Audio T Verdict
The Black Rhodium Opus is a flexible stereo RCA interconnect pair for connecting compatible analogue Hi-Fi components.
Its stranded tinned-copper conductors are protected by a soft white silicone-rubber outer sheath and terminated with compact gold-plated RCA plugs that are easy to handle behind closely positioned equipment.
Available in 0.5-metre and one-metre pairs, Opus is a practical first upgrade from basic interconnects supplied with entry-level audio equipment.
Black Rhodium Opus RCA Interconnect Pair
The Black Rhodium Opus carries a stereo analogue audio signal between compatible Hi-Fi components fitted with left and right RCA inputs and outputs.
It is supplied as a pair of separate RCA-to-RCA cables. One cable carries the left audio channel and the second carries the right.
Its compact, flexible construction makes it particularly suitable for systems where space behind the equipment rack is limited.
Stereo Analogue RCA Connection
Opus is designed for conventional line-level analogue audio connections.
Typical applications include connecting:
- A CD player to an integrated amplifier
- A network streamer to an amplifier
- A DAC to an amplifier or preamplifier
- A tuner to an amplifier
- A separate phono stage to an amplifier
- A preamplifier to an RCA-equipped power amplifier
- A cassette deck or recorder to compatible analogue sockets
Both components must provide compatible left and right analogue RCA connections.
Check the Socket Labels
RCA sockets may be used for analogue audio, coaxial digital audio, subwoofers or other specialist connections.
Confirm that you are connecting a stereo analogue output to a compatible stereo analogue input.
Supplied as a Stereo Pair
The package contains two factory-terminated interconnect cables.
One cable connects the left output of the source component to the left input of the amplifier. The second cable completes the corresponding right-channel connection.
Both cables are required to create a complete stereo analogue connection.
0.5-Metre and One-Metre Lengths
Audio T currently offers Opus RCA in two stereo-pair lengths:
- 0.5 metres per cable
- 1 metre per cable
The 0.5-metre version suits components positioned immediately beside or above one another, while the one-metre pair provides more flexibility around shelves and equipment racks.
Measure the route between the sockets rather than relying only on the straight-line distance between the components.
Allow Enough Room Behind the Equipment
Choose a length that allows the cables to form gentle curves without pulling against the RCA sockets.
A cable that is too short can place unnecessary strain on the connectors, while excessive unused length can make the rear of the system more difficult to organise.
Stranded Tinned-Copper Conductors
Black Rhodium specifies a conductor construction made from 16 strands of 0.2mm-diameter tinned copper.
The published conductor area is 0.5mm².
Tinning provides a protective surface over the copper strands, while the stranded construction helps the completed cable remain flexible.
Published Insulation Construction
Black Rhodium specifies an insulation thickness of 0.6mm.
The manufacturer does not identify the insulation material separately in the current public product specification, so it should not be confused with the cable’s silicone-rubber outer sheath.
No current capacitance, resistance or inductance figures are published for the completed Opus RCA interconnect.
White Silicone-Rubber Outer Sheath
Each Opus cable is covered with a smooth white silicone-rubber outer sheath.
Silicone rubber gives the cable a soft and flexible character, helping it route naturally behind equipment and around shelves.
Black Rhodium also uses the material for its damping effect, helping reduce small mechanical vibrations within the completed cable.
Flexible Cable Construction
Opus has been designed to remain easy to handle during installation.
This can be useful where:
- Components are installed close together
- RCA sockets are positioned near a wall
- Space behind the equipment rack is restricted
- Several interconnects are connected to the same amplifier
- A stiff or heavily constructed cable would be awkward to route
The cable should still be protected from sharp bends, crushing, excessive tension and strong heat sources.
Gold-Plated Hourglass RCA Plugs
Opus is fitted with Black Rhodium’s gold-plated hourglass-style RCA plugs.
The shaped connector bodies provide a convenient gripping point when inserting or removing the cables in confined spaces.
Gold plating provides a corrosion-resistant contact surface for compatible RCA sockets.
Connecting the RCA Plugs
Switch both components off before installing or removing the interconnects.
Hold the plug body and push it straight into the compatible RCA socket until the connection is secure.
When disconnecting, hold the hourglass-shaped connector body rather than pulling directly on the cable or silicone-rubber sheath.
Maintaining the Correct Channels
Connect the source component’s left output to the receiving component’s left input.
Repeat the process for the right channel. Check the labels carefully where the sockets are arranged vertically or viewed upside down from behind an equipment rack.
Crossing the cables between left and right will reverse the stereo image.
Connecting a Source to an Amplifier
Opus can connect the line-level analogue output of a compatible CD player, network streamer, DAC or tuner to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Use a normal line-level input such as CD, AUX, Line, Tuner or Streamer.
After completing the connection, switch the equipment back on and select the corresponding input on the amplifier.
Connecting a Separate Phono Stage
The Opus pair can connect the line-level output of a separate phono stage to a normal amplifier line input.
It should not automatically be selected as a turntable-to-phono-stage cable because it does not include a separate earth lead and Black Rhodium does not publish its capacitance.
Check the turntable, cartridge and phono-stage connection requirements before ordering a cable for that part of the system.
Do Not Use a Normal Line Input for a Turntable Cartridge
A turntable cartridge usually requires a compatible phono stage before its signal can be connected to a normal amplifier line input.
Where a separate phono stage is used, Opus can connect the phono stage’s line-level output to the amplifier.
Connecting a Preamp to a Power Amp
Opus may connect a compatible preamplifier to a power amplifier where both components use unbalanced RCA connections.
Switch both components off before installation and reduce the preamplifier volume before switching the system back on.
For a pair of monoblock power amplifiers, ensure that the left and right cables are routed to the correct amplifier channels.
Not a Coaxial Digital Cable
Opus is sold as a stereo analogue interconnect pair.
Black Rhodium does not publish a 75-ohm characteristic-impedance specification for this product, so it should not automatically be selected for an S/PDIF coaxial digital connection.
Use a dedicated single digital cable between a coaxial digital output and input.
Not an XLR Interconnect
Opus is fitted with unbalanced RCA connectors and cannot connect directly to three-pin XLR sockets.
Where both components provide compatible balanced XLR connections, consider a suitable XLR interconnect pair instead.
Custom Cable Lengths
Black Rhodium states that alternative Opus lengths can be supplied by request.
A custom length may be useful where the standard 0.5-metre pair is too short but the one-metre pair would leave a large amount of unused cable, or where the equipment is positioned farther apart.
Custom-length availability, pricing and lead time should be confirmed with Audio T before purchase.
System Matching
Opus is intended as an accessible interconnect for first Hi-Fi systems and as an upgrade from basic cables supplied with audio equipment.
The result of changing an interconnect will depend on the source, amplifier, existing cable and complete system setup.
An Audio T demonstration can help establish whether Opus provides a worthwhile improvement and whether the selected length suits the installation.
Care and Installation Guidance
- Switch both components off before changing interconnects
- Connect the left output to the left input
- Connect the right output to the right input
- Use compatible analogue line-level RCA sockets
- Push each plug straight into its socket
- Hold the connector body when disconnecting
- Avoid pulling directly on the cable
- Do not sharply bend the cable behind the plugs
- Do not crush the silicone-rubber sheath beneath equipment
- Keep the cables away from strong heat sources and moisture
- Avoid long, close parallel routes beside mains cables where practical
- Do not cut, shorten or reterminate the factory-built cables
Key Features
- Stereo analogue RCA interconnect pair
- Two separate RCA-to-RCA cable runs
- Available in 0.5-metre and one-metre lengths
- Alternative lengths available by request
- Flexible construction for easy installation
- 16 × 0.2mm tinned-copper conductor strands
- 0.5mm² published conductor area
- 0.6mm published insulation thickness
- White silicone-rubber outer sheath
- Silicone-rubber vibration damping
- Gold-plated RCA contacts
- Hourglass-shaped connector bodies
- Suitable for compatible line-level analogue equipment
- Designed as a first-system or supplied-cable upgrade
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the package contain?
It contains two factory-terminated Opus RCA interconnects for the left and right analogue audio channels.
Which lengths are available from Audio T?
Audio T currently offers 0.5-metre and one-metre stereo pairs.
Does the selected length apply to each cable?
Yes. A one-metre pair contains two one-metre cables, while a 0.5-metre pair contains two 0.5-metre cables.
What conductor material is used?
Black Rhodium specifies 16 strands of 0.2mm-diameter tinned copper with a published conductor area of 0.5mm².
What is the outer sheath made from?
The cable uses a white silicone-rubber outer sheath.
Why is silicone rubber used?
It gives the cable a soft, flexible construction and provides mechanical damping within the completed interconnect.
Which connectors are fitted?
Gold-plated hourglass-style RCA plugs are fitted at both ends of each cable.
Can it connect a CD player or streamer to an amplifier?
Yes, provided both components have compatible stereo analogue RCA connections.
Can it connect a DAC to an amplifier?
Yes. It can carry the line-level analogue output of a compatible DAC to an amplifier or preamplifier.
Can it connect a separate phono stage?
Yes. It can connect a phono stage’s line-level output to a normal amplifier line input.
Can it connect a turntable directly to a phono stage?
It may not be suitable because it does not include a separate earth lead and its capacitance is not published. Check the cartridge and phono-stage requirements first.
Can it be used as a digital RCA cable?
It is sold as an analogue stereo interconnect and is not specified as a 75-ohm coaxial digital cable.
Is the cable screened?
Black Rhodium does not publish the screening arrangement for the current Opus RCA interconnect.
Are custom lengths available?
Yes. Black Rhodium states that other lengths can be supplied by request.
Related Black Rhodium Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced Hi-Fi specialists
- Help identifying compatible analogue RCA connections
- Source, amplifier and preamplifier system matching
- Advice choosing between 0.5-metre and one-metre cables
- Guidance on RCA, XLR and digital connections
- 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 choosing the correct Opus cable length or confirming compatibility with your source and amplifier.