Denon USA | AK-DL1

Oh boy. A $500 Ethernet cable. The best part?

Denon’s 1.5 meter (59 in.) ultra premium Denon Link cable was designed for the audio enthusiast. Made from high purity copper wire and high performance connection parts, the AK-DL1 will bring out all the nuances in digital audio reproduction from any of our Denon DVD players with the Denon Link feature. Attention to detail when building this cable was used by empoying [sic] high quality insulation, tin-bearing alloy shielding and woven jacketing to reduce vibration and to add durability. Additionally, signal directional markings are provided for optimum signal transfer. Rounded plug levers help prevent breakage.

(Emphasis added).

IT’S DIGITAL. THE WHOLE POINT IS THAT IT CUTS OUT NOISE INTRODUCED INTO THE CHANNEL. Also, it’s a $500 Ethernet cable. I’m also amused by the claim about reducing vibration, which has absolutely nothing to do with electrical conduction at this scale. Furthermore, I’m not aware of many living rooms suffering from serious vibration problems. Perhaps our apartment is just dull. Also, I’m pretty sure the claim about “signal directional markings” is some combination of fiction and abject insanity.

To be fair, Denon isn’t really alone in this market. I’ve previously run into a long list of products designed to prey on the “audiophile” market. Debunking bogus claims from “audiophile” product manufacturers also seems to be a thing people do.

I’m not sure what it is about the audiophile market, but it seems to have attracted snake oil salesmen like no other demographic I’m aware of. Are there other analogues out there?

Thanks to Zach for the link.

June 14th, 2008 by jon / 0 Comments / Trackback