€1,189.00*
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
| Application: | High-end streaming | AV network |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth: | 2000 MHz |
| Cable diameter: | 25 mm |
| Conductor cross-section: | 26 AWG |
| Conductor material: | High-purity OFC copper |
| Conformity: | CE, REACH, RoHS |
| Connector assembly: | IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) |
| Contact enhancement: | Gold-plated |
| Contact material: | Brass |
| Customized assembly: | On request |
| Design: | 4-fold twisted pair |
| Dielectric: | Air |
| HD audio support: | Yes |
| Individual inspection: | Bandwidth, Continuity and short circuit testing of all conductors |
| Jacket: | PE network jacket |
| Length: | 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m, 3 m |
| Shielding: | Dense copper braid, tin-plated (oxidation protection) |
| Specification: | CAT 8.1 |
| in-akustik product group: | Multimedia |
| in-akustik category: | CAT cables |
| Quality: | Referenz |
| Technology: | AIR Helix Point-to-Point |
| Connector: | RJ45 < > RJ45 |
| Connector highlight: | CAT 180 | +/- 45° rotatable |
| Made in Germany: | Yes |
| Free trial listening: | Yes |
- CAT-2405 AIR
- Quality certificate
- Warranty card
- CD "Soundcheckr"
- Universal user manual
If you have any questions about product safety, please contact:
in-akustik GmbH & Co. KG
Untermatten 12-14
79282 Ballrechten-Dottingen
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 7634 5610-0
E-Mail: service@in-akustik.de
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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.
To the point
AIR Helix
The Air Helix architecture enables the signal conductors to run freely suspended through the length of the cable and permits signal conductors to be insulated to practically 100% by air.
The dielectric
The dielectric Using air as a dielectric lowers capacitance to a minimum. In comparison with other insulators, using air as a dielectric leads to no increase in capacitance and creates no dielectric losses.
4-Pair Twisted Pair
Four pairs of twisted wires provide especially stable and interference-resistant signal transmission by effectively minimizing crosstalk and external electromagnetic influences — ideal for demanding high-end streaming setups.
Low Jitter
Reduces timing shifts during transitions of analog signal levels—for precise detection of digital data and accurate reconstruction of the audio signal.
High-End Streaming
The CAT-2405 AIR was specially designed for high-end audio streaming, delivering digital audio signals with the highest precision and minimal jitter - ideal for demanding streaming setups and high-quality DACs.
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.
Cable manufacturing unit
The beating heart of in-akustik is our manufactory. This is where our success story is rooted – permeated by a congenial working atmosphere, a love of music and a passion for detail. At in-akustik, we believe musical enjoyment stems from a listening experience that remains as close as possible to the original recording and the artist’s interpretation of the piece. That’s why we boast a committed workforce that combines curiosity with a keen sense of precision. With a fascination for music and things that are really special – like the development of our complex AIR cables.
Background
High-resolution streaming enables music playback at exceptionally high quality, revealing greater detail, dynamics, and spatial depth. For an optimal listening experience, a stable and interference-free network connection is essential - ideally via a LAN cable. High-quality network cables like the CAT 2405 AIR are specifically engineered to handle large data volumes. They offer high bandwidth, effective shielding against electromagnetic interference, and innovative designs such as the use of air as a dielectric, which minimizes capacitive losses and crosstalk.
It is often asked whether using a high-end cable makes sense right from the router. In principle, the entire transmission path affects signal quality. Interference introduced in the first few meters of the network can impact the audio streamer or DAC downstream. Therefore, it is recommended to equip as many segments as possible - especially the final meters before the playback device - with high-quality cables. In environments with significant sources of interference or long cable runs, even the connection from the router can benefit.
For best results, use short, well-shielded cables, keep power and network cables separate, and regularly update the firmware of your network devices. This helps to prevent dropouts, jitter, and signal loss. Anyone who values the highest sound quality should consider the network infrastructure as an integral part of the entire audio chain and optimize it accordingly.
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