Audio T Verdict
The Black Rhodium Intro Digital RCA is an affordable one-metre cable for connecting compatible coaxial digital audio equipment.
Its copper conductor, internal screening, gold-plated RCA connectors and strain-relieving heatshrink provide a well-finished alternative to the basic cable supplied with many digital sources and DACs.
It is supplied as a single cable rather than a stereo pair and is hand-assembled at Black Rhodium’s facility in Derby.
Black Rhodium Intro Digital RCA Cable
The Black Rhodium Intro Digital RCA is designed to carry an S/PDIF digital audio signal between compatible source equipment and a digital-to-analogue converter, amplifier, receiver or other component with a coaxial digital input.
It is fitted with one gold-plated RCA connector at each end and supplied in a standard length of one metre.
The Intro range has been developed to provide a practical introduction to Black Rhodium cables without requiring the considerably greater investment associated with the company’s higher-level products.
Coaxial S/PDIF Digital Connection
The cable is intended for equipment fitted with RCA coaxial digital audio sockets.
Typical applications include connecting:
- A CD player or CD transport to an external DAC
- A network streamer to an amplifier with a digital input
- A music server to a compatible DAC
- A digital audio source to an AV receiver
- A compatible media player to a digital audio system
Both connected components must provide coaxial digital RCA sockets. The cable does not convert between coaxial, optical, USB, HDMI or balanced digital formats.
Check the Socket Label
Digital and analogue RCA sockets have the same physical shape but perform different functions.
Look for labels such as “Coaxial”, “Digital Out”, “Digital In” or “S/PDIF” before connecting the cable. Do not assume that an RCA socket is digital simply because the plug fits.
Single Digital Cable
The package contains one RCA-to-RCA cable for one digital audio connection.
Unlike an analogue stereo interconnect, a coaxial S/PDIF connection carries both left and right audio channels through a single cable.
You therefore do not need a pair unless you are making two separate digital connections.
One-Metre Standard Length
The standard Intro Digital RCA measures one metre from connector to connector.
This length suits many systems where the source and receiving component are positioned on the same Hi-Fi rack or in adjacent compartments.
Measure the intended route before ordering and allow enough space for the plugs to be inserted without forcing the cable into a tight bend.
Copper Conductor
The Intro Digital RCA uses a copper conductor within its coaxial construction.
Black Rhodium combines this conductor with internal screening and secure factory-fitted connectors to create an accessible cable for digital audio systems.
The manufacturer does not publish the conductor cross-section, resistance, capacitance or inductance figures for the current Intro Digital RCA. Specifications from other Black Rhodium digital cables should not be applied to this model.
Internal Screening
The cable is internally screened to help protect the digital signal from external electrical and radio-frequency interference.
Potential sources of interference around a modern audio 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 positioned close to the digital cable
Where possible, avoid running the digital cable tightly alongside mains leads for its entire length.
Gold-Plated RCA Connectors
Gold-plated RCA connectors are fitted at both ends of the Intro Digital cable.
The plating provides a corrosion-resistant contact surface, while the connector bodies are designed to make a secure connection with compatible RCA sockets.
Push each plug straight into the socket while holding the connector body. Avoid twisting the equipment socket or pulling on the cable itself.
Branded Heatshrink and Strain Relief
Branded heatshrink is fitted around the cable and connector junctions.
This reinforces a common stress point, provides additional mechanical rigidity and helps reduce strain where the cable enters each RCA plug.
The heatshrink should not be removed, cut or repeatedly bent against the connector body.
Braided Outer Finish
The cable is covered with a woven outer braid, giving it a smart and easily identifiable finish.
Colour availability can vary, so the finish supplied with the current Audio T listing should be checked before ordering where a particular colour is required.
Hand-Assembled in Derby
The Intro Digital RCA is hand-assembled at Black Rhodium’s facility in Derby, England.
The conductor, screen, outer braid, plugs and heatshrink are assembled into a completed, factory-terminated cable ready for installation.
Cutting, shortening or reterminating the finished cable is not recommended.
Connecting a Digital Source to a DAC
Switch off both components before making or changing the connection.
Connect one end of the cable to the source component’s coaxial digital output and the other to the receiving component’s coaxial digital input.
Once the equipment has been switched back on, select the corresponding coaxial input on the DAC, amplifier or receiver.
No Sound After Connecting?
Check that the source is connected from a digital output to a digital input and that the correct input has been selected on the receiving component.
Some sources also require their digital output to be enabled or their output format to be adjusted through a setup menu.
Digital Format Compatibility
The cable provides the physical connection between two coaxial S/PDIF sockets. The audio formats and sampling rates available will depend on the connected equipment.
Before purchase, check that the source can output a digital format supported by the receiving DAC, amplifier or receiver.
A cable cannot add support for an audio format that either connected component is unable to transmit or decode.
Not an Optical Cable
The Intro Digital RCA carries an electrical coaxial signal and is not compatible with square optical Toslink sockets.
If either component provides only an optical digital connection, a suitable optical cable or active format converter will be required instead.
Not a USB or HDMI Cable
The cable cannot connect USB audio equipment, HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC sockets.
Use the correct cable type for the digital connection provided by the equipment.
Not a Stereo Analogue Interconnect
Although it uses familiar RCA plugs, the Intro Digital RCA is intended for coaxial digital audio rather than a conventional left-and-right analogue connection.
An analogue stereo connection normally requires two cables or a matched RCA pair, with separate plugs for the left and right channels.
For an analogue connection, consider the Black Rhodium Intro RCA Interconnect Pair.
Installation Guidance
- Switch connected equipment off before installation
- Connect a coaxial digital output to a coaxial digital input
- Confirm that both sockets use RCA connectors
- Hold the connector body when inserting or removing the cable
- Do not pull directly on the cable or heatshrink
- Avoid sharp bends immediately behind the plugs
- Do not trap the cable beneath equipment or furniture
- Keep it away from strong heat sources
- Avoid routing it tightly alongside mains cables
- Do not cut, shorten or reterminate the factory-built cable
Key Features
- Single coaxial digital RCA cable
- Designed for S/PDIF digital audio connections
- RCA connector fitted at each end
- One-metre standard length
- Copper conductor construction
- Internally screened
- Gold-plated RCA connectors
- Woven outer braid
- Branded heatshrink for rigidity and strain relief
- Suitable for compatible digital sources, DACs and amplifiers
- Hand-assembled in Derby, England
- Black Rhodium lifetime guarantee, subject to its terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the package contain?
It contains one factory-terminated Black Rhodium Intro Digital RCA cable measuring one metre.
Do I need two cables for stereo sound?
No. A coaxial S/PDIF connection carries the complete digital audio signal, including both stereo channels, through one cable.
What connections are fitted?
A gold-plated RCA connector is fitted at each end.
Can it connect a CD transport to a DAC?
Yes, provided the CD transport has a coaxial RCA digital output and the DAC has a compatible coaxial RCA digital input.
Can it connect a streamer to an amplifier?
Yes, where the streamer provides a coaxial digital output and the amplifier provides a coaxial digital input.
Can it be connected to an optical socket?
No. Optical Toslink and coaxial RCA are different connection formats and require different cables.
Is this an analogue RCA interconnect?
No. It is designed for coaxial digital S/PDIF connections and is supplied as a single cable rather than an analogue stereo pair.
Is the cable screened?
Yes. Black Rhodium specifies internal screening as part of the cable’s construction.
What conductor material is used?
The Intro Digital RCA uses a copper conductor.
Where is it assembled?
It is hand-assembled at Black Rhodium’s facility in Derby, England.
What guarantee is included?
Black Rhodium offers a lifetime guarantee on its cables, subject to the manufacturer’s applicable guarantee conditions.
Related Black Rhodium Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- Help identifying compatible digital inputs and outputs
- Digital source, DAC and amplifier matching
- Advice choosing between coaxial, optical, USB and HDMI connections
- 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 Digital RCA is suitable for your source, DAC or amplifier.