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AudioQuest Rocket 44 Bi-Wire Speaker Cable
£80.00 £66.67
SKU
AQ Rocket 44 Bi-Wire
Lifetime
New
48 Hours
All eight of Rocket 44’s conductors are solid. Solid conductors prevent strand interaction, a major source of cable distortion.
AudioQuest Rocket 44 Bi-Wire Speaker Cable
Rocket 44 incorporates Perfect-Surface Copper+ into its blend of conductors. PSC+ has fewer grain boundaries, which reduces harshness in the sound. This carefully finessed combination of PSC and PSC+ enables Rocket 44 to deliver a clear and faithful presentation.
Features :
- Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+/Perfect-Surface Copper (PSC+/PSC) Conductors
- Carbon-Based Noise-Dissipation and Cross-Talk-Dissipation Systems (Insulation)
- Double Star-Quad Geometry
- Spread-Spectrum Technology (SST)
- Bi-Wiring
- Gold or Silver Plated Terminations - Please note the AudioQuest Series 1000 plugs are only available in silver.
Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+/Perfect-Surface Copper (PSC_/PSC) Conductors :
Rocket 44 uses a carefully finessed combination of extremely high-purity Perfect-Surface Copper+ and Perfect-Surface Copper. The astonishingly smooth and pure PSC further eliminates harshness and greatly increases clarity. Rocket 44’s conductor mix is dominated by PSC+.
Carbon-Based Noise-Dissipation and Cross-Talk-Dissipation Systems (Insulation) :
The four negative conductors in Rocket 44 are insulated with partially conductive Carbon-Loaded Polyethylene. This remarkable material damps radio-frequency garbage from being fed back into the amplifier. The sonic benefit is exactly the same reduction in “hash” and better dimensionality that comes whenever RF garbage is reduced in an audio circuit. Rocket 44 uses Nitrogen-Injected Foamed-Polyethylene Insulation on its positive conductors because air absorbs next to no energy, and Polyethylene is low-loss with a benign distortion profile. Thanks to all the air in Foamed-Polyethylene Insulation, it causes much less of the “out-of-focus” effect common to other materials.
Double Star-Quad Geometry :
The relationship between conductors defines a cable’s most basic electrical values (capacitance and inductance). However, even when those variables are kept in a reasonable balance, the relationship between conductors can be varied in ways that greatly affect the sound. The Double Star-Quad construction of Rocket 44 allows for significantly better dynamic contrast and information intelligibility than if the same conductors were run in parallel.
Spread-Spectrum Technology (SST) :
Any single size or shape of conductor has a specific distortion profile. Even though radially symmetrical conductors (solid or tubular) have the fewest discontinuities, any conductor of a particular size does have a sonic signature. SST is a method for significantly reducing the awareness of these character flaws by using a precise combination of different sized conductors. The different SST-determined conductor sizes used in Rocket 44 allow an exceptionally clear, clean and dynamic sound.
Bi-Wiring :
Rocket 44 is an exceptional Single-BiWire cable. When the halves are separated at the speaker end, the Double Star-Quad Geometry turns Rocket 44 into a true Double-BiWire set thanks to the magnetic autonomy of each Quad-conductor section. On its own, one Star-Quad conductor group would be a little lightweight in performance as it is biased towards treble finesse. The other Star-Quad conductor group is biased toward the bass; it’s more forceful and lacking ultimate resolution. Together they form a completely optimized full-range design. When separated, the Double Star-Quad design allows Rocket 44 to be a maximum-performance Double BiWire in a single cable.
Gold or Silver Plated Terminations :
AudioQuest offers a wide range of high-quality connectors that allow Rocket 44 to be securely attached to any type of equipment. Quality is in the low-distortion sound, not necessarily in the eye-candy effect. AQ ends are either dull looking gold or silver because these metals are plated directly over the connector. There is no shiny and harsh sounding nickel layer underneath. AQ PK-spade lugs are soft because better metal is soft, and facilitates a higher quality connection. For pieces requiring a banana plug or BFA connector the AQ PK-BFA/Banana provides unprecedented performance over conventional brass versions. Please note the AudioQuest Series 1000 plugs are only available in silver.
Application :
The PVC “pants” on either end of Rocket 44 are marked “Speaker End” or “Amp End.” Please use cables in the direction required.
Specification :
- Please note, you need to enter a quantity of 2 for a pair
- Length: Custom
- Metal: Solid PSC+ / PSC
- Gauge: 3.31mm2
- Geometry: Double Star-Quad
- Dielectric: Foamed-Polethylene (For All Positive Conductors)
- Noise-Dissipation System: Cross-Talk-Dissipation System
- Jacket: Black/Silver Braid
- Plugs: 500 Series Multi-Spade or Banana (Gold or Silver
- Lifetime Warranty
Termination
This cable is professional terminated by Futureshop using one of the following plug options:
- Series 500 Gold-plated Banana or Spade
- Series 500 Silver-plated Banana or Spade
- Series 1000 Silver-plated Banana or Spade
The Series 500 plugs are made from 'Purple Copper' which is a higher-purity copper compared to the Suregrip 300 Beryllium copper and delivers improved sonic characteristics. The Series 1000 plugs are made from 'Red Copper' which is the highest purity copper in the AudioQuest range and are designed to deliver the very best sonic performance.
The coppers of the connector, just as in the speaker cable itself can lend to the cable sounding more detailed, wider soundstage, lowering of the noise floor and protection of the raw conductors. These benefits increase step by step as you progress higher up the series from the Suregrip 300 Beryllium Copper plugs to the Series 1000 Red Copper banana plugs. The plating process also changes as you move up the series, resulting in a thicker and more durable plating. Please note the AudioQuest Series 1000 plugs are only available in silver.
How to Order
From the dropdown menus' above, simply select the length of cable, the type of plugs required at the ‘Amplifier end’ and ‘Speaker end’ and click on the 'Add to Basket' button to add the item to your basket. Your cable will be dispatched as soon as it has been made by Future Shop's or the manufacturer’s engineers and has completed the specified burn-in process (if any), subject to Future Shop’s Terms & Conditions and stock availability.
About AudioQuest
AudioQuest has been the largest cable supplier to the high-end specialist market for many years. AudioQuest is sold in several hundred outlets in the US and in over sixty countries. Bill Lowe (Founder) is especially pleased that this success has been possible despite his insistence that the foundation of the company, and the foundation of AudioQuest marketing, must be the performance of the product. In the audio world, many professionals have learned that it is not always convenient to listen to the products they sell … they might learn something they don’t want to know! Bill has always understood the challenge of basing the existence of AudioQuest on the performance of the product. However, to Bill, this is the only reasonable way to do business and the only acceptable way to combine his passion for music (and all things high performance), with his need to make a living.</p
Specification :
- Please note, you need to enter a quantity of 2 for a pair
- Length: Custom
- Metal: Solid PSC+ / PSC
- Gauge: 3.31mm2
- Geometry: Double Star-Quad
- Dielectric: Foamed-Polethylene (For All Positive Conductors)
- Noise-Dissipation System: Cross-Talk-Dissipation System
- Jacket: Black/Silver Braid
- Plugs: 500 Series Multi-Spade or Banana (Gold or Silver
- Lifetime Warranty
UK Delivery
1. We use Royal Mail 1st Class Services as a Standard Postage Option
Orders received before 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. Over 98% of our orders are usually delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2-3 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays . In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Futureshop.co.uk. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD or Interlink Express for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order Monday to Friday subject to stock availability. For International orders, we use FedEx Services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths or custom-made cables may be subject to longer delivery time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free UK delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at FutureShop.co.uk
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by UK Mail).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or Interlink Express next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or Interlink Express.
2. Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by futureshop.co.uk by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
3. Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 10 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 7 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the EU are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you login or register.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail - Items are usually delivered within 10-15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets.
Enhance Your Experience: Free Cable Burn-In Service with Nordost VIDAR Machine
Please take note of the following details regarding our cable burn-in service:
- Cable Compatibility: We regret to inform you that we cannot burn-in cables with stripped bare ends or BFA plugs. In order for cables to undergo the burn-in process, they should be terminated or have connectors.
- Timing: Cables will be burnt in for the selected period after processing your order. For custom-length cables, the burn-in process will occur after they have been terminated by the manufacturer or our engineers unless specified otherwise in the product description.
- Availability: Future Shop provides our cable burn-in service free of charge, but its availability is at our discretion. While we strive to fulfil all burn-in requests for the specified time periods, please understand that during exceptionally busy periods, we may be unable to meet the demand due to limited connections on the Nordost Vidar cable conditioning machines.
The Nordost VIDAR cable burn-in machine integrates three key functions into one operation:
- Charge Neutralisation: It eliminates charges that accumulate around the cables and their insulation, ensuring a more balanced electrical environment.
- Deep Conditioning: The machine provides a wide band and deep conditioning process that affects the conductor core, resulting in changes to the signal transmission through the metal. This deep conditioning enhances the cable's performance.
- Ultrasonic Surface Conditioning: The VIDAR machine utilizes ultrasonic waves to condition the surface of the conductors, optimizing their contact and overall conductivity.
The VIDAR employs a proprietary combination of composite and complex signals to condition the cables. These signals comprise ultra-low and ultra-high frequencies, extending beyond the range of video frequencies. The signal moves back and forth along the cable, penetrating deep into the core with ultra-low frequencies and traversing the surface with ultra-high frequencies. This transmission method generates beat harmonics between the two complex waveforms, which permeate all layers of the cable. The circuitry of the VIDAR also drives electrons from the conductor into the insulation area, neutralizing electrical charges.
So, what does this all mean for you?
The ultimate outcome of conditioning cables with the Nordost VIDAR is improved sound staging, increased detail, and an overall more musical presentation in your audio system.
Now, you may wonder why cable burn-in is necessary. During cable manufacturing, gasses become trapped as insulation is applied over the conductors. Additionally, new cables often possess high electrical charges, resulting in a brittle and bright sound that lacks the desired detail and depth for music production.
When cables undergo burn-in, the trapped gasses are dissipated, and small impurities in the conductor metals begin to exhibit diode-like behaviour, favouring current flow in a specific direction.
Here are the physical effects of the burn-in process:
- Charge Neutralisation: The burn-in process neutralizes charges in the conductors and insulation, promoting a more balanced electrical environment.
- Wide Bandwidth Frequencies: The conditioning affects how signals pass through the metal, enabling a wider range of frequencies to penetrate all cable layers.
- Signal Transmission: The burn-in process establishes the directionality of the cable, optimizing signal transmission from one end to the other.
When cables are properly burnt in, you can expect the following audible changes in your audio system:
- Fuller and Natural Sound: Your system should be capable of producing a more immersive and realistic performance with a fuller and more natural sound.
- Increased Detail: You may notice enhanced details and nuances in the music, allowing you to perceive subtle elements that were previously hidden.
- Improved Soundstage: The dimensionality of your system's soundstage can be greatly improved, creating a more spacious and immersive listening experience.
At Future Shop, our goal is to maximise your satisfaction. That's why we offer a free burn-in service on all our cables before they arrive at your door, enabling you to sit back and enjoy the benefits of properly conditioned cables in your audio system.
READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDOST VIDAR CABLE TREATMENT
Customer Reviews
5 /5.0 of 16 Reviews
Is it worth it?
Terry Edwards
21 Jul 2024
Verified Buyer
I had the Audioquest Rocket 11 speaker cable for my Nad M33 replace some cables I made, which were okay. The Rocket 11s reduced the boom from the bass and made the higher frequencies clearer.
With limited upgrade options, I decided to buy better speaker cables and I chose the AudioQuest Rocket 44 bi-wire speaker cable.
It was pre-burnt in, but after fitting, I thought I’d made a mistake as it sounded overall worse. After about four hours of use, it was so much better than the previous cables. I'm not sure if it was me or what, but there was a noticeable improvement in detail on the low end. I didn’t notice any high-frequency change.
I don’t think I’ll be upgrading these for a while.
Also, great service from Futureshop.
With limited upgrade options, I decided to buy better speaker cables and I chose the AudioQuest Rocket 44 bi-wire speaker cable.
It was pre-burnt in, but after fitting, I thought I’d made a mistake as it sounded overall worse. After about four hours of use, it was so much better than the previous cables. I'm not sure if it was me or what, but there was a noticeable improvement in detail on the low end. I didn’t notice any high-frequency change.
I don’t think I’ll be upgrading these for a while.
Also, great service from Futureshop.
Good quality cables
Stephen silk
10 Jul 2024
Verified Buyer
I cannot fault the service and delivery time. I thought I would try these cables, as the banana plugs on my old cables were very loose in the speakers.
The banana plugs on this cable fitted a lot better in the speakers, but the cables sounded a bit harsh at first, even though they had 72 hours of burn-in, but soon calmed down.
There was a little increase in the bass, but it was not as warm and relaxed as my old cables, which I miss, so I will fit better banana plugs into my old cables. I like these cables; they are very good for the money.
Like most things, you must be happy with the sound of your set-up.
The banana plugs on this cable fitted a lot better in the speakers, but the cables sounded a bit harsh at first, even though they had 72 hours of burn-in, but soon calmed down.
There was a little increase in the bass, but it was not as warm and relaxed as my old cables, which I miss, so I will fit better banana plugs into my old cables. I like these cables; they are very good for the money.
Like most things, you must be happy with the sound of your set-up.
Quality cable nice improvement in sound detail
Phil
15 Apr 2024
Verified Buyer
Quality cable, nice improvement in sound detail. Upgraded from the Audioquest Rocket 11 to this Rocket 44 bi-wire.
There is a nice improvement in sound. I would highly recommend it.
Good fast delivery from Future Shop; it's my go-to shop now.
There is a nice improvement in sound. I would highly recommend it.
Good fast delivery from Future Shop; it's my go-to shop now.
Nice even sound
Rob
22 Dec 2023
Verified Buyer
I bought a 2.5m pair to replace some older Atlas cables. It has a nice, even-balanced sound, sweet treble, and tight bass. Ideal for classical music.
I requested a two-day burn-in, but like an Audioquest Carbon USB cable I use, it took another few days to settle down.
I requested a two-day burn-in, but like an Audioquest Carbon USB cable I use, it took another few days to settle down.
Great detailed sound
Wayne
16 Apr 2022
Verified Buyer
These speaker cables have bred new life into my speakers with just more detailed sound all around. It was a bit of a stretch getting the '44s and was originally looking at the '33 but am very happy with my choice and the service from these guys is outstanding.
Very cordial & knowledgeable sales person, excellent cable.
Mark Schwab
25 Jan 2022
Verified Buyer
I needed to replace my old AudioQuest 4 Cable with Bi-wire Rocket 44. The salesperson knew exactly what I needed, and the order was quickly processed and I received it with rapid shipping from Great Britain to Hawaii (USA). The cable was exactly as I ordered and greatly improved my system.
I will order all my future cables from this superb company.
I will order all my future cables from this superb company.
Quality cable, significant sound improvement
John
18 Feb 2021
Verified Buyer
I had spent some £3000 upgrading my system and had connected everything up on old existing speaker cable as it was installed, nice and neat, under the floating floor, all well and good but just could not get away from the aggressive treble that lacked detail, upgraded to the Rockett 44 and WOW!!!
Clean detailed treble, awesome mids, tight well controlled bass, excellent soundstage, and im hearing subtle little details never before experienced. Without doubt one of the best upgrades i have ever fashioned. For me this cable is worth every penny
Clean detailed treble, awesome mids, tight well controlled bass, excellent soundstage, and im hearing subtle little details never before experienced. Without doubt one of the best upgrades i have ever fashioned. For me this cable is worth every penny
Solid performer
Ville
7 Jan 2021
Verified Buyer
In the world of inflated cable prices these are the real deal especially if you are looking for longer cable lengths like I was. Sound is open and spacious, bass has authority without being boomy, mids are detailed and treble extension exceptional.
Connectors I chose are AQ500 series spades with gold plating in single-bi-wire configuration. They offer secure and tight connection and are also beautifully finished.
Connectors I chose are AQ500 series spades with gold plating in single-bi-wire configuration. They offer secure and tight connection and are also beautifully finished.
Excellent service & an excellent product.
Lawrie
21 Dec 2020
Verified Buyer
For the cost these cables out perfrom any at a similar price point, & many others that are far more expensive. Detail & clarity is outstanding & these work brilliantly with my Wharfedale Evo 4.4 floorstanders. Allow them to fully burn in in order to appreciate the dynamic qualities these bring to music from any source.
I guess a brief review should included sources, am.....
Peter Brown
15 Oct 2016
Verified Buyer
I guess a brief review should included sources, amplification and speakers used.
Sources: 1] Linn Sondek LP12 turntable/Ittok LVII arm/Kiseki Blue Gold Spot moving coil cartridge recently retipped with a microridge stylus by Northwest Analog
2] Meridian G08.1 CD player
Amplification: Meridian G61R SL DSP sound controller running in Direct mode (no DSP enhancements), Meridian G55 5 channel power camp running with channels 1&2, 3&4 bridged - channel 3 is used to power centre speaker when using DSP modes
Speakers: Proac D20R biwired to bridged channels
Cable being replaced: Audioquest FT-4; a fairly good cable at the price.
Having spent a little time listening to some CD and LP tracks with the FT-4 cable I installed the AudioQuest Rocket 44 Speaker Cable - bare wire, no connectors - in a double biwire configuration. I then played the same CD and LP tracks to compare the sound of the Rocket 44 cables against recent memory of the FT-4 cable sound.
Both the wife and I along with various visitors had been fairly impressed with the FT-4 sound - until we heard the Rocket 44 cable which seems to have opened up the soundfield and provides more musical detail across the audio spectrum especially at the top end making the FT-4 cables seem like they had been choking the music a little.
Sources: 1] Linn Sondek LP12 turntable/Ittok LVII arm/Kiseki Blue Gold Spot moving coil cartridge recently retipped with a microridge stylus by Northwest Analog
2] Meridian G08.1 CD player
Amplification: Meridian G61R SL DSP sound controller running in Direct mode (no DSP enhancements), Meridian G55 5 channel power camp running with channels 1&2, 3&4 bridged - channel 3 is used to power centre speaker when using DSP modes
Speakers: Proac D20R biwired to bridged channels
Cable being replaced: Audioquest FT-4; a fairly good cable at the price.
Having spent a little time listening to some CD and LP tracks with the FT-4 cable I installed the AudioQuest Rocket 44 Speaker Cable - bare wire, no connectors - in a double biwire configuration. I then played the same CD and LP tracks to compare the sound of the Rocket 44 cables against recent memory of the FT-4 cable sound.
Both the wife and I along with various visitors had been fairly impressed with the FT-4 sound - until we heard the Rocket 44 cable which seems to have opened up the soundfield and provides more musical detail across the audio spectrum especially at the top end making the FT-4 cables seem like they had been choking the music a little.