CablePod™ Binding Post
Most
binding posts used in home audio and professional applications are made from
gold plated brass or phosphor bronze with a conductivity rating typically less
than 28% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). As a comparison, the
high purity copper used in the vast majority of loudspeaker cables has a
conductivity rating of 100% IACS. Because of this low conductivity, it is our
contention that standard binding posts compromise electron flow and diminish
the performance of amplifiers and speakers.
The
large mass of metal used in many binding posts, while visually impressive, has
also been shown to introduce phase errors and smearing due to skin effect -
where high frequency signals travelling on the surface of the conductor are
conveyed faster than low frequency signals travelling at varying depths and
speeds within the metal itself. The result is quite frequently a reduction in
time domain linearity and compromised sonic performance, manifesting itself as
slow, bass heavy, smeared sound.
In
addition, most binding posts utilize a heavy plating of gold over a nickel
substrate. While lending a jewel-like appearance to the connector’s contact
surface, this is often a cause of degraded sound quality as electrons flow
through three dissimilar metals with differing electrical and conductive
properties.
Eichmann
Technologies of Brisbane Australia offers the new CablePod™ as a solution to
these inherent problems. In rethinking the architecture of the typical binding
post, we have innovated; and in so doing it is our contention that we have
solved the problems of standard binding posts. Our design offers vastly
improved signal transfer, enhanced sonic performance, and a faster, more direct
connection.
A key aspect of our design was
careful attention to the thickness and mass of the contact element. In subverting visual appeal to improved
performance we went where few other manufacturers in our experience have gone.
We devoted months of experimentation and countless hours of machining, all with
the sole and overriding purpose to create a contact element that is ideal in
size and shape to support current flow but to minimise skin effect. In short, the CablePod™ contact element is
optimized for sonic performance.
The conductive surfaces on the
CablePod™ are machined from either high-purity Tellurium Copper (over 90% IACS)
or pure silver (106% IACS) to ensure maximum conductivity. This provides up to
320% greater conductivity than the gold plated brass connectors used in the
vast majority of binding posts. Proven metallurgical choices result in better
signal transfer, and electron flow that is consistent with the highest quality
speaker cables.
24k gold is direct plated to the
conducting surfaces in the Tellurium Copper CablePod™, eliminating the nickel
plating typically used as the third metal in a confusing composite on standard
binding posts. Gold is applied solely to prevent oxidation, and contrary to
popular opinion, is not a factor in sound quality. Our Silver CablePod™ utilizes
4-nines pure Silver (106% IACS) and is treated with a Caig PreservIT antioxide
solution, with no additional plating, to preserve signal quality.
Not to be ignored, we have also
carefully thought through the whole clamping process used in capturing spades
or bare wire. Rather than sandwiching the spade or bare wire between two metal
surfaces, we have created a unique telescoping mechanism in which a high
strength polymer captures the speaker termination and presses it snugly against
a single metal conducting surface. Not
only is this a more secure, and easily finger tightened connection, it
surprisingly has sonic benefits. Whether resonance or eddy current related,
these benefits can be confirmed by careful listening comparisons.
Finally, we have removed the
typical binding post securing nut from the conductive path by incorporating an
over moulded polymer thread to insulate the nut from the contact element.
In
summary the new CablePod™ offered by Eichmann Technologies is a totally new
approach to multi-way binding post connection. Its innovations and refinements
include