Audio T Verdict
The Black Rhodium Calypso is a substantial mains power cable designed for high-quality Hi-Fi and home cinema equipment with a removable IEC mains connection.
Its silver-plated copper conductors, low-loss silicone-rubber insulation and screening against radio-frequency and electromagnetic interference provide a significant construction upgrade over a basic moulded mains lead.
The standard 1.7-metre UK version is suitable for a broad range of source components and amplification, although the equipment connector must be checked carefully because C13 and high-current C19 versions are not interchangeable.
Black Rhodium Calypso Mains Power Cable
The Black Rhodium Calypso is a hand-built mains power cable developed for high-quality audio and home cinema systems.
It uses silver-plated copper conductors, low-loss silicone-rubber insulation, RFI and EMI screening and a vibration-damping black braided outer sleeve.
The standard UK cable connects a three-pin 13-amp mains plug to a Schurter C13 IEC connector. Alternative plug and equipment-connector arrangements can be supplied for compatible systems.
Designed for Audio Equipment
A basic mains lead must deliver power safely, but its conductor materials, insulation, screening, mechanical construction and connectors may be relatively simple.
Calypso has been developed specifically for audio equipment, with attention paid to both electrical interference and mechanical vibration within the cable.
Potential applications include:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Preamplifiers
- Power amplifiers
- CD players and transports
- Network music streamers
- DACs
- Phono stages
- Headphone amplifiers
- Compatible home cinema equipment
- Mains conditioners with an appropriate IEC inlet
The connected product must have the correct removable IEC mains inlet and remain within the cable and connector arrangement’s published limits.
Silver-Plated Copper Conductors
Calypso uses silver-plated copper conductors to carry the live, neutral and protective-earth connections.
Silver plating provides a highly conductive outer surface while retaining copper as the principal conductor material.
Black Rhodium does not publish a conductor cross-sectional area for the current Calypso mains cable, so no unsupported conductor-size figure should be added to the product specification.
Low-Loss Silicone-Rubber Insulation
The conductors are insulated with silicone rubber rather than a basic PVC formulation.
Black Rhodium describes this as a low-loss insulation material and also uses silicone rubber for its mechanical damping properties in several cable designs.
The insulated conductors are twisted together within the cable, forming the internal power-carrying assembly before the screening and outer braid are applied.
RFI and EMI Screening
The internal conductors are screened against radio-frequency interference and electromagnetic interference.
Potential sources of electrical noise around a modern system include:
- Wi-Fi routers and wireless devices
- Computer equipment
- Televisions and games consoles
- Switch-mode power supplies
- Phone and laptop chargers
- LED lighting and dimmer switches
- Other mains and signal cables behind the equipment rack
Screening is intended to reduce the cable’s exposure to this surrounding interference as power travels through the final section between the wall socket or distribution block and the audio component.
Screening Is Not Mains Conditioning
Calypso is a screened power cable rather than a mains filter, DC blocker, voltage regulator or regenerator.
Where the system has a specific mains-noise, DC-offset or voltage problem, a suitable power-conditioning product may still be required.
Vibration-Damping Braided Sleeve
The cable is covered with an attractive black braided outer sleeve.
Black Rhodium uses this braid to provide additional mechanical damping and reduce the effects of vibration within and around the cable.
The braid also provides a smart, durable outer finish that coordinates easily with most Hi-Fi and home cinema installations.
Hand-Assembled in Derby
Each Calypso mains cable is assembled by hand at Black Rhodium’s factory in Derby, England.
The conductors, screening, outer braid and selected mains connectors are combined and terminated as a completed cable rather than supplied as an unterminated product for the customer to assemble.
Do not open, shorten, reterminate or modify the cable. Mains connections should only be worked on by a suitably qualified person.
Standard 1.7-Metre Length
The standard Calypso mains cable is supplied at a length of 1.7 metres.
Black Rhodium selected this length after comparing different cable lengths through listening tests.
Alternative lengths can be made on request. Availability, lead time and price should be confirmed before ordering.
Check the Route Before Ordering
Measure the complete path from the socket or mains distribution product to the equipment inlet.
Allow enough length for a relaxed route without tension, sharp bends or pressure on either connector. Avoid ordering excessive length that will need to be tightly coiled behind the rack.
UK 13-Amp Plug
The standard UK version is fitted with a three-pin 13-amp mains plug for a conventional UK wall socket or compatible mains distribution product.
Make sure the plug is inserted fully and that the socket is secure and undamaged.
Do not use the cable with loose sockets, damaged extension leads or improvised mains adapters.
Schurter C13 IEC Connector
The standard equipment end uses a Schurter C13 IEC connector.
C13 is the familiar rectangular connector used by many amplifiers, CD players, streamers, DACs and other audio components.
It is sometimes informally called a kettle lead, although an actual high-temperature appliance connector is a different IEC type. Compatibility should therefore be checked by connector shape and equipment documentation rather than by the informal name.
Optional C19 High-Current Connector
A Calypso version with a C19 equipment connector can be supplied for compatible high-current products.
C19 is larger and differently shaped from C13 and is commonly found on certain power amplifiers, mains conditioners and distribution products.
A C13 connector cannot be inserted into a C20 appliance inlet, and a C19 connector will not fit a conventional C14 inlet. Check the connected equipment before selecting the cable.
C13 and C19 Are Not Interchangeable
Look at the equipment’s rear mains inlet and check its manual before ordering.
Contact Audio T where the inlet type is unclear, particularly with high-powered amplifiers and mains conditioners.
International Plug Options
Black Rhodium also offers Calypso with:
- European Schuko mains plug
- North American UL-type mains plug
- UK 13-amp plug with C19 equipment connector
This Audio T page is intended primarily for UK customers. Confirm the required plug and IEC termination before placing an order for a non-standard version.
13-Amp Continuous Current Rating
Black Rhodium publishes a continuous cable-current rating of 13 amps for Calypso.
This makes it suitable for many power amplifiers as well as lower-consumption source components.
The complete connection must still be appropriate for the equipment. The appliance inlet, selected IEC connector, mains outlet, fuse arrangement and connected component must all be compatible.
Choosing Which Component to Upgrade
Calypso can be used with source components or amplification, provided the connection is suitable.
Where only one cable is being introduced initially, sensible starting points may include:
- The main integrated amplifier
- A stereo power amplifier
- A network streamer or music server
- A CD player or transport
- A DAC or digital preamplifier
- A mains distribution product with the correct inlet
The most worthwhile position will depend on the system, surrounding electrical environment and individual equipment.
System Matching and Demonstration
The audible effect of any mains-cable change depends on the equipment, existing cable, mains supply and other connections within the system.
Possible changes may include differences in background noise, clarity, image focus, bass definition and the separation of musical detail.
These effects should be assessed in the context of the complete system rather than assumed to be identical with every component.
A home loan or demonstration is the most useful way to establish whether Calypso represents a worthwhile upgrade in a particular system.
Installation Guidance
Switch the connected equipment off and disconnect its existing mains lead before installing Calypso.
- Check that both connectors match the mains outlet and equipment inlet
- Insert each connector fully without forcing it
- Keep the cable away from sharp edges and strong heat sources
- Avoid crushing it beneath furniture or equipment feet
- Do not pull the cable tight between the socket and component
- Do not create sharp bends close to either connector
- Disconnect by gripping the plug or connector body, not the cable
Do not use the cable if its outer braid, insulation, plug or IEC connector becomes damaged.
Not Suitable for Every Product
Calypso cannot connect directly to equipment with:
- A permanently attached mains lead
- A two-pin figure-of-eight inlet
- A cloverleaf IEC inlet
- An external low-voltage power adaptor
- A different high-current connector
Do not use an improvised adapter simply to make the cable fit. Select a cable terminated specifically for the equipment.
Key Features
- Screened mains power cable for high-quality audio equipment
- Silver-plated copper conductors
- Low-loss silicone-rubber conductor insulation
- Twisted internal conductor arrangement
- Screening against RFI and EMI
- Black vibration-damping braided outer sleeve
- Hand-assembled in Derby, England
- Standard 1.7-metre length
- Alternative lengths available by request
- UK 13-amp mains plug as the standard UK connection
- Schurter C13 IEC equipment connector
- Optional C19 high-current equipment connector
- Schuko and UL plug versions available
- Published continuous cable-current rating of 13 amps
- Suitable for compatible source components and amplification
- Black Rhodium lifetime product-function guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard Calypso cable length?
The standard length is 1.7 metres. Alternative lengths can be supplied by request.
Which connectors are fitted to the UK version?
The standard UK cable uses a three-pin 13-amp mains plug and a Schurter C13 IEC equipment connector.
Can it be supplied with a C19 connector?
Yes. A UK 13-amp to C19 version is available for compatible equipment.
How do I know whether I need C13 or C19?
Check the shape of the appliance inlet and the equipment manual. C19 is larger than C13 and the two connectors are not interchangeable.
Can Calypso be used with a power amplifier?
Yes, provided the equipment inlet, selected connector and complete electrical installation are compatible. Black Rhodium publishes a continuous cable-current rating of 13 amps.
Can it be used with a streamer or CD player?
Yes. Calypso can power compatible source components fitted with the appropriate removable IEC inlet.
Does it filter or regenerate the mains supply?
No. It is a screened mains cable rather than a power conditioner, DC blocker, voltage regulator or mains regenerator.
What conductor material does it use?
It uses silver-plated copper conductors insulated with low-loss silicone rubber.
Is the cable screened?
Yes. Black Rhodium screens the cable against radio-frequency and electromagnetic interference.
Is Calypso made in the UK?
Yes. It is assembled by hand at Black Rhodium’s factory in Derby, England.
Can I use it with figure-of-eight equipment?
No. The standard cable is intended for a C14 appliance inlet using its C13 connector. A different correctly terminated cable is required for figure-of-eight equipment.
What guarantee is included?
Black Rhodium guarantees that its cables will fulfil their advertised function for the lifetime of the product and states that a cable developing a fault will be repaired free of charge, subject to its guarantee terms.
Related Black Rhodium Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help identifying C13 and C19 equipment inlets
- Advice matching the cable to source components and amplification
- Alternative length and termination enquiries
- Home loan and demonstration options where available
- Mains distribution and conditioning guidance
- Complete-system cable matching
- Safe cable-routing advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to confirm the correct Calypso length and connector arrangement for your equipment.