(SOLD OUT) Gede is a scaled down version of our top of the line Varial interconnect. It features our Zu B3 cable geometry, all Teflon dielectrics, silver alloy conductors in a perfect lay, and high magnitude aluminum shielding. We made some compromises with Gede, we had to, but we were able to keep the life in the music while bring cost down to an approachable level—low enough that we think we'll hook most audiophile music junkies that rather roll cash into recordings instead of cable. Gede sacrifices very little in tone and texture, the core of great sound. Resolution within these musical qualities are excellent, and Zu Gede interconnects will not disappoint those that live their music a bit closer to the bone. What I’m getting at here is that Zu Gede really works for systems and people that are into soul, country, southern, blues, old school jazz, punk, metal, folk.... If you are looking for a cable that will place emphasis on detail, detail like guitar string noise, rain falling on tin roofs, metallic objects clanking around on a bare floor, then Gede is not your best bet. Like I said, the compromises made are in our opinion not all that tragic. If you are guts, blood and bone, and don’t have time for hoity-toity, Gede is your patch cable.
Read more...Zu Gede RCA Interconnect Specifications
DUT: Zu Gede single-ended line-level audio interconnect cable
3-1/3' (1.0m) with Zu phono (RCA-type) locking type connectors
Directional: Gede logo and arrow recommended to be placed at source with the Zu Gede logo and arrow reading in the direction of signal flow.
Cable Geometry: Zu B3
Bandwidth: > DC - 100 MHz
Rs: center pin 0.03 Ohm
Rs: ground 0.025 Ohm
Cp: 250 pF
Ls: center pin 2.5 uH
Ls: ground 2.0 uH
Bend Radius: 1-1/2" (38mm)
Cable Diameter: 1/4" (6.1mm)
Shielding: high magnitude aluminum braid RF shielding, tied to shell at source only
Tolerance: 0.5%
Direction of Signal Propagation
Each Zu Gede interconnect cable assembly has an arrow. The cable should be oriented to point away from the source (transmitter), and toward the load (receiver). Example: DVD player to preamplifier. Labels are also place at the source end only, and the Gede logo also reads in the direction signal should propagate.
Burn-in
Gede interconnects will require a good amount of play before they're fully burned in, between 200 and 400 hours. We do not recommend any burn-in devices or special recordings. We do recommend music you enjoy, preferably upbeat full spectrum recordings. Rock, roots, full orchestra, most film scores, big band.... For the possible hows and whys about burn-in please see our FAQ section.
Phono (RCA-type) Connector Detail
Gede features locking type RCA plugs. Standard RCA plugs simply push on and slide off. Locking type plugs require you to loosen the outer barrel, slide the connector on, and then cinch it up. All things being equal about the two types of connectors, we do not feel either type has a sonic advantage over the other. And as we have never heard of a standard type vibrating loose, we do not feel either type represent a superior connection once installed.
The advantage of a locking type RCA plug: easy, low insertion force connection—the user loosens the barrel, allowing the coaxial shell to open up a bit, then easily slides the plug onto the socket. Once connected the users tightens the barrel. The disadvantages: first time users may not know how to use them, or find them complicated or tedious. Barrels are not captured and may become lost when moving the unconnected cables. Higher cost.
Advantage of standard RCA plugs: they’re simple, and completely functional. Disadvantages arise when the outside ground part of the connection is too tight. Really tight fitting RCA plugs are are not fun to connect, forcing you to brace the front side of the equipment you are connecting. Disconnecting of excessively tight fitting plugs can tear low quality female connectors out of the chassis.
Locking RCA-type Connector Usage
Hold the rear of the locking connector with your left hand. With your right hand loosen the barrel (clockwise, as pictured) until it hides the outer ground portion of the plug (usually a couple of turns—720 degrees).
Once loose, plug it in. It should slide on very easily. If it’s anything but smooth and easy, you need to loosen the barrel a bit more.
Now plugged in, simply rotate the barrel counter clockwise to lock it down.
Zu Gede Maintenance
No maintenance is required for the cable or the connector. All conductors are completely sealed, including the connectors which are fully potted with epoxy. If your connector contacts ever become dull or tarnished you will need to clean them. This is likely to never be a problem with Gede connectors as they are gold platted. Pure copper or silver contacts that are not plated may require cleaning. If your connector contacts are nice and bright, don’t worry about it; and the only time you need to check them would be if you disconnect the cables. In fact, anytime you are making an electrical connection make it a habit to inspect the contacts and clean them if they are tarnished or dirty.
Looking for a good metal and contact cleaner, especially for bare copper and silver? Try Cape Cod metal polish.
Zu does not recommend any contact enhancing products for the Gede, or any Zu interconnecting patch cable.
RoHS compliant
Limited 5-year warranty
Made by Zu Audio in Ogden, Utah—USA
