ETI Research Cable Pod

CablePod Binding Post

Most binding posts used in home audio and professional applications are made from gold plated brass or phosphor bronze with a conductivity rating typically less than 28% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). As a comparison, the high purity copper used in the vast majority of loudspeaker cables has a conductivity rating of 100% IACS. Because of this low conductivity, it is our contention that standard binding posts compromise electron flow and diminish the performance of amplifiers and speakers.

The large mass of metal used in many binding posts, while visually impressive, has also been shown to introduce phase errors and smearing due to skin effect - where high frequency signals travelling on the surface of the conductor are conveyed faster than low frequency signals travelling at varying depths and speeds within the metal itself. The result is quite frequently a reduction in time domain linearity and compromised sonic performance, manifesting itself as slow, bass heavy, smeared sound.

In addition, most binding posts utilize a heavy plating of gold over a nickel substrate. While lending a jewel-like appearance to the connector�s contact surface, this is often a cause of degraded sound quality as electrons flow through three dissimilar metals with differing electrical and conductive properties.

Eichmann Technologies of Brisbane Australia offers the new CablePod� as a solution to these inherent problems. In rethinking the architecture of the typical binding post, we have innovated; and in so doing it is our contention that we have solved the problems of standard binding posts. Our design offers vastly improved signal transfer, enhanced sonic performance, and a faster, more direct connection.

A key aspect of our design was careful attention to the thickness and mass of the contact element. In subverting visual appeal to improved performance we went where few other manufacturers in our experience have gone. We devoted months of experimentation and countless hours of machining, all with the sole and overriding purpose to create a contact element that is ideal in size and shape to support current flow but to minimise skin effect. In short, the CablePod� contact element is optimized for sonic performance.

The conductive surfaces on the CablePod� are machined from either high-purity Tellurium Copper (over 90% IACS) or pure silver (106% IACS) to ensure maximum conductivity. This provides up to 320% greater conductivity than the gold plated brass connectors used in the vast majority of binding posts. Proven metallurgical choices result in better signal transfer, and electron flow that is consistent with the highest quality speaker cables.

24k gold is direct plated to the conducting surfaces in the Tellurium Copper CablePod�, eliminating the nickel plating typically used as the third metal in a confusing composite on standard binding posts. Gold is applied solely to prevent oxidation, and contrary to popular opinion, is not a factor in sound quality. Our Silver CablePod� utilizes 4-nines pure Silver (106% IACS) and is treated with a Caig PreservIT antioxide solution, with no additional plating, to preserve signal quality.

Not to be ignored, we have also carefully thought through the whole clamping process used in capturing spades or bare wire. Rather than sandwiching the spade or bare wire between two metal surfaces, we have created a unique telescoping mechanism in which a high strength polymer captures the speaker termination and presses it snugly against a single metal conducting surface. Not only is this a more secure, and easily finger tightened connection, it surprisingly has sonic benefits. Whether resonance or eddy current related, these benefits can be confirmed by careful listening comparisons.

Finally, we have removed the typical binding post securing nut from the conductive path by incorporating an over moulded polymer thread to insulate the nut from the contact element.

In summary the new CablePod� offered by Eichmann Technologies is a totally new approach to multi-way binding post connection. Its innovations and refinements include

* Creating the optimum shape, mass and thickness of the conductive element to enhance electron flow.

* Incorporating high conductive materials such as Tellurium Copper or pure Silver in the construction.

* Attention to the mechanical aspects of the design to ensure the ultimate connection of any spade, banana plug or bare wire connection.

* Removal of the securing nut from the conductive pathway.