Audio T Verdict
The Black Rhodium Intro XLR is an affordable stereo interconnect pair for connecting compatible Hi-Fi components fitted with three-pin XLR sockets.
Its screened two-core construction combines copper signal conductors with plastic-foil and twisted-copper screening, while a large ferrite helps reduce the influence of radio-frequency interference.
Supplied as a one-metre stereo pair and hand-assembled in Derby, it provides a practical introduction to XLR connections without the cost of Black Rhodium’s more advanced interconnects.
Black Rhodium Intro XLR Interconnect Pair
The Black Rhodium Intro XLR is designed to carry left and right analogue audio signals between compatible source components, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers.
The standard package contains two one-metre cables. One cable carries the left audio channel and the other carries the right.
Each cable is fitted with three-pin XLR connectors and incorporates a large ferrite close to one end as part of Black Rhodium’s interference-reduction design.
Designed for Compatible XLR Equipment
The Intro XLR can be used between Hi-Fi components fitted with compatible analogue XLR inputs and outputs.
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 preamplifier to a stereo power amplifier
- A preamplifier to a pair of monoblock power amplifiers
- A compatible phono stage to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier
Both components must provide compatible analogue XLR connections. The presence of an XLR socket alone does not confirm its signal type or electrical configuration, so check the equipment manuals before connecting the cables.
Check That Both XLR Connections Are Analogue
Three-pin XLR sockets may be used for analogue audio, AES/EBU digital audio or other specialist functions.
Confirm that the source provides an analogue XLR output and that the receiving component provides a compatible analogue XLR input.
Supplied as a Stereo Pair
The package contains two separate XLR interconnect cables.
One cable connects the left audio channel and the other connects the right. Both cables should follow the same channel arrangement at each end of the connection.
For a stereo system, both cables are normally required even when the equipment is housed in a single chassis.
One-Metre Standard Length
Each cable in the standard Intro XLR pair measures one metre.
This length suits many systems where the connected components are positioned on the same equipment rack or in neighbouring compartments.
Alternative lengths may be manufactured to order. Availability, pricing and lead time should be confirmed with Audio T before purchase.
Screened Two-Core Construction
The Intro XLR uses a screened two-core cable construction.
The two internal signal conductors allow the cable to support compatible XLR audio connections, while the surrounding screens help reduce the influence of electrical and radio-frequency interference.
Whether a connection operates as fully balanced will depend on how the XLR circuits are implemented within both connected components.
Copper Signal Conductors
The cable uses 0.1mm² copper signal conductors.
The conductors are enclosed within the cable’s screened assembly and protected by PVC outer insulation and an expandable woven sheath.
Black Rhodium combines the conductor construction with screening, vibration damping and ferrite-based interference reduction rather than relying on conductor material alone.
Plastic-Foil First Screen
A plastic-foil layer forms the first screen around the cable’s internal conductors.
This contributes to the cable’s protection from external electrical interference and forms part of the overall screened construction.
Twisted-Copper Second Screen
A twisted-copper layer provides the second screen.
The two screening layers work together to reduce the influence of interference generated by nearby equipment, power supplies and wireless 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 positioned close to the interconnects
Where possible, avoid routing the XLR cables tightly alongside mains cables for their entire length.
Large Ferrite for RFI Reduction
A large ferrite is fitted close to one end of each Intro XLR cable.
Black Rhodium uses the ferrite to attenuate radio-frequency interference within the cable and reduce its influence on the audio signal.
The ferrite is a fixed part of the completed assembly and should not be removed, opened or repositioned.
Allow Clearance Around the Ferrites
The cable measures approximately 18mm across the ferrite section, compared with approximately 7.5mm across the main cable body.
Allow enough room behind the equipment for the ferrites and connectors to sit without pressing against furniture or placing strain on the XLR sockets.
Expandable Vibration-Reducing Braid
An expandable woven braid covers the outside of each cable.
Black Rhodium describes this outer sheath as helping to reduce small mechanical vibrations while providing additional protection for the completed cable.
The braid should not be removed, cut or crushed beneath equipment or furniture.
Seven Braid Colours
Black Rhodium manufactures the Intro XLR with a choice of seven outer-braid colours:
- Black
- Blue
- White
- Red
- Yellow
- Orange
- Green
Different colours can help identify several source components or amplifier channels within a larger system.
Audio T availability may vary, so confirm the required finish before ordering where a particular colour is important.
Three-Pin XLR Connectors
Each cable is fitted with three-pin XLR connectors at both ends.
The maximum connector diameter is approximately 19mm, so the available space around closely grouped or recessed XLR sockets should be checked before installation.
Insert each connector straight into its corresponding socket until it is secure. When disconnecting, release the locking mechanism where applicable and hold the connector body rather than pulling the cable.
Left and Right Channel Connections
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 equipment labels carefully, particularly where the sockets are arranged vertically or viewed upside down from behind a rack.
Reversing both cables will exchange the left and right channels. Reversing only one end will create an incorrect crossed-channel connection.
Using the Cables Between a Source and Amplifier
The Intro XLR can connect the analogue output of a compatible CD player, streamer, DAC or phono stage to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Select the corresponding XLR or balanced input on the amplifier after completing the connection.
Where the source provides both RCA and XLR outputs, the preferred connection will depend on the design of both components rather than the connector type alone.
Using the Cables Between a Preamp and Power Amp
The cable pair can connect a compatible preamplifier to a stereo power amplifier or two monoblock power amplifiers.
Switch all components off before installing the cables and reduce the preamplifier volume before switching the system back on.
When using monoblock amplifiers, ensure that the left and right cables are connected to the correct power amplifier and loudspeaker channel.
XLR and RCA Connections
XLR and RCA are different connection formats and should not be treated as interchangeable simply because the equipment provides both.
A compatible XLR connection can provide improved rejection of interference, particularly over longer cable runs, but the result depends on the circuit design of the connected equipment.
Some components sound better through their RCA connections, while others have been designed primarily around their XLR circuitry. A demonstration is the best way to establish which connection is preferable within a particular system.
Not an AES/EBU Digital Cable
The Intro XLR is sold as an analogue stereo interconnect pair.
Black Rhodium does not specify it as a 110-ohm AES/EBU digital cable, so it should not automatically be selected for professional or domestic AES/EBU digital connections.
Use a purpose-designed digital cable where the connected equipment requires a specified AES/EBU impedance.
Alternative Lengths
The standard Intro XLR pair measures one metre, but Black Rhodium states that other lengths can be supplied to order.
Custom lengths are normally produced specifically for the customer, so the required route should be measured carefully before ordering.
Confirm custom-length availability, price and expected lead time with Audio T.
Hand-Assembled in Derby
The Intro XLR cables are hand-assembled at Black Rhodium’s facility in Derby, England.
The conductors, screens, outer insulation, woven braid, ferrites, connectors and heatshrink are assembled into a completed factory-terminated stereo pair.
Cutting, shortening, opening or reterminating the finished cables is not recommended.
System Matching
The Intro XLR is aimed at affordable separate-component Hi-Fi systems and customers looking for an accessible introduction to XLR interconnects.
The effect of changing an interconnect will depend on the source, amplifier, existing cable, system layout and the way the XLR circuits are implemented within both components.
An Audio T demonstration can help establish whether XLR is the most appropriate connection and whether the Intro cable provides a worthwhile improvement in the system.
Installation Guidance
- Switch both components off before changing interconnects
- Confirm that both XLR connections carry compatible analogue audio signals
- Connect the left output to the left input
- Connect the right output to the right input
- Insert each connector straight into its corresponding socket
- Release the connector latch before disconnecting where applicable
- Hold the connector body rather than pulling the cable
- Allow sufficient clearance around the ferrites and connectors
- Avoid sharp bends directly behind the connectors
- Do not crush the cable beneath equipment or furniture
- Keep it away from strong heat sources and moisture
- Do not cut, shorten or reterminate the factory-built cables
Key Features
- Stereo analogue XLR interconnect pair
- Two one-metre cable runs
- Alternative lengths available to order
- Screened two-core construction
- 0.1mm² copper signal conductors
- Plastic-foil first screen
- Twisted-copper second screen
- PVC outer insulation
- Expandable vibration-reducing outer braid
- Large ferrite fitted close to one end of each cable
- Three-pin XLR connectors
- Seven manufacturer-listed braid colours
- Approximately 7.5mm cable diameter
- Approximately 18mm diameter over the ferrite
- Approximately 125g per cable
- Hand-assembled in Derby, England
- Black Rhodium lifetime warranty, subject to its terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the standard package contain?
It contains two factory-terminated Black Rhodium Intro XLR cables, each measuring one metre, for the left and right audio channels.
Is this supplied as a stereo pair?
Yes. One cable carries the left channel and the other carries the right.
What conductor material is used?
The Intro XLR uses 0.1mm² copper signal conductors within a screened two-core construction.
Is the cable screened?
Yes. It uses a plastic-foil first screen and a twisted-copper second screen.
What is the large section fitted near one end?
It is a ferrite used as part of Black Rhodium’s radio-frequency interference reduction design.
Can the ferrite be removed?
No. It forms part of the completed factory assembly and should not be removed, opened or repositioned.
Can it connect a DAC or streamer to an amplifier?
Yes, provided both components have compatible analogue XLR outputs and inputs.
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. Performance depends on how both components implement their RCA and XLR circuits. Comparing the two connections within the system is recommended.
Is this a digital AES/EBU cable?
No. The Intro XLR is sold as an analogue stereo interconnect and is not specified as a 110-ohm AES/EBU digital cable.
Are alternative lengths available?
Yes. Black Rhodium states that other lengths can be supplied to order. Availability and pricing should be confirmed with Audio T.
Which colours are available?
Black Rhodium lists black, blue, white, red, yellow, orange and green outer braids. Audio T availability may vary.
Where are the cables assembled?
They are 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 conditions.
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, preamplifier and power-amplifier 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 if you need help confirming whether the Black Rhodium Intro XLR is suitable for your source, amplifier or preamplifier.