Making something special even better:
Fifth generation AIR technology: What’s new?

The fifth generation of our Referenz AIR cable is now available! Point-to-point Air Helix design ensuring seamless connections, special types of connector for easy attachment and all-round technical sophistication turn the outstanding AIR cables into true masterpieces. 

What's new about the Referenz AIR cables?

Special things don’t come into being by chance. Products become special through a combination of experience, an ongoing search for perfection, inspiration and feedback from users. The phenomenal feedback we received about previous generations of our outstanding AIR cables spurred us on to find ways we could improve our products even further. And so we set out to create the current fifth generation of our Referenz series. We have now reached a new stage on our evolutionary journey. erreicht.

Point-to-point AIR Helix design for seamless connections

Specially designed transitions for each type of cable and connector ensure a seamless extension of the Air Helix architecture from cable beginning to cable end – from point to point (see illustration above). Up to now, it wasn’t possible to extend the Air Helix design right through to the connector, meaning the last few centimeters were insulated using conventional methods. Our customers encouraged us to find an answer to this, and now we can present our solution! We thought the impact of these enhancements would be relatively small, but the actual results have come as a pleasant surprise. We are looking forward to the feedback from our customers.

BFA 360 / Spade 360 connectors

Movement across three axes make the 360-degree BFA and spade connectors really easy to connect and disconnect. Difficult set-up operations that put a strain on both cables and devices are a thing of the past. The connectors can easily be attached to terminals from a wide range of manufacturers. No awkward bending is necessary, avoiding damage to surfaces and potential contact resistance. Set-up is fast and problem-free. The attractively designed connectors are the perfect complement to the outstanding sound. The new connectors are used with the LS-4005 and LS-2405. Both connector versions as well as the Basic version for the LS-1205 are pressure-grouted with a force of 1.5 tonnes.

XLR-180 connectors

It is usually only possible to insert XLR connectors in one direction. Because XLR sockets are arranged differently from device to device, this can sometimes prove tricky. Cables sometimes need to be rotated, putting extra strain on cables, connector and sockets. The newly developed XLR-180 connectors from in-akustik can be rotated by +/- 45 degrees (up to a total of +/- 90 degrees) for easy connectivity.

RCA SL connectors (RCA SolderLess)

Soldering is a reliable and well-established joining technique, but it has its drawbacks. Disadvantages include the presence of less-conductive solder in the signal path and the emergence of low thermoelectric emfs. The RCA-SL connector of our fifth generation Referenz AIR cable NF-2405 is now also pressure-grouted from signal conductor to contact elements with 1.5 tons, like all other Referenz AIR cables. A further seemingly tiny improvement that brings great rewards in audio performance

  • Fifth generation AIR technology

    Handmade cables

  • Fifth generation AIR technology

    Point-to-point Air Helix

  • Fifth generation AIR technology

    BFA & Spade 360°

  • Fifth generation AIR technology

    XLR 180° connector

About AIR technology

The development of AIR technology is a milestone in our company history. In 2015, we launched the first Referenz AIR cable, the NF-2404, onto the market. Since then, we have continuously developed the AIR cables even further. The unique selling point of AIR cables is the innovative "AIR Helix" architecture. Air, the perfect insulating material, serves as a dielectric. The special multicore structure, special waveguides, the use of selected conductor materials and many other refinements characterize our exceptional Referenz AIR cables. Find out more about AIR cables

Testimonials

The passion put into developing the Referenz AIR cables is reflected in their unique design and incomparable quality. The Referenz AIR cables are inspiring: Many positive responses from our customers as well as reports and awards from the global trade press confirm this time and time again. “This cable transmits such honest and authentic sound that at first you might not realize you’re hearing it through a cable at all. This really makes listening to music fun!" Dteffen B. | LS-4004 AIR. This inspires us to continue our R&D efforts.

Read testimonials
  • "Cables cannot perform miracles. Cables should behave inconspicuously in terms of sound. They are not meant to filter or limit anything, and certainly not to suck the essence out of vibrant music. Their development requires technical finesse. With the fifth generation of our AIR cables, we have produced a new masterpiece"

    Holger Wachsmann | Product developer
  • Physics instead of voodoo

    Marius Ingold & Holger Wachsmann | Product developer

  • "Cables cannot perform miracles. Cables should behave inconspicuously in terms of sound. They are not meant to filter or limit anything, and certainly not to suck the essence out of vibrant music. Their development requires technical finesse. With the fifth generation of our AIR cables, we have produced a new masterpiece"

    Holger Wachsmann | Product developer
  • "Cables cannot perform miracles. Cables should behave inconspicuously in terms of sound. They are not meant to filter or limit anything, and certainly not to suck the essence out of vibrant music. Their development requires technical finesse. With the fifth generation of our AIR cables, we have produced a new masterpiece"

    Holger Wachsmann | Product developer
New
LS-4005 AIR
High-end speaker cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point | Multicore
The LS-4005 AIR high-end speaker cable offers audiophile enthusiasts a unique sound experience. In the new Referenz LS-4005 AIR loudspeaker cable, we have taken the outstanding properties of its predecessor, the LS-4004 AIR, and developed them even further. The point-to-point Air Helix design now enables the AIR Helix architecture to be used from plug to plug and not just between the sleeves. The 360° BFA bananas and spade lugs are a further innovation, developed in-house for easy and convenient connection to the terminals. These and other technical refinements turn the already exceptional AIR cables into true masterpieces. Below you can learn more about the outstanding technical features of this cable, the innovations in the 5th generation and the physical principles used in the AIR technology. Click here and discover the exciting details

From €7,799.00*
New
LS-2405 AIR
High-end speaker cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point | Multicore
The LS-2405 AIR high-end speaker cable offers audiophile enthusiasts a unique sound experience. In the new Referenz LS-2405 AIR loudspeaker cable, we have taken the outstanding properties of its predecessor, the LS-2404 AIR, and developed them even further. The point-to-point Air Helix design now enables the AIR Helix architecture to be used from plug to plug and not just between the sleeves. The 360° BFA bananas and spade lugs are a further innovation, developed in-house for easy and convenient connection to the terminals. These and other technical refinements turn the already exceptional AIR cables into true masterpieces. Below you can learn more about the outstanding technical features of this cable, the innovations in the 5th generation and the physical principles used in the AIR technology Click here and discover the exciting details

From €4,799.00*
New
LS-1205 AIR
High-end speaker cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point | Multicore
Because the speaker cable carries the largest current in the entire device chain, a suitable conductor cross-section is required to transport it with as little loss as possible. This current generates correspondingly strong magnetic fields and, since it is alternating current, there is a frequency-dependent resistance in the inductance of the cable. Low inductance is therefore particularly important for speaker cables - and this is precisely what has been achieved with the LS-1205 Air: The cable's inductance value has been reduced by a particularly ingenious arrangement of the conductors, the 4-fold "multicore" structure, enabling it to behave in a completely sound-neutral way over a wide frequency range. In addition, the magnetic fields generated around the individual conductors overlap and neutralize each other. This means that all frequencies are transported unhindered and without any time delay, enabling a fabulously open and detailed musical presentation. At the end of the air helix, the LS-1205 Air’s four conductors are separated into so-called aluminum splitters for the receiving connector. In the area between the splitters and plug, in-akustik uses highly flexible molded parts made of a special elastomer. These parts are fixed inside the splitter using a specifically designed plastic plug. This means that the cable remains reliably flexible in the connection area as well. The molded parts run right to the front of the connectors and enclose their inner workings - which underscores the sleek yet attractive design of the LS-1205 Air. Click here and discover the exciting details

From €2,399.00*
New
NF-2405 AIR | RCA
High-end audio cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point
Breathtaking sound thanks to air insulation - we have already created many innovative designs on the way to perfect insulation, such as DUO-PE insulation or PETS (PE Tube Support). The Referenz NF-2405 cable is another true milestone and an absolute world first in the cable sector. Normally, the conductors are kept at a distance from each other by more or less high-quality filling and insulation materials. With the NF-2405, however, the conductors run through a series of clips connected in series, which form the inner framework and give the NF-2405 exceptional flexibility for high-end cables. The NF-2405 is manufactured entirely in Germany, like all speaker and audio cables in the Referenz series. The clips are assembled by hand with meticulous care in the company's own factory and then the Cross Link super-speed waveguide is threaded in. After this, the resulting air helix is also shielded by hand and given a PE network jacket before the finished cable is assembled using the RCA plugs we developed ourselves. New RCA SL connector: Soldering is a reliable and well-established joining technique, but it has its drawbacks. Disadvantages include the presence of poorly conducting solder in the signal path and the emergence of low thermoelectric emfs. With the SL RCA Plug developed in-house, the connections from the signal conductor to the contact elements are precisely pressure-grouted together using a force of 1.5 tonnes. A further seemingly tiny improvement that brings great rewards in terms of audio performance. Click here and discover the exciting details

From €1,749.00*
New
NF-1205 AIR | XLR
High-end audio cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point
Cable capacitance plays a decisive role, especially for audio cable connections between individual devices. As the signal sources are very weak and react sensitively to high cable capacitance, audio cables are virtually predestined for air insulation using air helix technology. New XLR 180° plug: It is only possible to insert XLR connectors in one direction. This can be annoying as the position of the XLR sockets in devices varies. In order for the cable to fit, it must sometimes be twisted by force. This puts a strain on cables, plugs and device sockets and sometimes simply looks a mess. The newly developed XLR 180° plugs can each be rotated by +/- 45 degrees, i.e. +/- 90 degrees in total. The finishing touch for perfect cabling. Click here and discover the exciting details

From €1,299.00*
New
NF-1205 AIR | RCA
High-end audio cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point
Cable capacitance plays a decisive role, especially for audio cable connections between individual devices. As the signal sources are very weak and react sensitively to high cable capacitance, audio cables are virtually predestined for air insulation using air helix technology. In addition to this, we have also developed a completely new and entirely solder-free RCA connector for the Referenz NF-1205 Air. It consists of several component parts that are only joined together during the course of the assembly process. As with the loudspeaker cable, the thin layer of enamel is first removed from the high-purity copper wires of the "Cross Link Super Speed" waveguide by machine. Then, the contact pin of the connector, which is made of tellurium copper, is pressure-grouted with the conductor using a force of 1.5 tonnes. The connection of the shielding is also completely new: It is now hermetically sealed with screws. Click here and discover the exciting details

From €979.00*
New
AC-4005 AIR | Schuko - C19 | UHQ
High-end mains power cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point | Multicore
Dynamic music places an impulsive load on the output stages of an audiophile hi-fi chain. That's why we developed the Referenz AC-4005 AIR mains cable. Specially developed clips are used to keep the individual wires at a defined distance apart. The resulting "air dielectric" reduces power losses to a minimum and significantly improves the electrical parameters. The multicore structure leads to an overlap, so compensating for the magnetic fields around the individual cores. The line inductance is greatly minimized, depending on the number of cores, and the skin effect caused by steep current flanks at high frequencies is clearly and audibly reduced. In addition, the usable conductor cross-section is effectively extended, and without the negative effects of thicker cables. A dense shielding braid of tinned copper protects neighboring cables and components against external interference and also prevents oxidation. Each of our Referenz AIR mains cables is tested and inspected with the utmost care. The results are documented, and each cable is given an individual serial number. Click here and discover the exciting details

From €2,799.00*
New
AC-2405 AIR | Schuko - C15 | UHQ
High-end mains power cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point | Multicore
A hi-fi system basically reproduces nothing other than modulated household electricity. This means this should arrive at the device as constantly as possible. Here the mains cable (power cable) plays a significant role. The big challenge for power supply cables is extreme current peaks. They are caused by the connected devices themselves converting alternating current into direct current. These extreme current peaks cause a whole range of undesirable effects. Specially designed for connecting up top-notch high-end audio systems, the Referenz AC-2405 AIR mains power cable is based on the already legendary AIR technology. In conjunction with this technology, i.e. the "omission" of insulation material, which would "soak up" part of the energy like a sponge, the Referenz AC-2405 AIR is able to transport very large amounts of energy in a very short time. Many design details of the Referenz AC-2405 AIR counteract the undesirable effects and make it an outstanding energy pipeline for the highest audiophile requirements. However much we focus on high-end sound, safety plays a particularly important role in this cable category. For this reason, every Referenz AC-2405 AIR cable is tested extremely carefully. In addition to an exhaustive functional test, each cable is also subjected to an insulation and high-voltage test. The results are documented, and each cable is given an individual serial number. Click here and discover the exciting details

From €1,749.00*
New
AC-1205 AIR | Schuko - C15 | Basic
High-end mains power cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point | Multicore
Length: 1 m | Connector: SCHUKO > C15 (C13)
Soundscapes are created by the dynamics in the music. To exploit the full potential of your high-end audio components, you need a reliable power pipeline that provides your components with the power peaks with as little delay and loss as possible. This is where the AC-1205 AIR mains connection cable comes into play. Our innovative AIR technology has already caused a sensation in the high-end scene and now also forms the architectural basis for the AC-1205 AIR mains cable. Using specially developed clips, the individual conductors are held at fixed distances and insulated from each other by an "air dielectric". This reduces both capacitive and inductive interference and ensures a smooth flow of energy. The multicore design of the AC-1205 AIR neutralizes the magnetic interference and magnetic fields generated by current peaks and minimizes the line inductance. In addition, the large number of individual wires reduces the skin effect that occurs at high frequencies. Splitting the current across many cores not only increases the usable conductor cross-section, but also increases the overall cross-section of the cable. The result is a reliable power supply, even in the most demanding passages, which allows your sound system to develop its full potential. To minimize electromagnetic interference fields, the AIR cables are shielded with a dense braid of tinned copper. This not only protects your audio components, but also neighboring cables from unwanted interference caused by the high current peaks in the power cable. The in-akustik High End AC-1205 AIR mains cable is an outstanding energy pipeline for perfect audiophile sounds. It eliminates unwanted effects and makes a not insignificant contribution to the most authentic music reproduction possible. Click here and discover the exciting details

€989.00*
New
Phono-2405 AIR Pure Silver | SME 90° - RCA
High-end phono cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point | Pure Silver
The good old record sounds more vibrant than ever. The demand is astonishing, even for experts. The figures for records sold are increasing just as surprisingly as the number of record players. It’s a real boom. But how to improve the sound? One way is to use a new, better cable between the tonearm and the phono amplifier. The Phono-2405 AIR is a cable created to deliver top sound. What sets it apart is an absolutely unique air insulation, called the Air Helix. We have developed a special clip for this technology. It separates the two cable bundles, keeps them apart, and virtually embeds them in air. Using a large number of these clips, it is possible to route earth and signal extremely stably over longer distances. Why the effort? With this approach it is possible to pass on the sensitive signals without slowing them down - the result is fast and high-resolution sound. The Super Speed waveguides are threaded by hand and the clips are fitted with great care in the company's own factory. After this, the resulting Air Helix is also shielded and fitted with the PE network jacket by hand. Finally, the rhodium-plated connectors are fitted and cable functionality is tested. Because it's all about the most important, smallest signals: There is nowhere in the audio world where smaller currents flow that need to be passed on perfectly. The signal level of an MM or MC system is extremely sensitive, at just a few thousandths of a volt. In addition to this, the systems have an inductive character. In combination with the cable capacitance, they form what is known as an oscillating circuit, which favors specific frequencies. If these frequencies are unfavorable due to excessively high capacitance, this has a major effect on the harmony of the sound. Extremely low capacitance and dielectric losses are just two advantages of the Referenz Phono -2405 AIR. They form the basis for unadulterated enjoyment of your vinyl jewels. The sound of good records can hardly be resolved in a finer way than this. Click here and discover the exciting details

From €3,499.00*
New
Phono-1205 AIR | SME - RCA
High-end phono cable Quality: Referenz AIR Helix Point-to-Point
The good old record sounds more vibrant than ever. The demand is astonishing, even for experts. The figures for records sold are increasing just as surprisingly as the number of record players. It’s a real boom. But how to improve the sound? One way is to use a new, better cable between the tonearm and the phono amplifier. The Phono-1205 AIR is a cable created to deliver top sound. What sets it apart is an absolutely unique air insulation, called the Air Helix. We have developed a special clip for this technology. It separates the two cable bundles, keeps them apart, and virtually embeds them in air. Using a large number of these clips, it is possible to route earth and signal extremely stably over longer distances. Why the effort? With this approach it is possible to pass on the sensitive signals without slowing them down - the result is fast and high-resolution sound. The Super Speed waveguides are threaded by hand and the clips are fitted with great care in the company's own factory. After this, the resulting Air Helix is also shielded and fitted with the PE network jacket by hand. Finally, the rhodium-plated connectors are fitted and cable functionality is tested. Because it's all about the most important, smallest signals: There is nowhere in the audio world where smaller currents flow that need to be passed on perfectly. The signal level of an MM or MC system is extremely sensitive, at just a few thousandths of a volt. In addition to this, the systems have an inductive character. In combination with the cable capacitance, they form what is known as an oscillating circuit, which favors specific frequencies. If these frequencies are unfavorable due to excessively high capacitance, this has a major effect on the harmony of the sound. Extremely low capacitance and dielectric losses are just two advantages of the Referenz Phono -1205 AIR. They form the basis for unadulterated enjoyment of your vinyl jewels. The sound of good records can hardly be resolved in a finer way than this. Click here and discover the exciting details

From €999.01*
Company Portrait: "Even More Air Inside" - in-akustik in Audio Swiss

Company Portrait: "Even More Air Inside" - in-akustik in Audio Swiss

"Cable specialist in-akustik celebrates the fifth generation in its famous "AIR" family. A distinctive feature of the 05 series as well: the special geometry with air as the dielectric." Audio Swiss 01-2024
Blogbeitrag - 5. Generation AIR-Technologie

Fifth generation AIR technology: What’s new?

The fifth generation of our Referenz AIR cable is now available! Point-to-point AIR helix design and special connector types with sophisticated technical finesse.

Blogbeitrag - Internationaler Award für das AC-4004 AIR

International award for the AC-4004 AIR

Our AC-4004 AIR power cable receives the Super AV (China) Award 2023 in the "Highly Recommended Product 2023" category

How to improve the sound of your hi-fi or high-end system

How to improve the sound of your hi-fi or high-end system

In this article, we explain how capacitance affects sound and describe how AIR cables transmit audio signals with almost no loss.

"in-akustik Cable Factory Tour: Top Audiophile Cables"

"in-akustik Cable Factory Tour: Top Audiophile Cables"

Behind the scenes: Audiophile Junkie is filming a multi-part documentary about our passion for sound quality.

HiFi and power supply – safety first!

HiFi and power supply – safety first!

Insights into the development of a power cable: Interview with our product developer Marius Ingold.

Review International: The "Soundrebels" featuring the AIR Pure Silver cables

Review International: The "Soundrebels" featuring the AIR Pure Silver cables

The online magazine "Soundrebels.com" (Poland) has extensively tested the LS-4004 AIR & LS-2404 AIR, both in the Pure Silver version.

Readers' choice 1st place | AC-4004 AIR

Readers' choice 1st place | AC-4004 AIR

WoW. Once again this year, one of our AIR cables has made it to the top of the readers' poll. We are simply overwhelmed.