About The AudioQuest Dragon ZERO Speaker Cable
Dragon ZERO speaker cables are the flagship models in AudioQuest's top tier Mythical Creatures range and may be used in one of two ways: either as ideal Full-Range cables, or, in combination with a dedicated BASS cable, in a Bi-Wire cable assembly of unparalleled performance.
Solid Perfect-Surface Silver (PSS) Conductors: Perfect-Surface Technology applied to extreme-purity silver provides unprecedented clarity and dynamic contrast. Perfect-Surface Silver (PSS) is AudioQuest's highest-quality metal. Solid conductors prevent strand interaction, a major source of cable distortion. Extremely high-purity PSS minimizes distortion caused by the grain boundaries that exist within any metal conductor, nearly eliminating harshness and greatly increasing clarity compared to OFHC, OCC, 8N and other coppers.
Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) Conductors: Solid conductors prevent electrical and magnetic strand-interaction. PSC+ Solid-Copper minimizes distortion caused by grain boundaries and maximizes linear RF Noise-Dissipation.
Carbon & PSS Silver Based Linear Noise-Dissipation: The world is permeated with RF Noise from satellites, cellular towers, Bluetooth, etc. AQ's comprehensive Linear Noise-Dissipation employs multiple shields, absorptive carbon, direction-controlled metal, and Perfect-Surface Silver (the best possible RF conducting shield-drain) in order to prevent RF Noise from compromising amplifier performance.
ZERO-Tech: The only complete way to eliminate characteristic-impedance mismatches between a cable and the attached source and load is for the cable not to have any fixed characteristic-impedance value. ZERO-Tech accomplishes this by eliminating interaction between the insulation (dielectric) and the cable's conductors—enabling uncompressed current transfer. All-important transient current is unrestricted, and RF Noise-Dissipation is linearized (consistent octave to octave).
72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) with Level-X RF Noise-Trap: Insulation is also a dielectric that acts like a shunt-filter. Properly biasing the dielectric linearizes the filter, significantly improving the cable's wide-bandwidth ability to dissipate induced noise. The DBS pack's Level-X Noise-Trap "pulls" RF Noise out of the cable, further reducing attached audio circuit misbehaviour.
Mythical Creature Cold-Welded Terminations: Mythical Creature cables are Cold-Welded to AudioQuest's extremely pure Red Copper Spades or Bananas. The bare copper is submerged (hung) in a vat of pure silver instead of being tumbled in a lower-grade solution. AudioQuest speaker breakouts and plug casings are not metal in order not to induce RF Noise into the conductors.
Dragon Bi-Wiring: When possible, running separate cables to the treble and bass "halves" of a speaker significantly reduces distortion. Bi-Wiring keeps the large magnetic fields associated with bass energy out of the treble cable, allowing the delicate upper frequencies to travel a less magnetically disturbed path, like taking the waves out of the water when you swim.
AudioQuest's BASS and GND-Tech (patented RF-Cancelling Ground-Noise Dissipation) attracts RF energy away from the amplifier's output. When properly implemented, Bi-Wiring has always been a cost-effective way to get better performance for the same or less money. With GND-Tech, the advantage of Bi-Wiring is much more dramatic. Because GND-Tech is so effective, BASS model cables are only for 10KHz and below; do not use a BASS cable full-range or on treble.
Dragon BASS cable is ideal for the Bass input of a Bi-Wire-able speaker in combination with a Dragon ZERO on the treble input. A Bi-Wire COMBO with BASS and ZERO cables joined together at the amplifier is usually the most convenient. When Tri-Wiring, use BASS cables on the Midrange and Bass inputs.
Caution: Do not Bi-Wire with two ZERO cables. ZERO cables in-parallel can create a very high-frequency resonant peak (ringing) and resulting poor sound. Only use a ZERO plus a BASS cable (whether or not joined as a COMBO). Second best is a single ZERO with AQ Bi-Wire jumpers.
Our Take
The AudioQuest Dragon ZERO speaker cables represent the peak of the brand's Mythical Creatures range, offering unmatched audio fidelity and versatility. Designed as either premium full-range cables or as part of a Bi-Wire assembly when paired with the Dragon BASS cable, they deliver unparalleled performance. At their core lies Perfect-Surface Silver (PSS), AudioQuest's highest-grade material, which provides exceptional clarity and dynamic contrast. The use of solid conductors eliminates strand interaction, a key source of distortion, while the application of Perfect-Surface Technology minimizes grain boundary interference, greatly reducing harshness and increasing clarity compared to standard copper conductors.
Innovative technologies further enhance the Dragon ZERO's performance. ZERO-Tech eliminates impedance mismatches, enabling uncompressed current transfer for transient accuracy, while the 72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) with Level-X RF Noise-Trap minimizes dielectric-induced noise and RF interference. The cables also feature Cold-Welded Terminations, ensuring superior connections using pure Red Copper spades or bananas plated with silver. When used in a Bi-Wire configuration, the Dragon ZERO and Dragon BASS work together to isolate bass and treble frequencies, reducing distortion and magnetic interference for a cleaner, more precise soundstage. With their meticulous design and advanced materials, AudioQuest Dragon ZERO cables are a top-tier choice for audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Full Range ZERO-Tech Speaker Cable
- Can be used full-range or with AudioQuest Dragon BASS speaker cable in a bi-wire configuration
- Sold as a Pair - 2 Individual Cables
- Also available as a single cable for Centre Channel use etc – please enquire
- Terminations: Factory Fitted Cold-Welded AudioQuest 1000-Series Hanging Silver Plated Extreme Purity Red Copper Spades or Banana Plugs
- Conductors: Solid Perfect-Surface Silver (PSS) & Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) Conductors
- Noise Dissipation: Multi-Layer Carbon-Based Noise Dissipation
- Geometry: ZERO-Tech (No Characteristic Impedance)
- 72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS) with Level-X RF Noise-Trap
- Gauge: 10 AWG
- Jacket: Black on Black Braid
- Standard Lengths: 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 3m – other lengths available to special order – please enquire
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.