Black Rhodium Rondo review

The sonic signature it brings to bear isn’t the most enjoyable we’ve heard Tested at £60.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A system that justifies £60 on a coax cable will demand something a bit more even-handed

Pros

  • +

    Fast, detailed sound quality

Cons

  • -

    Some top-end harshness

  • -

    bottom-end lacks momentum

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It might be fashionable to move your digital audio information from player to amplifier via HDMI cable these days, but there are plenty of folk for whom this isn't an option. That's why there's still a healthy market for digital coaxial cables.

This Black Rhodium coaxial, for instance, (which can be had for £50 if half a metre isn't too short), does the job without fuss.

But, as a celebrity frog once observed, it's not easy being green. The Rondo has all the specification bases covered – good connectors and silver-plated conductors along with 75 ohms impedance – but the sonic signature it brings to bear isn't the most enjoyable we've heard.

Too much brash for the cash
There's no shortage of detail, and the Rondo is capable of subtle atmospherics, but the top of the frequency range is brash to the point of being tiring, and the bottom end doesn't carry the weight or momentum of the best. Unless your system's sound is skewed just so, you can do better.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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