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What is "es"?
A new and more affordable option to our original Signature cables.
Products that holds the "es" designation uses connectors that meet "Element Standard" for sound and build quality at a lower price compared to the WBT Nextgen and Wattgate Audio Grade plugs used in our original Signature models. Connectors used in "es" cables are proven products that Element Cable has used for over five years with great success.
Also different is the vinyl braided outer jacket that "es" cables use in place of the fabric jacket of the original models. Packaging is also different with "es" cables.
"es" retains the excellent sound and quality of our original Signature cables at a friendlier price.
Dual Octennial Braid geometry
A flat braid that consist of eight negative and eight positive conductors braided together. Unlike simpler designs in our Signature line that uses hand braiding, the complex braiding for Dual Octennial Braid geometry is computer controlled for absolute precision and accuracy. The braiding method not only shields the cable but has a significant overall effect on the tonal characteristics of the cable. We use the Dual Octennial Braid in many of our power cords and speaker cables.
Conductors
Element Signature utilizes a selection of the most exotic and expensive conductors in the industry, from Copper and Silver, to precious metals such as Palladium and Gold. We&apos ve recently developed a silver and copper alloy we refer to as "Agculoy". Agculoy exhibits the transparency, control, and detail of pure silver with the organic qualities of copper conductors. All of our conductors are of 4N to 6N in purity. We are not limited to just the conductors we advertise on our website, we are capable of offering other exotic conductors such as pure Platinum, Aluminum, and other combinations of alloys. Please contact us to request a custom conductor material.
Dielectric
Insulation material or dielectric plays an important role in the outcome of a cable product. Each dielectric absorbs and releases energy differently at different frequencies. This is one reason why different dielectrics sound different in a cable. Element Signature uses mainly 3 types of dielectric in our designs: Air, Teflon™, and Polyethylene (PE). Air and vacuum is considered the perfect dielectric because it does not absorb and release energy; it also has the lowest dielectric constant compared to any insulating material. The best solid dielectric is Teflon™, followed by Polyethylene.
Depending on our goal for a certain product, we would favor one dielectric over another because it offers greater benefit for the design. For instance, if we were designing a warmer/sweeter cable, we would likely choose Polyethylene over Teflon™ and Air because of the frequencies it affects.
After experiencing oxidation with a few Belden products, our manufacturer introduced a special extrusion method we refer to as "DAS" (Direct Air-Seal) used to apply insulation tightly to the conductors. This method greatly slows down the oxidation effect to our conductors. The DAS extrusion method is used in many of our Signature cables.
Geometry
The geometry we use greatly depends on our goal for the product. A variety of braid, twist, and winding techniques are used from simple to complex to reject EM/RF noise. The geometry of the cable also assists in creating different tonal characteristics to meet the vast listening preferences of our listeners.
Cryogenic Process
Cryogenic treatment is a common process that is typically used to improve metals and other materials by enhancing their performance. Cryogenic treatment involves the slow reduction in temperature of the material to at least -300°F (-185°C) and holding the material at that temperature for many hours followed by a slow increase of temperature back to room temperature. Exposing the material to this environment will actually transform its chemical microstructure into a more refined, uniform grain.
Treated metals exhibit increased wear resistance, increased stability, more even hardness, and reduced electrical resistance.
Element Signature&apos s deep cryogenic process is developed specifically for audio cable. Our process is computer-controlled to -320°F. And unlike techniques that involve use of cryogenic liquids, our process is completely dry. Its "chilling" cycle provides ample time for the metal to adjust throughly to the progressively colder environment. Time in the low temperature range is long enough to establish an orderly arrangement of crystals, increase internal bonding energy, and achieve a structural balance throughout the mass of the metal. The slow, gradual warming cycle is controlled to bring the metal back to room temperature without disturbing the basic uniformity of its transformed and stabilized molecular structure. One treatment will last the life of the cable.
Parts
We take great care in selecting the finest parts for our premium products. Metals are from established manufacturers which produce the most consistent high-quality conductors. Connectors are state-of-the art in design and material. They come from established firms such as WBT, Marinco, Neutrik, Eichmann and Wattgate.
"Our goal is not to only design good cables, but to design cables that contribute to the listening enjoyment of our customers." |
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