AudioQuest Rocket 11 Speaker Cable

The AudioQuest Rocket 11 is a made-to-order speaker cable with semi-solid True-Concentric conductors of Long-Grain Copper (LGC) and the entry point into AudioQuest's Rocket series. It's the cable that has set the bar in this class for years – so persistently, in fact, that the competition regularly misses it.

Why the Rocket 11?

True-Concentric means: fewer, but thicker cores, laid in successive, oppositely wound layers that keep their position relative to each other. That eliminates the constant micro-contact that generates distortion in fine strands. Two such conductor pairs run as a twisted double spiral – a low-inductance geometry that holds the timing together. Carbon-based noise dissipation and a Dielectric-Bias System remain reserved for the larger Rockets; the 11 does without them and still sounds remarkably composed.

What you get

You choose length and configuration: Full-Range with one pair of connectors per side, or Single-BiWire with two connectors at the amplifier and four at the speaker. Termination is with AudioQuest's SureGrip 300, in banana or spade, direct silver-plated with no nickel underlayer. The price is per pair; single runs for a center channel or active subwoofer are made on request.

Who is the Rocket 11 suited for – and who isn't it for?

Plainly put: if you're running an uncompromisingly resolving high-end system, you're better off with the Rocket 33 or 44 – those add solid-core conductors and carbon dissipation. On good entry- and mid-range systems, though, the Rocket 11 is the point where price and effect line up most cleanly.

Our verdict

Calm, timing, a soundstage with clear contours: the Rocket 11 delivers the Rocket virtues at an entry-level price. 5/5 stars and What Hi-Fi? Award winner – What Hi-Fi?, 2022. We're happy to help you work out which length, configuration and connector type you need: HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, 044 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical data

• Type: speaker cable, made-to-order (Rocket series)
• Conductors: semi-solid, True-Concentric, Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
• Cross-section: 4 × 1.31 mm²
• Geometry: twisted double spiral (Double Low-Inductance Twisted Pair), direction-optimized
• Noise dissipation: no carbon dissipation, no Dielectric-Bias System
• Insulation: PVC, CL3/FT4 (in-wall rated)
• Connectors: SureGrip 300, banana or spade, direct silver-plated
• Configurations: Full-Range or Single-BiWire
• Lengths: 2 m, 2.5 m, 3 m, 4 m (price per pair)
• Included: made-to-order cable pair in the chosen length and configuration

Frequently asked questions

When does Single-BiWire make sense for me?

When your speaker has two pairs of terminals and the jumpers between them can be removed. Single-BiWire routes the tweeter and woofer sections separately within the same cable, while only one pair of connectors still leaves the amplifier. Tell us your speaker model and we'll tell you if it fits.

Does the Rocket 11 have carbon-based noise dissipation?

No. Carbon-based noise dissipation only starts with the Rocket 22, and a Dielectric-Bias System appears in this series only on the Rocket 88. The Rocket 11 relies instead on semi-solid True-Concentric conductors and the twisted double spiral – which keeps it slim, flexible and affordable.

Banana or spade – which should I choose?

That's decided by the connections on your amplifier and speaker, not by sound. Bananas are the convenient standard, spades sit more firmly and are the only clean solution on some terminals. Send us both device models and we'll pick the right termination.

Why is the Rocket 11 worth buying at HD Zürisee?

Because we match length, configuration and connectors to your devices instead of just handing you cable by the meter. Our technician Mauri terminates the cables in-house, and we'll tell you upfront whether this step is even worthwhile for your system. Reach us by phone, WhatsApp or email.

Goes well with

To give the cable something to do: find speakers, integrated amplifiers and more speaker cables with us – or take a look straight at the AudioQuest world.