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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Root Beer 18
Long-Length High Speed 18Gbps Active 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 Root Beer 18 is an active optical cable that provides outstanding audio/video performance at distances up to 100ft (30m). Optical Fiber eliminates multiple forms of degradation over distance; powered by the HDMI port, no AC adaptor is required. Further, Optical Fibers provide total RF immunity and galvanic isolation for the audio/video signal—important advantages in the fight against radio-frequency noise. As with Toslink and other optical cables, optical fibers do not pick up or transmit induced RF-Noise. Additionally, Root Beer's eARC and communication conductors are Direction-Controlled to minimize RF Noise that hurts the performance of active circuits.
- 4K/8K: AudioQuest 18Gbps High Speed HDMI cables have the bandwidth required for video up to 8K/30, which is 7680 x 4320 resolution at up to 30 frames oer second.
- 18Gbps Bandwidth: All AudioQuest 18Gbps High Speed HDMI cables are guaranteed to have the 18Gbps bandwidth required for compelling features like 8K/30 video, HDR imagery, and eArc.
- Quartz Glass: Optical Fiber AV conductors eliminate multiple forms of degradation over distance. Powered by the HDMI port, no AC adaptor required.
- Long-Distance 18Gbps Audio Experience: Root Beer 18 active optical cable provides 18Gbps performance for lengths up to 100ft (30m).
- 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
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A/V Conductor |
Quartz-Glass
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eARC Conductor |
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
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Jacket |
Black with Brown Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
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| Features & Performance | |
Noise-Dissipation |
Galvanic Isolation + Direction-Controlled
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Resolution |
4K@60Hz / 8K@30Hz
|
| Manufacturing Details | |
Country of Origin |
|
 Root Beer 18From $469.95 View details |  Pearl 18From $219.95 View details |  Forest 18From $339.95 View details |  Cherry Cola 48From $895.00 View details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ground Reference |
Tinned Copper
|
Tinned Copper
|
Tinned Copper
|
0.5% Silver
|
A/V Conductor |
Quartz-Glass
|
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
|
0.5% Silver
|
Quartz-Glass
|
eARC Conductor |
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
|
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
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0.5% Silver
|
0.5% Silver
|
Jacket |
Black with Brown Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
|
Black with White Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
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Black with Green Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
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Gray with Red Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
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Noise-Dissipation |
Galvanic Isolation + Direction-Controlled
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All 19 Conductors Direction-Controlled
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All 19 Conductors Direction-Controlled
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Carbon + Galvanic Isolation
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Resolution |
4K@60Hz / 8K@30Hz
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4K@60Hz / 8K@30Hz
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4K@60Hz / 8K@30Hz
|
4K@120Hz / 8K@60Hz / 10K@30Hz
|
Country of Origin |
|
|
|
|
News & Reviews
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AudioQuest Cables Deliver Dramatic Improvement
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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PowerQuest Delivers Performance, Protection, Reliability
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
In this video, Vinyl Latte’s Louie V. acknowledges the skepticism that exists around high-performance cables. And then… he listens for himself.
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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
Root Beer 18
$469.95
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Noise Dissipation
Galvanic Isolation + Direction-Controlled
A/V Conductor
Quartz-Glass
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
Root Beer
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