Twittering Machines Gear of 2026: DragonFly Copper
DragonFly Copper becomes a Twittering Machines Triple Crown Winner, placing among the publication's Favorites, HiFi Bargains, and Gear of the Year.
Loading...
Root Beer 18
HDMI 2.1 Cable - 8K/10K, 48Gbps, HDR, eARC, Gaming
Regular price
$599.95
Unit price
/
Unavailable
SKU:
HDM18RBEER500
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
Description
Description
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
|
A/V Conductor |
Quartz-Glass
|
eARC Conductor |
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
|
Jacket |
Black with Brown Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
|
| Features & Performance | |
Noise-Dissipation |
Galvanic Isolation + Direction-Controlled
|
Resolution |
4K@60Hz / 8K@30Hz
|
 Root Beer 18From $599.95 | |
|---|---|
Ground Reference |
Tinned Copper
|
A/V Conductor |
Quartz-Glass
|
eARC Conductor |
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC)
|
Jacket |
Black with Brown Stripes CMG (CL3/FT4) PVC
|
Noise-Dissipation |
Galvanic Isolation + Direction-Controlled
|
Resolution |
4K@60Hz / 8K@30Hz
|
News & Reviews
-
-
DragonFly Copper is a HiFi Bargain
"Considering its $250 asking price and performance, the AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is a genuine screamin’ HiFi Bargain," says Twittering Machines' Michael Lavorgna.
-
Brave Heart to the Rescue!
How does Brave Heart compare to $25 Home Depot wire? Audio-Ultra's Ed DeVito finds out.
-
Obvious and Significant Value for Money
Using DragonFly Copper to drive headphones connected to a smartphone or laptop, Qobuz's Simon Lucas decides our latest DAC represents obvious and significant value for money.
-
A Better DragonFly
Twittering Machines' Michael Lavorgna decides that Copper is indeed a better DragonFly.
-
Reunited and It Feels So Good: DragonFly and JitterBug
Jürgen Kraus decides DragonFly Copper is a fine wine that pairs nicely with our JitterBug FMJ USB filter.
-
DragonFly Copper Delivers Excellent Measured Performance
DragonFly Copper satisfies even the most rational of audiophile objectivists with its predictably boring measured performance. Yay!
-
The Champ of Fit and Forget
DragonFly Copper receives AVForums' Recommended Award. "It's still the champ of fit and forget."
