Audio T Verdict
The Black Rhodium Charleston DCT++ CS is a reference-level speaker cable developed for highly revealing Hi-Fi systems.
Deep-cryogenically treated silver-plated copper conductors are combined with full-length screening, vibration damping, large ferrites and rhodium-plated locking plugs.
The standard version is supplied as a factory-terminated three-metre stereo pair, although alternative lengths and rhodium-plated spade connectors can be ordered where required.
Black Rhodium Charleston DCT++ CS Speaker Cable
Charleston DCT++ CS is designed to connect the output terminals of a stereo amplifier or pair of monoblock amplifiers to passive loudspeakers.
The standard package contains two three-metre cable runs, one for the left channel and one for the right. Each cable is assembled by hand at Black Rhodium’s factory in Derby, England.
Its construction combines treated silver-plated copper conductors with extensive screening, mechanical damping, radio-frequency interference suppression and secure rhodium-plated terminations.
Deep-Cryogenically Treated Conductors
Charleston uses stranded silver-plated copper conductors treated using Black Rhodium’s deep-cryogenic process.
Black Rhodium applies this treatment as part of its wider approach to reducing cable-related distortion and improving the conductor’s performance within a high-quality audio system.
The manufacturer does not publish conductor cross-section, resistance, capacitance or inductance figures for the current Charleston cable. Specifications from other Black Rhodium products should not be applied to it.
Silver-Plated Copper Construction
The conductors use copper as their principal material with a silver-plated outer surface.
Charleston is substantially larger and more heavily constructed than a basic twin-core speaker cable, so the route behind the amplifier, rack and loudspeakers should be planned before ordering.
Allow enough room for the cable, ferrites and connectors to sit naturally without pressing against furniture or placing strain on the equipment terminals.
Full-Length Braided Screening
A braided screen runs along the cable to reduce the influence of external radio-frequency interference and magnetic fields.
Potential sources of interference around a modern system 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 speaker cable
The screening is combined with conductor treatment, vibration control, ferrites and upgraded connectors rather than being used as an isolated feature.
Vibration Damping
Charleston is mechanically damped along its full length.
Black Rhodium treats vibration as one of the factors that can influence the behaviour of an audio cable. Its damping construction is intended to reduce micro-vibration within the cable while protecting the internal assembly.
Avoid tightly crushing the cable, repeatedly bending it at the same point or placing it under tension.
Large Ferrites for RFI Reduction
Large ferrites are fitted as part of Charleston’s radio-frequency interference reduction design.
They form an integral part of the completed cable and should not be removed, opened or repositioned.
Check the Space Behind Your Equipment
The ferrites and locking connectors require more clearance than a slim unterminated cable.
Check recessed or downward-facing terminals carefully and allow room for the cable to curve without placing sideways pressure on the binding posts.
Rhodium-Plated Locking Plugs
The standard Charleston cable is terminated with rhodium-plated 4mm locking plugs at the amplifier and loudspeaker ends.
Once inserted into a compatible 4mm terminal, the plug’s outer section can be tightened to create a secure mechanical connection.
Rhodium provides a durable contact surface with strong resistance to corrosion and repeated connection cycles.
Connecting the Locking Plugs
Switch the amplifier off before connecting or disconnecting the cables.
Insert each plug fully into its compatible 4mm socket, then tighten the locking section until the connection is secure. Do not overtighten it or force the plug into an incompatible terminal.
To disconnect the cable, loosen the locking section and pull gently on the connector body rather than the cable or ferrite housing.
Optional Rhodium-Plated Spades
Charleston can be supplied with rhodium-plated spade connectors by request.
Spades may be preferable where:
- The amplifier or loudspeaker does not accept 4mm plugs
- The 4mm sockets are blocked or restricted
- The binding post provides a particularly secure spade connection
- A right-angle cable exit suits the installation better
The spade opening must match the equipment’s binding posts. Confirm the required termination at both ends before ordering.
Mixed Terminations
Different connector types may be specified at the amplifier and loudspeaker ends where required.
For example, a system may use locking 4mm plugs at the amplifier and rhodium-plated spades at the loudspeakers.
Custom termination availability, price and lead time should be confirmed with Audio T before purchase.
Three-Metre Stereo Pair
The standard Charleston package contains two cable runs, each measuring three metres.
This means it is supplied as a three-metre stereo pair rather than a single three-metre length.
Three metres suits many systems where the amplifier is positioned centrally between the loudspeakers, but the actual route should be measured before ordering.
Measure the Complete Route
Measure from each amplifier terminal to its corresponding loudspeaker terminal, following the path the cable will take around furniture and equipment.
Allow enough length for gentle curves and access to the connectors without leaving large coils of unused cable.
Alternative Cable Lengths
Black Rhodium can manufacture Charleston in alternative lengths to suit different rooms and system layouts.
Custom cables are normally produced specifically for the customer, so the length and termination arrangement should be established carefully before placing the order.
Equal left and right cable lengths keep the stereo installation consistent and provide greater flexibility if the system is rearranged later.
Maintaining Correct Polarity
Connect the amplifier’s positive terminal to the positive loudspeaker terminal and 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.
Keep positive and negative connectors apart whenever the amplifier is switched on.
Single-Wire Systems
For conventional single-wire loudspeakers, one Charleston cable connects each amplifier channel to its corresponding loudspeaker.
The two cables should be routed without tight bends and kept away from sharp edges, heaters and moving furniture.
Where the loudspeaker has two sets of binding posts, its terminal links must remain fitted unless suitable replacement links or a full bi-wire arrangement are being used.
Bi-Wire Loudspeakers
Black Rhodium recommends two complete Charleston pairs where a system is to be fully bi-wired.
One pair feeds the high-frequency terminals and the second pair feeds the low-frequency terminals.
This arrangement requires an amplifier with suitable terminal capacity and careful attention to polarity at every connection.
Using Speaker Links
A less costly alternative is to use one Charleston pair with high-quality speaker links between the loudspeaker’s high-frequency and low-frequency terminals.
Black Rhodium currently recommends Bolero speaker links as its compromise option for this type of installation.
Remove the loudspeaker manufacturer’s original metal links only when suitable replacement links are ready to install.
Connect Both Crossover Sections
A bi-wire loudspeaker requires both sections of its crossover to receive the amplifier signal.
Use the manufacturer’s terminal plates, suitable speaker links or a complete bi-wire cable arrangement.
Passive Bi-Amplification
Charleston can also form part of a passive bi-amplified system where separate amplifier channels drive the high-frequency and low-frequency sections of compatible loudspeakers.
The loudspeaker terminal links must be removed before separate amplifier outputs are connected.
Bi-amplification should only be attempted with compatible equipment and a clear understanding of the amplifier and loudspeaker connection requirements.
Amplifier and Loudspeaker Compatibility
Charleston is intended for amplifiers and passive loudspeakers fitted with binding posts that accept the selected termination.
Before ordering, check:
- Whether the terminals accept 4mm plugs or spades
- The available space around recessed terminals
- The number of connections required for single-wire or bi-wire operation
- The cable length needed for both channels
- Whether the loudspeaker’s terminal links will be retained or replaced
System Matching
Charleston is designed for highly revealing systems where the amplifier, loudspeakers and source components are capable of showing differences between cable constructions.
Black Rhodium describes its intended presentation in terms of low colouration, clarity, natural timing and the ability to resolve complex musical passages.
The scale and character of any improvement will depend on the existing speaker cable, amplifier, loudspeakers, room and complete system setup.
Demonstration Recommended
At this level, a demonstration is an important part of selecting a speaker cable.
A comparison can establish whether Charleston provides a worthwhile improvement over the existing cable and whether its presentation suits the amplifier, loudspeakers and listener.
A demonstration also allows the connector access, cable route and most appropriate single-wire, bi-wire or speaker-link arrangement to be checked.
Installation Guidance
- Switch the amplifier off before changing speaker cables
- Maintain correct positive and negative polarity
- Insert and secure every connector fully
- Keep positive and negative plugs from touching
- Avoid tight bends close to the ferrites and connectors
- Do not crush the cable beneath equipment or furniture
- Keep the cable away from strong heat sources
- Do not open, shorten or reterminate the factory-built cable
- Disconnect by holding the connector rather than pulling the cable
Finish and Termination Options
- Black cable finish
- Rhodium-plated 4mm locking plugs as standard
- Rhodium-plated spades available by request
- Mixed plug and spade arrangements available by request
- Alternative cable lengths available by request
Key Features
- Reference-level factory-terminated speaker cable
- Supplied as a three-metre stereo pair
- Alternative lengths available by request
- Deep-cryogenically treated conductors
- Stranded silver-plated copper construction
- Braided screening along the cable
- Mechanical damping along its full length
- Large ferrites for RFI reduction
- Rhodium-plated 4mm locking plugs
- Rhodium-plated spades available by request
- Mixed termination arrangements available
- Suitable for single-wire systems
- Full bi-wiring possible with two cable pairs
- Compatible speaker-link option for bi-wire loudspeakers
- Assembled by hand in England
- Black Rhodium lifetime product-function guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the standard package contain?
It contains two factory-terminated Charleston cable runs, each measuring three metres, for the left and right loudspeakers.
Which connectors are fitted as standard?
Rhodium-plated 4mm locking plugs are fitted at the amplifier and loudspeaker ends.
Can Charleston be supplied with spade connectors?
Yes. Rhodium-plated spades can be specified where they better suit the amplifier or loudspeaker terminals.
Are custom lengths available?
Yes. Black Rhodium can manufacture alternative lengths to order.
What conductor material does it use?
Charleston uses deep-cryogenically treated stranded silver-plated copper conductors.
Is the cable screened?
Yes. It uses a braided screen and is mechanically damped along its full length.
What are the large sections fitted to the cable?
They are ferrites used as part of the cable’s radio-frequency interference reduction design.
Can it be used with bi-wire loudspeakers?
Yes. Black Rhodium recommends two Charleston pairs for full bi-wiring, or one pair with suitable high-quality speaker links.
Is Charleston assembled in the UK?
Yes. It is assembled by hand at Black Rhodium’s factory in Derby, England.
What guarantee is included?
Black Rhodium guarantees that its cables will fulfil their advertised function for the lifetime of the product and states that faulty cables will be repaired free of charge, subject to its guarantee terms.
Related Black Rhodium Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- High-quality speaker-cable demonstrations
- Amplifier and loudspeaker system matching
- Advice choosing locking plugs, spades or mixed terminations
- Custom cable-length enquiries
- Single-wire, bi-wire and bi-amplified system guidance
- Speaker-link recommendations
- Polarity and connection checks
- Home demonstration options where available
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or confirm the correct Charleston length and termination for your system.