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The balanced AES/EBU version of the Varidig Sextet is not as flexible as the RCA version because of the outer shielding. The AES/EBU cable is noticeably thicker in the middle, compare its ends, due to the impedance matching geometry of each of the six individual internal Varidig wires its composed of. The latest balanced version is made with the proprietary STEALTH XLR connectors (the same Titanium shell, Teflon dielectric and solid silver contacts XLR that are used on the latest, 2006 production balanced Indra interconnects):
Varidig Sextet AES/EBUSOUND & REVIEWS
The "Varidig Sextet" FEATURES SUMMARY
TERMINATIONSThe Varidig Sextet cables are available in single-ended RCA-to-RCA, BNC-to-BNC, and BNC-to-RCA, and balanced XLR-to-XLR (AES/EBU) configurations. We emphasize the type and the quality of the connectors used because - for digital cables - connectors and termination technique contribute about as much to the sound quality as the digital cables themselves.
REVISION HISTORY
In early 2007, we started experimenting with Ultra-modified PTFE (Teflon material), which lead to development of our newest proprietary connectors - both RCA and XLR - that use this type of Teflon instead of the conventional PTFE. The Ultra-modified PTFE features superior dielectric properties (reduced permeability and a lower dielectric constant - which offer even lower energy storage and further reduced "crossover-type" distortion in cables and connectors), better mechanical characteristics (significantly lower deformation under load, higher elongation and tensile strength - these qualities improve the "grip" of the STEALTH connectors on the chassis mounted counterparts), plus a pore-free and extremely smooth surface - preventing contaminates from being trapped in high purity applications. Appearance-wise, the Ultra-modified PTFE is similar to the PTFE, the only visual difference is a shade of blue in the Ultra-modified version. The latest prototypes of the STEALTH new connectors are shown below. Starting 2008, we plan to supply the Varidig Sextet cables with these new connectors. Please note the machined Caron Fiber shells of these new XLR connectors - versus solid Titanium shells on the 2006/2007 connectors, and multiple grooves on the larger Titanium ring on the RCA connector. The center pin of the RCA connector has also changed: it now has a rounded tip and microgrooves for a better contact. If a contacts enhancer is used, these grooves would "hold" it better than a smooth pin. The actual production connectors may look a bit different, and the picture below shows a general appearance of the new connectors, and is placed here for information purposes only.
Even the beta S/PDIF Varidig Sextet made use of a STEALTH developed digital RCA connector. This connector is similar to the Indra connector, but modified for digital application. These digital STEALTH connectors are very light weight, but robust; they are made of Kevlar, carbon fiber composite and machined titanium, with exclusively Teflon dielectric and ultra light 99.99% pure silver contacts); in order to achieve a true 75 Ohms characteristic impedance, the geometry of this digital connector is different from its Indra brother: it's larger in diameter at the termination point, and the center pin is hollow, but not cylindrical; in addition, a machined Teflon insert supports and positions the wires as they approach the termination point.
The 2006 and 2007 balanced AES/EBU Sextet use the proprietary STEALTH XLR connectors (machined Titanium shells, solid silver contacts, machined PTFE dielectric)
The early Sextet AES/EBU (balanced) beta version was made with XHadow XLR connectors. The male X-Hadow XLR connector works like a conventional XLR, but the female version of this connector is not locking, and it also lacks the "guide" that guarantees the correct position of the connector towards the pins on the panel mounted XLR counterpart, so it's necessary to be extra careful while connecting the female XLR end of the cable to the equipment. None of the production Sextet cables were made with X-Hadow connectors.
PRICINGSuggested retail price for an RCA-terminated Varidig Sextet (with the STEALTH proprietary Titanium/Carbon/Teflon/silver DIGITAL RCA connectors) is $2000.00 for 0.6 meters, $2400 for 1 meter, and $500 for each extra meter after 1 meter; Suggested retail price for a balanced (AES/EBU) XLR-terminated Varidig Sextet (with the STEALTH proprietary Titanium/Teflon/silver XLR connectors) is $3200.00 for 1 meter length (1 meter is the shortest for the AES/EBU configuration), and $600 for each extra meter after 1 meter;
INSTALLATION of the RCA-terminated Sextet:One needs to apply a significant force to make sure the STEALTH RCA connectors are inserted all the way onto the RCA female (on the back of an equipment piece). When you insert these connectors, the feel is like forcing a knife through a cold chunk of butter: it goes slowly and smoothly, but with a very noticeable resistance. This usually requires either approaching your equipment rack from behind, or partially removing a component from a rack to have a clear access to it's back panel to insert the connectors using the axial force (along the connector's axle, along the cable); The internal part of the connector is made of Teflon, and the internal diameter of the Teflon cylinder is slightly smaller than the RCA female diameter. When the connector is fist connected, the Teflon cylinder expands to reach the internal part of the titanium housing (the outer titanium ring on the connector). Once connected, the connector sits very tight on the RCA female, and the three solid silver strips, that make the actual contact, are pressed to the RCA female outer part. If the RCA female was cleaned right before inserting the STEALTH RCA connectors into it (with a contact cleaner or with simply rubbing (isopropyl alcohol), the connection between these strips and the RCA female is very firm - close to air tight, and it won't oxidize or deteriorate with time.
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