AudioQuest, a titan in high-performance audio cables since 1980, has introduced the Heart Full-Range ZERO-Tech speaker cable, a new addition to its acclaimed lineup. Priced at approximately โฌ450 for a 3-meter pair (pricing may vary by region), the Heart is designed to bring audiophile-grade performance to a wider audience, blending cutting-edge technology with AudioQuestโs signature โDo No Harmโ philosophy. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, this cable promises to elevate the listening experience without breaking the bank, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity sound on a budget.
Building on a Legacy of Innovation
Founded by William E. Low, AudioQuest has spent over four decades refining cable design to minimize distortion and preserve the integrity of audio signals. The Heart Full-Range ZERO-Tech speaker cable builds on the companyโs storied expertise, incorporating technologies from its high-end Mythical Creatures and Folk Heroes series, such as the William Tell and ThunderBird, but at a more accessible price point. As AudioQuest notes, the Heart is crafted to โget out of the way,โ allowing music to flow with clarity, dynamics, and emotional impact, free from the interference that plagues lesser cables.
The Heart is positioned as a step above AudioQuestโs Rocket series, offering a taste of the advanced engineering found in the companyโs premium offerings. Itโs designed for audiophiles who want to upgrade their systems without the steep investment required for top-tier models like the Dragon ZERO, which can cost upwards of โฌ27,100 for an 8-foot pair. With the Heart, AudioQuest aims to democratize high-end audio, delivering exceptional performance for modestly priced hi-fi setups.
Advanced Technology for Superior Sound
The Heart Full-Range ZERO-Tech speaker cable incorporates several of AudioQuestโs proprietary technologies to ensure minimal signal distortion and maximum clarity. At its core is the ZERO-Tech system, which eliminates characteristic impedance by isolating positive and negative conductors with advanced shielding. This reduces current compression and enhances transient response, resulting in tighter bass, improved dynamics, and a more open soundstage.
The cable features Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) conductors, which minimize distortion caused by grain boundaries in the metal, delivering smoother, more detailed sound compared to standard copper cables. AudioQuestโs carbon-based Linearized Noise-Dissipation System (NDS) further reduces radio-frequency (RF) interference, transforming noise into dissipated heat for a quieter, cleaner signal. The Heart also employs directionally controlled conductors, with arrows on the connectors to optimize noise dissipation and ensure proper signal flow, a hallmark of AudioQuestโs meticulous design process.
Unlike the pricier William Tell ZERO, which includes the 72v Dielectric-Bias System (DBS), the Heart omits this feature to keep costs down while still benefiting from a simplified RF noise-trap for reduced interference. The cable is terminated with AudioQuestโs 1000 Series Red Copper multi-spades or bananas, cold-welded for a secure, low-distortion connection. The bare copper is submerged in pure silver for enhanced conductivity, avoiding the lower-grade tumbling process used by some competitors.
Performance and Versatility
Early feedback on the Heart Full-Range ZERO-Tech speaker cable highlights its ability to transform hi-fi systems with a refined, musical presentation. Compared to AudioQuestโs Rocket 11, which has been praised for its flexibility and clarity, the Heart offers a noticeable step up in scale, detail, and authority. Reviewers note its spacious soundstage and even-handed delivery, with no overemphasis on any frequency range, making it ideal for a wide variety of speakers and amplifiers. Its dynamic punch and rhythmic drive ensure that energetic tracks shine, while delicate passages retain their nuance.
The Heart is designed for full-range use but can also be paired with a dedicated BASS cable for bi-wiring, offering flexibility for audiophiles with more complex systems. Its manageable size, thanks to separate round constructions for positive and negative conductors, makes it easier to install than bulkier high-end cables like the Brave Heart, while still delivering robust performance. Available in black or white finishes, the Heart combines aesthetic elegance with practical design, fitting seamlessly into any hi-fi setup.
Value and Sustainability
At โฌ450 for a 3-meter pair, the Heart Full-Range ZERO-Tech speaker cable offers remarkable value, undercutting many competitors in the high-end market while delivering technologies typically reserved for far more expensive models. AudioQuestโs commitment to sustainability is evident in its durable construction and long-term reliability, backed by a warranty and the companyโs reputation for quality craftsmanship. The Heartโs versatility also makes it a future-proof investment, as it can be integrated into both entry-level and mid-tier systems, with room for upgrades as budgets allow.
For those upgrading from budget cables like the Rocket 11 or generic copper wires, the Heart provides a significant sonic improvement without the โhilariously ludicrousโ price tags of AudioQuestโs top-tier offerings. As Mark Blackmore of The Audio Beat notes, AudioQuestโs catalog offers solutions for nearly every wiring need at various price points, and the Heart exemplifies this balance of performance and affordability.
Availability and Final Thoughts
The AudioQuest Heart Full-Range ZERO-Tech speaker cable is available now through authorized dealers such as Audio Sanctuary and Peter Tyson, with pricing and availability varying by region. For audiophiles seeking to enhance their systems without venturing into the stratosphere of high-end cable pricing, the Heart offers a compelling blend of advanced technology, ease of use, and musical fidelity.
By focusing on minimizing distortion and maximizing signal integrity, the Heart Full-Range ZERO-Tech speaker cable embodies AudioQuestโs mission to โDo No Harm.โ Itโs an ideal choice for those looking to elevate their listening experience with a cable that delivers clarity, dynamics, and emotional impact at a price that wonโt induce sticker shock. Whether youโre spinning vinyl on a Pro-Ject E1.2 or streaming hi-res audio through a modern DAC, the Heart ensures that every note reaches your speakers as intended, making it a standout addition to the high-end audio market.
