AudioQuest Yosemite Interconnect Cable (RCA)

The AudioQuest Yosemite is an analog interconnect cable with RCA connectors that runs solid PSC+ conductors inside FEP air tubes and keeps the dielectric permanently biased with an active 72-volt system.

Why the Yosemite?

Compared with the Sydney, two things change, and both concern the insulation. Instead of polyethylene, the Yosemite uses FEP, a fluoropolymer with very low losses, again arranged as air tubes around the conductor. Added to that is the 72-volt Dielectric-Bias System: a battery carried along in the cable applies a DC voltage to the insulating material and keeps its molecules permanently aligned instead of letting the music signal align them. PSC+ conductors, three-layer carbon noise dissipation and direct silver-plated Red Copper connectors remain as the foundation.

What you get

A terminated stereo pair with an active DBS module and direct silver-plated RCA connectors, in lengths from 0.6 to 20 meters. The battery pack has a test button and an LED so you can check its condition at any time. Special lengths on request, price per stereo pair.

Who is the Yosemite suited for – and who isn't it for?

Honestly: if you're running an entry-level or solid mid-range system, you're paying here for technology that won't be fully exploited there – Sydney or Golden Gate are then the more sensible answers. On a genuinely resolving chain, though, the Yosemite is the tier at which the cabling stops being a compromise.

Our verdict

The Yosemite has reference-level ambition with copper conductors, and the DBS isn't decoration here but the reason the cable stays so unobtrusive in operation. Whether your electronics can carry that, we'll tell you straight – HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, 044 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical data

• Type: analog interconnect cable (RCA), unbalanced, stereo pair
• Series: Bridges & Falls
• Conductors: solid, Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+)
• Geometry: asymmetrical dual-balanced (low-impedance ground path)
• Dielectric: FEP Air Tubes (fluoropolymer)
• Noise dissipation: carbon-based 3-layer Noise-Dissipation System
• Dielectric-Bias System (DBS): active, 72 volts, with test button and LED
• Connectors: RCA, cold-welded, direct silver-plated on pure Red Copper
• Lengths: 0.6 / 1 / 1.5 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 8 / 12 / 16 / 20 m (price per stereo pair)
• Included: 1 stereo pair of RCA cables with DBS battery pack, ready-terminated

Frequently asked questions

What does the 72-volt DBS do in the cable?

A small battery applies a DC voltage to the insulating material through it. Its molecules stay permanently aligned as a result, instead of being aligned by the music signal itself. The effect is equivalent to a cable that's always run in, and shows up mainly as a quieter background.

Do I need to charge or replace the DBS battery?

You don't need to charge anything; the system draws practically no current. The battery pack has a test button and an LED: if it lights up when pressed, everything's fine. Service life runs several years, and you can get a replacement pack from us afterward.

What's the difference between FEP and ordinary polyethylene?

FEP is a fluoropolymer with considerably lower dielectric losses than polyethylene and is also more temperature-stable. Laid as air tubes around the conductor, it keeps the amount of solid insulating material small. In the Sydney, polyethylene still handles this job, and that, alongside the DBS, is the second difference between the two tiers.

Why order the Yosemite at HD Zürisee?

Because we tell you from which chain onward this tier actually carries its weight, and advise against it when the money would do more elsewhere. We sort out termination, lengths and connector types right along with it. We're reachable in Wädenswil by phone, WhatsApp or email.

Goes well with

The balanced alternative is found among the XLR cables, unbalanced neighbors among the RCA cables; the brand's whole range is shown in the AudioQuest collection.