AudioQuest Products Named TAS Editors’ Choice
A wonderful array of AudioQuest products have received The Absolute Sound’s 2025 Editors’ Choice Award.
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Forest 48
Ultra High Speed 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 Cable
SKU:
HDM48FOR060
Amplifier-End Connector: Multi-Spade, Banana, U-Spade, or V-Spade
Often, the choice between terminating your speaker cables with spade lugs or banana plugs will come down to personal preference. However, the EU-compliant isolated binding posts used on some power amplifiers often makes it difficult if not impossible to tighten spade lugs with high torque or pressure. In these applications, the AudioQuest banana connector is the superior choice, and may be the only choice.
AudioQuest has conducted a fairly extensive survey of contemporary amplifier manufacturers to determine whether spades or bananas will be most appropriate for a given brand and model of amplifier. Please contact us, provide the brand and model of the amplifier, and we’ll respond with the optimal connector type.
Given the girth and weight of our Mythical Creature Series speaker cables, a spade may be better capable of fully supporting the cable. This is particularly a concern with binding posts that do not allow a banana connector to fully seat into the post. The EU-compliant posts will neither accept our V-Spade nor allow our Multi-Spade to be fully seated. For these applications (or when you’re not certain), we highly recommend the U-Spade, as it can accommodate any binding post. The V-Spade is a specialty spade connector that works well with large wingnut binding posts (such as the Mundorf ), as it allows extra clearance.
Speaker-End Connector: Spade or Banana
Here we typically recommend the U-Spade or banana connector. However, even though there is less weight and pressure on this side of the cable (particularly for BiWire sets), it is nevertheless important to note the binding post’s design. If a banana connector cannot seat all the way into the binding post, we recommend one of our spade connectors.
Key Features & Technology Explained
Specifications
Specifications
Description
Description
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AudioQuest Forest 48 8K-10K 48Gbps HDMI cable combines superior materials and thoughtful design to produce a deeply immersive entertainment experience. Featuring solid 0.5% Silver-Plated Long-Grain Copper conductors with AudioQuest’s Level-1 Noise-Dissipation, Forest 48 is meticulously designed for enhanced sound quality and outstanding overall performance. Of course, all AudioQuest 48Gbps HDMI cables can transfer up to professional 10K Ultra HD video, support Dynamic HDR, and have the conductors and bandwidth required for eARC’s enhanced sonic capabilities. Taking performance even further, all 19 conductors, comprising A/V and eARC signals, all Ground-Reference drains, and control and power conductors, are properly controlled for the most efficient dissipation of Radio-Frequency Noise.
- 8K-10K: AudioQuest Forest 48 HDMI cables can transfer up to professional 10K Ultra HD video. The incredible 48Gbps data rate is made possible by four balanced audio/video pairs each capable of 12Gbps, enabling a surprisingly stronger audio/video experience.
- 4K Performance: In addition to enabling the 48Gbps data rate, the improved materials and design of AudioQuest Forest 48 HDMI cables significantly benefit the overall performance of your 4K system. All AudioQuest HDMI cables are completely backwards compatible with existing 4K devices.
- Gaming: Supports enhanced gaming features (4K120, VRR, ALLM, QFT) for optimal performance from Sony Playstation 5 (PS5), Microsoft Xbox Series X, Gaming PCs, etc.
- 0.5% Silver Conductors: AudioQuest Forest 48 HDMI cables use solid conductors to defeat both electrical and magnetic strand-to-strand interaction. Increasing thicknesses of Silver-Plating, culminating in 100% Solid Perfect-Surface Silver (PSS), are used to further improve Noise-Dissipation.
- Noise-Dissipation (Level 1): “100% shielding” can’t guard against noise created by today’s Wi-Fi and cell devices. In addition to all 19 HDMI conductors being Direction-Controlled to reduce RF Noise, AudioQuest Forest 48 HDMI cables use advanced techniques and materials to enhance overall performance.
- 48Gbps Entertainment Experience: Certified Ultra High Speed by HDMI Licensing, Forest 48’s 48Gbps bandwidth enables 4K/120 and 8K/60 resolutions and frame rates and all other HDMI-2.1 capabilities.
- Clear Signal Transmission: Minimizes interference and reduces distortion to provide clean, clear, naturally beautiful sound.
- High-Quality Materials and Design: High-purity conductor metal, carefully selected insulation, and sophisticated shielding ensure minimal distortion.
- Versatile Connectivity: Ideal for connecting TVs, projectors, soundbars, AV receivers, and more.
- Durable and Reliable Design: Built to withstand everyday use, ensuring consistent performance.
| Materials & Design | |
|---|---|
Ground Reference |
Tinned Copper
|
A/V Conductor |
0.5% Silver
|
eARC Conductor |
0.5% Silver
|
Jacket |
Black with Green Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
|
| Features & Performance | |
Noise-Dissipation |
All 19 Conductors Direction-Controlled
|
Resolution |
4K@120Hz / 8K@60Hz / 10K@30Hz
|
| Manufacturing Details | |
Country of Origin |
|
 Forest 48From $74.72 View details |  Pearl 48From $34.95 View details |  Cinnamon 48From $149.95 View details |  Carbon 48From $193.83 View details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ground Reference |
Tinned Copper
|
Tinned Copper
|
0.5% Silver
|
1.25% Silver
|
A/V Conductor |
0.5% Silver
|
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
|
1.25% Silver
|
5% Silver
|
eARC Conductor |
0.5% Silver
|
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
|
1.25% Silver
|
5% Silver
|
Jacket |
Black with Green Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
|
Black with White Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
|
Red on Black Nylon Braid
|
Gray on Black Nylon
|
Noise-Dissipation |
All 19 Conductors Direction-Controlled
|
All 19 Conductors Direction-Controlled
|
Carbon + Metal + Direction
|
Carbon + Metal + Direction
|
Resolution |
4K@120Hz / 8K@60Hz / 10K@30Hz
|
4K@120Hz / 8K@60Hz / 10K@30Hz
|
4K@120Hz / 8K@60Hz / 10K@30Hz
|
4K@120Hz / 8K@60Hz / 10K@30Hz
|
Country of Origin |
|
|
|
|
News & Reviews
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While reviewing the TEAC PD-505T transport, Part-Time Audiophile’s Graig Neville is reminded that high-performance cables can have a powerful impact on overall performance.
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More than Just Accessories
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AudioQuest is Damn Good
HiFi+’s Alan Sircom thoroughly investigates a complete loom of AudioQuest cables and likes what he hears.
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AudioQuest is Made for You
AudioQuest has an outstanding solution at every possible price, says Mark Blackmore of The Audio Beat.
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Twittering Machines’ Holiday Gift Guide
Ho, ho, ho! One part style, two parts poetry, three parts art, and altogether wonderful: Twittering Machines’ Annual Holiday Gift Guide is here!
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Value over Luxury
In November, AudioQuest founder and CEO, Bill Low, visited Hong Kong distributor, Radar Audio, where he was interviewed by AudioTechnique magazine.
