in akustik Referenz Cat-2405 Air (3.0M)

• Air Helix construction: Air as dielectric reduces crosstalk
• High-density shielding protects against electromagnetic interference
• RJ45 connector with ±45° rotation for flexible cable routing
• CAT 8.1 standard – up to 2000 MHz bandwidth
• Optimized for high-end streaming – Made in Germany 

The CAT-2405 AIR is a high-end LAN cable designed for connecting audio components in streaming setups. It is based on our specially developed Air Helix construction, which enables low-loss and interference-resistant signal transmission. For this construction, we have designed a special clip that forms a stable supporting framework inside the cable. Several of these clips hold the signal pairs in a helical shape and at a defined distance freely in the air. The entire arrangement runs within a high-density shield. Two connecting bridges keep the clips evenly spaced and at the same time provide the necessary flexibility in the cable structure.

Digital signal transmission: In mathematics, digital information is represented as binary values, but technically it is transmitted via analog voltage curves. To distinguish between states such as "0" and "1", voltage thresholds and time windows are defined. The transition between these states does not occur abruptly, but continuously—the signal passes through intermediate values, for example, between 0 and 5 volts. Capacitive loads, dielectric losses, noise, and external electromagnetic influences can distort these transitions. This results in timing shifts in the signal, known as jitter. Jitter makes it harder to assign data precisely in time and impairs the reconstruction of digital audio signals.

Advantages of the Air Helix construction: The overall shielding made of dense braid, as well as additional foil shields for each pair of wires, effectively protect against external interference. The Air Helix construction uses air as a dielectric and ensures a constant distance between the wire pairs. This arrangement reduces crosstalk and capacitive losses, contributing to unadulterated signal transmission. Streaming components and integrated digital-to-analog converters (DACs) benefit from the improved signal quality and can process data more precisely.

CAT connector with rotation mechanism: Conventional RJ45 connectors can only be plugged in at a fixed orientation. Depending on the position of the socket, this can result in unfavorable cable routing and mechanical stress on the connector, cable, and socket. To counteract this, we use rotatable RJ45 connectors with a 180° mechanism. Each connector can be rotated by about ±45°, resulting in a total adjustability of about ±90° between both connectors. This allows the cable to be routed without tension and in a space-saving manner.

Sound Advantages at a Glance:

• Air Helix construction: Signal pairs arranged helically in air—minimal capacitive losses
• Air as dielectric: Reduces crosstalk and improves signal purity
• High-density shielding (tinned): Overall and pair shielding against electromagnetic interference
• RJ45 connector with 180° rotation mechanism: Flexible, tension-free cable routing
• Optimized for high-end streaming: Supports precise clocking in digital audio transmission
• Conductor material: High-purity OFC copper for stable, low-loss transmission
• Technical specification: CAT 8.1—up to 2000 MHz bandwidth
• Made in Germany: Development, manufacturing, and quality assurance on site

Thanks to the Air Helix design, the conductors run freely suspended through the length of the cable.

The Air Helix architecture permits signal conductors to be insulated to practically 100% by air. Special clips were developed to provide the supporting framework. Positioned at defined intervals inside the cables, these clips keep the helically-arranged conductors apart. Cable flexibility is assured by means of two struts that ensure the clips remain together but also at a precise distance from each other. This architecture is unique, bringing low capacitance and minimum dielectric losses – a true milestone in the search for open and unadulterated sound.

Our physical approach: Minimize losses for true-to-original playback.

Our Referenz AIR cables transport audio signals between source, amplifier and speaker in an authentic way and with a minimum of loss. You can enjoy music that precisely expresses the emotions of the artists at the time of recording – sensual, subtle, light-hearted or orchestral right through to full-blooded and rocking. Vocals and instruments are delivered in unadulterated form. Everything remains vibrant and full of emotive energy. Favorite tracks and pieces continue to trigger strong feelings even when you’ve heard them a hundred time over.

Point-to-point Air Helix for end-to-end connections

A new feature in the 5th generation of in-akustik’s Air Helix architecture is the point-to-point connection. Specially designed transitions are available for each type of cable and connector. Across the complete length of the cable – point-to-point AIR Helix. It may sound trivial at first, but the results are impressive. Sound signals are transported with minimized losses, right through to the final centimeters. The sound is more detailed and dynamic than even before.

Handmade

Each cable is handcrafted with the utmost care. Our extensive know-how and the qualifications of our team enable us to manufacture the complex cables in a customized manner. Apart from the finest of materials, our most important resource is the manual dexterity of our cable assemblers. In assembling our outstanding cables, they demonstrate meticulousness, composure and dedication.

Rotatable Connector

Conventional RJ45 connectors often force the cable into awkward bending radii, which can put mechanical strain on the cable, connector, and socket. The innovative 180° connector of the CAT-2405 AIR can be rotated by ±45 degrees, enabling stress-free and flexible cable routing. This protects sensitive sockets and ensures a consistently stable connection—even in tight installation spaces.

Low Jitter

In technical reality, digital signals pass through numerous intermediate values when switching from zero to one. Capacitive losses, noise, and interference within the cable affect this transition and cause what is known as jitter—timing shifts in the signal. The AIR Helix construction minimizes these influences and supports precise signal alignment for audibly more accurate audio reproduction.