Audio T Verdict
The Black Rhodium Intro is an affordable factory-terminated speaker cable pair for connecting a stereo amplifier to passive loudspeakers.
Its twin-core copper construction is combined with a large ferrite, vibration-damping outer braid and gold-plated Z plugs, bringing several of Black Rhodium’s established cable-design features to an accessible price point.
Audio T offers the Intro speaker cable in three-metre and five-metre stereo pairs, making it a practical choice for a first separates system or an upgrade from basic speaker wire.
Black Rhodium Intro Speaker Cable with Ferrites
The Black Rhodium Intro Speaker Cable connects the speaker outputs of a stereo amplifier or receiver to a pair of passive loudspeakers.
It is supplied as two factory-terminated cable runs, one for the left channel and one for the right. Gold-plated Z plugs are fitted at both the amplifier and loudspeaker ends.
The Intro range has been developed to provide an accessible introduction to Black Rhodium’s cable designs while retaining UK assembly, vibration control and radio-frequency interference reduction.
Twin-Core Copper Construction
Each Intro speaker cable uses a twin-core design with 0.75mm² copper conductors.
One conductor carries the positive side of the amplifier signal while the second carries the negative side. The two conductors are insulated with PVC and arranged within a flexible cable body.
The cable is designed primarily for entry-level and affordable Hi-Fi systems, although compatibility will depend on the amplifier, loudspeakers, required length and preferred listening level.
Large Ferrite for Interference Reduction
A large 45mm ferrite is fitted to each cable as part of Black Rhodium’s interference-reduction design.
The ferrite is intended to reduce the influence of high-frequency electrical noise travelling through or affecting the cable.
Potential sources of radio-frequency 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 speaker cables
The ferrite forms part of the completed factory assembly and should not be removed, opened or repositioned.
Allow Space for the Ferrites
The cable measures approximately 12.2mm across the ferrite section, making it larger than the main cable body.
Allow enough room behind the amplifier and loudspeakers for the ferrites and connectors to sit naturally without pressing against furniture or placing strain on the terminals.
Vibration-Damping Outer Braid
An expandable woven braid covers the outside of each cable.
Black Rhodium uses this outer braid to provide additional protection and help damp small mechanical vibrations within the cable.
Avoid crushing the braid beneath furniture, repeatedly bending it at the same point or placing the cable under tension.
Gold-Plated Z Plugs
The Intro speaker cables are terminated with gold-plated 4mm Z plugs at both ends.
The Z plug uses a spring-contact design that expands against the inside of a compatible 4mm socket, creating a secure connection without a separate locking mechanism.
Gold plating provides a corrosion-resistant contact surface and helps protect the connectors through repeated connection cycles.
Connecting the Z Plugs
Switch the amplifier off before connecting or disconnecting the speaker cables.
Push each plug straight into a compatible 4mm socket until it is fully inserted and secure. Do not force the connector into a terminal that does not accept 4mm plugs.
When disconnecting the cable, hold the connector body and pull it straight out. Do not pull directly on the cable, braid or ferrite.
Three-Metre and Five-Metre Pairs
Audio T offers the Black Rhodium Intro Speaker Cable in three-metre and five-metre stereo pairs.
Each package contains two equal-length cable runs:
- One cable for the left loudspeaker
- One cable for the right loudspeaker
- Gold-plated Z plugs fitted at both ends
- A large ferrite fitted to each cable
Choose the length that allows both cables to follow their intended routes without being stretched or leaving large coils of unused cable.
Measure the Complete Cable Route
Measure from each amplifier terminal to the corresponding loudspeaker terminal, following the route the cable will take around the equipment rack and furniture.
Allow extra length for gentle curves, access to the connectors and possible adjustments to the loudspeaker positions.
Maintaining Correct Polarity
Connect the amplifier’s positive terminal to the positive terminal on the corresponding loudspeaker. Connect negative to negative.
Repeat the same arrangement for the other channel. Reversing the polarity of one loudspeaker can weaken central image focus and reduce bass performance.
The positive and negative plugs must not touch one another while the amplifier is switched on.
Single-Wire Loudspeakers
For conventional single-wire loudspeakers, one Intro cable connects each amplifier channel to its corresponding loudspeaker.
Where a loudspeaker has only one positive and one negative terminal, installation is straightforward: connect the left amplifier output to the left loudspeaker and the right output to the right loudspeaker.
Using the Cable with Bi-Wire Loudspeakers
Some loudspeakers have separate high-frequency and low-frequency binding posts.
When using one Intro cable per loudspeaker, the loudspeaker’s original terminal links must remain fitted so that both sections of its crossover receive the amplifier signal.
Suitable replacement speaker links may also be used in place of the original metal plates, provided they are compatible with the loudspeaker terminals.
Do Not Leave One Section Disconnected
A bi-wire loudspeaker requires both sections of its crossover to receive the amplifier signal.
Keep the manufacturer’s terminal plates fitted unless suitable speaker links or a complete bi-wire cable arrangement are ready to install.
Amplifier and Loudspeaker Compatibility
The Intro cable is intended for amplifiers and passive loudspeakers fitted with binding posts that accept 4mm plugs.
Before ordering, check:
- Whether both components accept 4mm speaker plugs
- The cable length required for each channel
- The space available around recessed terminals
- Whether the loudspeakers use single-wire or bi-wire terminals
- Whether the existing loudspeaker terminal links will remain fitted
- Whether the conductor size is appropriate for the system and cable length
System Matching
The Intro speaker cable is aimed primarily at first separates systems, affordable Hi-Fi equipment and customers replacing basic unterminated speaker wire.
The audible result of changing speaker cables will depend on the amplifier, loudspeakers, existing cable, room and complete system setup.
For larger rooms, demanding loudspeakers, high-powered amplifiers or particularly long cable runs, speak to Audio T about whether a cable with larger conductors would be more appropriate.
Installation Guidance
- Switch the amplifier off before changing speaker cables
- Maintain positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative polarity
- Insert each connector fully into a compatible 4mm socket
- Keep positive and negative plugs from touching
- Allow sufficient clearance around the ferrites
- Avoid sharp bends close to the plugs and ferrites
- Do not crush the cable beneath equipment or furniture
- Keep the cable away from strong heat sources
- Avoid running it tightly alongside mains cables
- Disconnect by holding the plug rather than pulling the cable
- Do not cut, shorten or reterminate the factory-built cables
Finish Options
Black Rhodium lists the Intro speaker cable with expandable outer braid in the following colours:
Finish availability through Audio T may vary. Confirm the required cable colour before ordering where a particular finish is important.
Key Features
- Factory-terminated stereo speaker cable pair
- Available from Audio T in three-metre and five-metre lengths
- Two equal-length cable runs
- Twin-core construction
- 0.75mm² copper conductors
- PVC conductor insulation
- Large 45mm ferrite fitted to each cable
- Expandable vibration-damping outer braid
- Gold-plated 4mm Z plugs
- Suitable for compatible amplifiers and passive loudspeakers
- Designed for single-wire stereo systems
- Compatible with linked bi-wire loudspeaker terminals
- Hand-assembled in Derby, England
- Black Rhodium lifetime warranty, subject to its terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the package contain?
It contains two equal-length, factory-terminated Intro speaker cables for the left and right loudspeakers.
Which lengths are available from Audio T?
Audio T currently lists three-metre and five-metre stereo pairs.
Does the selected length apply to each cable?
Yes. A three-metre pair contains two three-metre cables, while a five-metre pair contains two five-metre cables.
What conductor material is used?
The Intro speaker cable uses twin 0.75mm² copper conductors.
What are the large sections fitted to the cables?
They are 45mm ferrites used as part of Black Rhodium’s radio-frequency interference reduction design.
Which connectors are fitted?
Gold-plated 4mm Z plugs are fitted at the amplifier and loudspeaker ends.
Will the plugs fit every amplifier and loudspeaker?
No. Both components must have binding posts or sockets that accept 4mm speaker plugs.
Can the cable be used with bi-wire loudspeakers?
Yes, provided the loudspeaker’s high-frequency and low-frequency terminals remain connected using the manufacturer’s terminal plates or suitable speaker links.
Can the ferrites be removed?
No. The ferrites form part of the completed cable and should not be removed, opened or repositioned.
Can I shorten or reterminate the cable?
Audio T does not recommend cutting, shortening or reterminating the factory-built cables.
Where are the cables assembled?
Black Rhodium’s Intro cables are hand-assembled at its facility in Derby, England.
What warranty is included?
Black Rhodium provides a lifetime warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s applicable warranty conditions.
Related Black Rhodium Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- Help choosing the correct speaker-cable length
- Amplifier and loudspeaker compatibility checks
- Guidance on 4mm plugs and binding-post connections
- Single-wire and bi-wire loudspeaker advice
- Polarity and installation guidance
- 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 choosing the correct Intro speaker-cable length or confirming compatibility with your amplifier and loudspeakers.