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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Pearl 18
Long-Length High Speed 18Gbps HDMI 2.0b Cable
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 Pearl 18 is an active HDMI cable that provides outstanding audio/video performance at distances up to 50ft (15m). Featuring solid Long-Grain Copper conductors with AudioQuest’s Level-1 Noise-Dissipation, Pearl 18 is meticulously designed for enhanced sound quality and outstanding overall performance. Of course, AudioQuest’s Pearl 18 HDMI cable is guaranteed to have the 18Gbps bandwidth required for compelling features like 8K/30 video, and HDR (High Dynamic Range) imagery. 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.
- Foamed-polyethylene insulation: This HDMI cable uses air-filled foamed-polyethylene insulation for maximum signal strength.
- HDMI Ethernet channel: Consolidates video, audio, and data streams into a single HDMI cable, combining the unmatched signal quality and convenience of HDMI connectivity with the power and flexibility of home entertainment networking.
- Audio Return Channel (ARC): Uses a single HDMI connection to send audio from a TV to the sound bar or AV receiver.
- 49' length: Lets you place your devices exactly where they're needed.
- Long-Distance 18Gbps Entertainment Experience: Guaranteed to have the 18Gbps bandwidth required for compelling features like 8K/30 video, HDR (High Dynamic Range) imagery, and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel).
- Active Frequency Equalization: Enables 18Gbps performance for lengths up to 50ft (15m).
- 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.
- Durable and Reliable Design: Built to withstand everyday use, ensuring consistent performance.
| Materials & Design | |
|---|---|
Ground Reference |
Tinned Copper
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A/V Conductor |
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
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eARC Conductor |
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
|
Jacket |
Black with White Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
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| Features & Performance | |
Noise-Dissipation |
All 19 Conductors Direction-Controlled
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Resolution |
4K@60Hz / 8K@30Hz
|
| Manufacturing Details | |
Country of Origin |
|
 Pearl 18From $219.95 View details |  Forest 18From $339.95 View details |  Root Beer 18From $469.95 View details |  Cherry Cola 48From $895.00 View details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ground Reference |
Tinned Copper
|
Tinned Copper
|
Tinned Copper
|
0.5% Silver
|
A/V Conductor |
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
|
0.5% Silver
|
Quartz-Glass
|
Quartz-Glass
|
eARC Conductor |
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
|
0.5% Silver
|
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
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0.5% Silver
|
Jacket |
Black with White Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
|
Black with Green Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
|
Black with Brown Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
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Gray with Red Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
|
Noise-Dissipation |
All 19 Conductors Direction-Controlled
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All 19 Conductors Direction-Controlled
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Galvanic Isolation + Direction-Controlled
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Carbon + Galvanic Isolation
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Resolution |
4K@60Hz / 8K@30Hz
|
4K@60Hz / 8K@30Hz
|
4K@60Hz / 8K@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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In this video, Shane Lee acknowledges the skepticism that exists around high-performance power conditioners. And then… he listens for himself.
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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.
AudioQuest
Pearl 18
$219.95
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Noise Dissipation
All 19 Conductors Direction-Controlled
A/V Conductor
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
eARC Conductor
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
Ground Reference
Tinned Copper
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Geometry
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Gauge
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Metal
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Pair or Single
Each
Series
Pearl
Speaker-End Connector
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Amplifier-End Connector
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Output
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DAC Chip
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Volume Control
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Desktop Compatibility
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Mobile Compatibility
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Application Options
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Included Adaptor
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Dimensions
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Cable Length