.
Screened Cable Construction
Minuet XLR uses screened cable construction to help reduce the influence of external electrical and radio-frequency interference.
This is particularly useful where interconnects are routed behind a busy equipment rack containing several source components, power supplies and network devices.
Potential sources of interference around a modern Hi-Fi system can include:
- Wi-Fi routers and wireless network equipment
- Computers and network switches
- Televisions and games consoles
- Switch-mode power supplies
- Phone and laptop chargers
- LED lighting and dimmer switches
- Mains cables routed close to the interconnects
Where practical, avoid running the interconnects tightly alongside mains cables for their entire length.
110-Ohm Cable Construction
Minuet XLR is manufactured from cable built to a 110-ohm impedance specification.
This forms part of the cable’s electrical construction and is combined with screening, vibration damping and factory-fitted connectors.
Black Rhodium markets Minuet XLR as a balanced analogue audio interconnect. It is not specifically described by the manufacturer as an AES/EBU digital cable.
Vibration-Damping Black Braid
The cable is covered with an attractive black outer braid.
Black Rhodium uses this braid to help damp micro-vibrations within the cable and reduce the influence of vibrations arriving from the surrounding environment.
The braid also provides additional protection for the completed cable. Avoid cutting it, crushing it beneath equipment or repeatedly bending it at the same point.
Gold-Plated XLR Connectors
Black Rhodium gold-plated XLR connectors are fitted to both ends of each Minuet cable.
The gold-plated contact surfaces resist tarnishing and help maintain a secure electrical connection with compatible equipment sockets.
Insert each connector straight into its corresponding socket until it is fully engaged. When disconnecting, release the socket or connector latch where applicable and hold the connector body rather than pulling the cable.
Connecting the Left and Right Channels
Switch both components off before installing or removing the cables.
Connect the source component’s left XLR output to the receiving component’s left XLR input. Repeat the process for the right channel.
Check the channel labels carefully, particularly where the XLR sockets are positioned vertically or viewed upside down from behind an equipment rack.
Connecting a Source to an Amplifier
Minuet XLR can connect the balanced analogue output of a compatible streamer, CD player, DAC or phono stage to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
After completing the connection, switch the equipment on and select the corresponding XLR or balanced input on the amplifier.
Where both RCA and XLR connections are available, the best option will depend on the circuit design of the connected components and the complete system.
Connecting a Preamp to a Power Amp
The Minuet pair can also connect a compatible preamplifier to a stereo power amplifier or pair of monoblock power amplifiers.
Switch all components off before installation and reduce the preamplifier volume before switching the system back on.
With monoblock amplifiers, check that each cable is connected to the correct left or right amplifier channel.
XLR and RCA Connections
XLR and RCA are different connection formats and cannot be connected directly without a suitable cable or adapter.
A properly implemented balanced XLR connection can provide greater rejection of external interference, particularly over longer cable runs. However, the final result depends on the internal design of both components.
Some equipment has been designed primarily around its XLR circuitry, while other products may perform equally well or better through RCA. Comparing both connection types is recommended where possible.
System Matching
Minuet XLR has been developed for capable systems of separate Hi-Fi components where the source and amplifier can take advantage of a better-quality balanced interconnect.
The result of changing an interconnect will depend on the source, amplifier, existing cable, system layout and the implementation of the XLR circuitry within both components.
Audio T recently used Minuet XLR interconnects between the Michi Prestige Q430 CD player and X430 integrated amplifier during an extended listening session with ATC SCM40 loudspeakers.
A demonstration can help establish whether the Minuet XLR provides a worthwhile improvement and whether the balanced connection is the best choice for the system.
Installation Guidance
- Switch both components off before changing interconnects
- Confirm that both XLR sockets carry compatible analogue audio signals
- Connect the left output to the left input
- Connect the right output to the right input
- Insert each connector fully into its corresponding socket
- Release the connector latch before disconnecting where applicable
- Hold the connector body rather than pulling the cable
- Allow enough clearance behind the equipment
- Avoid sharp bends directly behind the connectors
- Do not crush the cable beneath equipment or furniture
- Keep the cables away from strong heat sources and moisture
- Do not cut, shorten or reterminate the factory-built cables
Key Features
- Balanced analogue XLR interconnect pair
- Supplied as two separate cable runs
- One-metre standard length per cable
- Alternative lengths available by request
- Designed for source-to-amplifier connections
- Suitable for compatible preamplifier-to-power-amplifier connections
- Screened cable construction
- Manufactured to a 110-ohm impedance specification
- Black vibration-damping outer braid
- Black Rhodium gold-plated XLR connectors
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the standard package contain?
It contains two factory-terminated Minuet XLR cables, each measuring one metre, for the left and right audio channels.
Is Minuet XLR supplied as a stereo pair?
Yes. One cable carries the left channel and the second carries the right channel.
What is Minuet XLR designed to connect?
It connects compatible source equipment to an amplifier or preamplifier, or a preamplifier to a power amplifier, using analogue XLR connections.
Is the cable screened?
Yes. Black Rhodium specifies screened construction to help reduce the influence of external interference.
What does the 110-ohm specification mean?
Black Rhodium states that Minuet XLR is manufactured from cable built to a 110-ohm impedance specification.
Is it an AES/EBU digital cable?
Black Rhodium markets Minuet XLR as a balanced analogue audio interconnect and does not specifically describe it as an AES/EBU digital cable.
Which connectors are fitted?
Black Rhodium gold-plated XLR connectors are fitted to both ends of each cable.
Can it connect a DAC or streamer to an amplifier?
Yes, provided both components have compatible balanced analogue XLR connections.
Can it connect a preamplifier to a power amplifier?
Yes. It can be used between compatible XLR-equipped preamplifiers and power amplifiers.
Will XLR always sound better than RCA?
No. The result depends on how the RCA and XLR circuits are implemented within both connected components. A comparison is recommended where possible.
Are custom lengths available?
Yes. Black Rhodium states that longer or shorter Minuet XLR cables can be supplied to meet individual requirements.
What colour is the cable?
Minuet XLR is covered with a black vibration-damping braid.
Related Black Rhodium Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- Help identifying compatible analogue XLR connections
- Source, amplifier and preamplifier system matching
- Advice choosing between XLR and RCA interconnects
- Custom cable-length enquiries
- Cable demonstration options where available
- Click and Reserve from participating stores
- Nationwide UK delivery on eligible products
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or confirm whether the Black Rhodium Minuet XLR is suitable for your source, amplifier or preamplifier.