Audio T Verdict
The Black Rhodium Intro RCA is an affordable stereo interconnect pair for connecting compatible analogue Hi-Fi components.
Each one-metre cable combines a copper signal conductor with foil and copper-braid screening, gold-plated RCA connectors and an expandable outer braid designed to reduce vibration.
Hand-assembled in Derby, the Intro RCA provides a sensible first upgrade from basic interconnects supplied with entry-level audio equipment.
Black Rhodium Intro RCA Interconnect Pair
The Black Rhodium Intro RCA is designed to carry a stereo analogue audio signal between compatible Hi-Fi components fitted with RCA inputs and outputs.
It is supplied as a matched pair of one-metre cables. One cable carries the left audio channel and the other carries the right.
The Intro range provides an accessible starting point within Black Rhodium’s wider cable range while retaining UK assembly, screened construction and factory-fitted connectors.
Stereo Analogue RCA Connection
The Intro RCA is intended for conventional line-level analogue audio connections.
Typical applications include connecting:
- A CD player to an integrated amplifier
- A network streamer to an amplifier
- A DAC to an amplifier or preamplifier
- A separate phono stage to an amplifier
- A tuner to an amplifier
- A cassette deck or recorder to compatible inputs and outputs
- A preamplifier to a power amplifier with RCA connections
Both components must provide compatible left and right RCA sockets.
Connect Left to Left and Right to Right
The red connector is normally used for the right audio channel, while the other connector is used for the left channel.
Follow the markings on the equipment and keep the same channel arrangement at both ends of the cable pair.
Supplied as a Stereo Pair
The package contains two separate RCA-to-RCA cables.
One cable is used for the left channel and the other for the right, creating a complete stereo connection between the source component and amplifier.
This differs from a coaxial digital connection, which normally carries both channels through one cable.
One-Metre Cable Length
Each cable measures one metre, making the pair suitable for components positioned on the same equipment rack or in neighbouring compartments.
Measure the intended route before ordering and allow enough length for gentle curves behind the equipment.
Avoid pulling the cable tight or forcing it sharply against the rear panel of either component.
Copper Signal Conductors
Each Intro RCA cable uses a 0.58mm-diameter copper signal conductor.
The conductor carries the analogue audio signal between the connected components and is insulated with polyethylene.
This construction is combined with two screening layers and a vibration-reducing outer braid rather than relying on the conductor material alone.
Polyethylene Conductor Insulation
Polyethylene insulation surrounds the copper signal conductor.
The insulation electrically separates the signal conductor from the surrounding screen and helps maintain the cable’s internal construction.
The completed assembly is also covered with PVC outer insulation beneath the expandable decorative braid.
Dual-Screened Construction
The Intro RCA uses two internal screening layers.
The first screen is made from plastic foil, while the second uses a copper braid. Together, these layers help reduce the influence of external electrical and radio-frequency interference.
Potential sources of interference around a modern audio system can include:
- Wi-Fi routers and wireless equipment
- Computers and network hardware
- 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 possible, avoid running analogue interconnects tightly alongside mains cables for their entire length.
Expandable Vibration-Reducing Braid
An expandable woven braid covers the outside of each cable.
Black Rhodium describes this outer sheath as providing vibration reduction while also protecting and identifying the completed cable.
The braid should not be removed, cut or tightly crushed beneath equipment or furniture.
Choice of Outer Braid Colours
Black Rhodium manufactures the Intro RCA with a choice of black, blue, white, red, yellow, orange and green outer braids.
Different colours can help identify several source components connected to the same amplifier or preamplifier.
Colour availability through Audio T may vary, so confirm the required finish before placing an order.
Gold-Plated RCA Connectors
Each cable is fitted with a gold-plated RCA connector at both ends.
Gold provides a corrosion-resistant contact surface, while the compact 12mm-diameter connector bodies suit many closely spaced RCA sockets.
Insert and remove each plug by holding its connector body rather than pulling directly on the cable.
Branded Heatshrink and Strain Relief
Branded heatshrink is fitted where the cable enters each RCA connector.
This provides additional mechanical rigidity and strain relief at a point that can otherwise be vulnerable to repeated bending.
Avoid bending the cable sharply against the end of the heatshrink or using it as a handle when disconnecting the plug.
Compact and Flexible Installation
The Intro RCA has an outer cable diameter of approximately 7.2mm and a connector diameter of approximately 12mm.
Its one-metre length and relatively compact connectors make it suitable for many conventional equipment racks and closely spaced rear panels.
Enough clearance should still be allowed for the cables to leave the equipment naturally without placing sideways pressure on the RCA sockets.
Connecting the Intro RCA Pair
Switch both components off before connecting or disconnecting the cables.
Connect the source component’s left RCA output to the receiving component’s left RCA input. Repeat the process for the right channel.
Push each connector straight into the socket until it is secure. Do not twist the equipment socket or force a plug that does not fit correctly.
Choosing the Correct Amplifier Input
Connect line-level source components to a normal line input such as CD, AUX, Tuner, Line or Streamer.
Do not connect a standard line-level source to an amplifier’s dedicated phono input. A phono input is designed for the much lower output produced by a compatible turntable cartridge.
Using a Separate Phono Stage
The Intro RCA can connect the line-level output of a separate phono stage to a normal amplifier line input.
It is not a dedicated turntable lead and does not include a separate earth wire. Check the turntable and phono-stage connection requirements before ordering.
Using the Cable Between a Preamp and Power Amp
The Intro RCA can connect a preamplifier to a power amplifier where both components use compatible unbalanced RCA connections.
Switch both components off before installation and reduce the preamplifier volume before switching the system back on.
Where the equipment uses balanced XLR connections, consider the Black Rhodium Intro XLR Interconnect Pair instead.
Not a Coaxial Digital Cable
The Intro RCA pair is designed primarily for stereo analogue audio connections.
For an S/PDIF coaxial digital connection between a transport, streamer, DAC or amplifier, use a purpose-designed single digital cable such as the Black Rhodium Intro Digital RCA.
Analogue and coaxial digital RCA sockets use the same physical connector shape, so check the labels on the equipment before making the connection.
Hand-Assembled in Derby
The Intro RCA cables are hand-assembled at Black Rhodium’s facility in Derby, England.
The conductors, insulation, screening, outer braid, RCA connectors and heatshrink are assembled into a finished factory-terminated pair.
Cutting, shortening or reterminating the cables is not recommended.
System Matching
The Intro RCA is aimed at entry-level and affordable separate-component Hi-Fi systems, or as a replacement for basic cables supplied with audio equipment.
The result of changing an interconnect will depend on the source, amplifier, existing cable and complete system setup.
An Audio T demonstration can help establish whether the cable is suitable for the intended components and provides a worthwhile improvement in the system.
Installation Guidance
- Switch both components off before changing interconnects
- Connect the left output to the left input
- Connect the right output to the right input
- Use a normal line input for line-level source equipment
- Push each RCA connector straight into its socket
- Disconnect the cable by holding the connector body
- Avoid sharp bends directly behind the connectors
- Do not crush the cable beneath equipment or furniture
- Keep the cables away from strong heat sources
- Avoid long parallel runs beside mains cables
- Do not cut, shorten or reterminate the factory-built cables
Finish Options
- Black expandable outer braid
- Blue expandable outer braid
- White expandable outer braid
- Red expandable outer braid
- Yellow expandable outer braid
- Orange expandable outer braid
- Green expandable outer braid
- Colour availability should be confirmed with Audio T
Key Features
- Stereo analogue RCA interconnect pair
- Two one-metre cable runs
- 0.58mm-diameter copper signal conductors
- Polyethylene conductor insulation
- Plastic-foil first screen
- Copper-braid second screen
- PVC outer insulation
- Expandable outer braid with vibration reduction
- Seven manufacturer-listed braid colours
- Gold-plated RCA connectors
- Branded heatshrink for rigidity and strain relief
- 7.2mm cable outer diameter
- Compact 12mm connector diameter
- Hand-assembled in Derby, England
- Black Rhodium lifetime warranty, subject to its terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the package contain?
It contains two factory-terminated Intro RCA cables, each measuring one metre, for the left and right analogue audio channels.
Is this supplied as a stereo pair?
Yes. One cable carries the left channel and the second carries the right channel.
What conductor material is used?
Each cable uses a 0.58mm-diameter copper signal conductor.
Is the cable screened?
Yes. It uses a plastic-foil first screen and a copper-braid second screen.
Which connectors are fitted?
Gold-plated RCA connectors are fitted at both ends of each cable.
Can it connect a CD player to an amplifier?
Yes, provided both components have compatible stereo analogue RCA connections.
Can it connect a DAC or streamer to an amplifier?
Yes. It can carry the line-level analogue output from a compatible DAC or streamer to an amplifier.
Can it connect a phono stage to an amplifier?
Yes. It can connect the line-level output of a separate phono stage to a normal amplifier line input.
Can I use it as a turntable cable?
It may not be suitable where the turntable requires a dedicated low-capacitance phono cable or separate earth lead. Confirm the turntable and phono-stage requirements first.
Can it be used for coaxial digital audio?
For an S/PDIF digital connection, Audio T recommends using a dedicated single coaxial digital cable such as the Black Rhodium Intro Digital RCA.
Which colours are available?
Black Rhodium lists black, blue, white, red, yellow, orange and green outer braids. Audio T availability may vary.
Where is the cable assembled?
It is hand-assembled at Black Rhodium’s facility in Derby, England.
What warranty is included?
Black Rhodium provides a lifetime warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s applicable warranty terms.
Related Black Rhodium Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- Help identifying compatible RCA inputs and outputs
- Source, amplifier and preamplifier system matching
- Advice choosing analogue, digital or balanced interconnects
- Turntable and phono-stage connection guidance
- 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 if you need help confirming whether the Black Rhodium Intro RCA is suitable for your source, amplifier or phono stage.