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Overview

Clarus Crimson MKII AES/EBU 110-Ohm Digital Audio Cable

Reference-grade balanced digital XLR cable featuring 6.1% silver-plated Pure Continuous Cast Copper conductors, precision 110-ohm geometry, triple shielding, and premium MKII connectors.

The Clarus Crimson MKII AES/EBU Digital Audio Cable is engineered for high-performance digital audio transmission between compatible transports, streamers, DACs, and digital processors. Its balanced 110-ohm architecture combines three solid Pure Continuous Cast Copper (PCCC) conductors, 6.1% ultra-pure silver plating, and a nitrogen-injected polyethylene dielectric to maintain signal integrity.

Designed for the AES3 digital audio standard, the Crimson MKII offers a precision-engineered connection for reference two-channel systems and professional digital audio applications.

110-Ohm Balanced Digital Architecture

The Crimson MKII uses a true 110-ohm AES/EBU Type 1 balanced design, with three dedicated conductors for positive signal, negative signal, and ground.

Each conductor is individually insulated, with controlled geometry designed to maintain the impedance required for reliable digital transmission. The balanced configuration also provides common-mode noise rejection, making AES/EBU particularly suitable for systems with longer cable runs or electrically demanding environments.

6.1% Silver-Plated PCCC Conductors

Clarus uses solid Pure Continuous Cast Copper conductors with 6.1% ultra-pure silver plating.

Its proprietary continuous-casting process produces highly uniform copper with reduced crystal boundaries and low electrical resistance. Silver plating enhances surface conductivity, while the solid-conductor construction provides consistent geometry for high-frequency digital signals.

Nitrogen-Injected Dielectric

The Crimson MKII features a proprietary skin-foam-skin polyethylene dielectric.

A protective inner layer surrounds each conductor, followed by nitrogen-injected polyethylene foam and an outer protective skin. This construction provides a low dielectric constant while helping maintain the cable's precise 110-ohm impedance.

The dielectric is engineered to reduce signal attenuation and support high propagation velocity.

Triple Shielding with Source-End Grounding

Three twisted conductors are surrounded by an extensive shielding system consisting of:

  • Aluminum/Mylar shielding layer

  • Two silver-plated copper braided shields

  • Source-end shield termination

The triple shield is connected at the source end to provide a path for induced electrical noise while limiting unwanted shield-current interaction at the receiving component.

This construction is designed to protect the AES/EBU digital signal against electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference.

Premium MKII XLR Connectors

Clarus terminates the Crimson MKII with proprietary high-conductivity XLR connectors.

The male connector features hollow tellurium copper pins, designed to minimize eddy-current effects. The female connector uses resilient beryllium copper contacts to maintain consistent electrical contact pressure.

The female connector also incorporates a forward-positioned pin-one ground contact for a ground-first connection sequence.

Each cable is meticulously hand-terminated in Orlando, Florida.

Engineered for Reference Digital Audio

The Crimson MKII is designed for components equipped with compatible AES/EBU digital XLR connections, including:

  • High-end CD and SACD transports

  • Reference music streamers

  • Digital-to-analog converters

  • Digital audio processors

  • Professional AES3 digital audio equipment

Its balanced geometry, controlled impedance, and extensive shielding make it particularly appropriate for sophisticated digital playback systems.

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Product Type Balanced digital audio cable
Model Clarus Crimson MKII AES/EBU
Digital Interface AES3 / AES/EBU
Characteristic Impedance 110 ohms
Connector Configuration 3-pin XLR male to 3-pin XLR female
Cable Geometry Three-conductor balanced design
Conductor Material Solid Pure Continuous Cast Copper (PCCC)
Silver Plating 6.1% ultra-pure silver
Dielectric Nitrogen-injected skin-foam-skin polyethylene
Shielding Triple shield
Shield Construction Aluminum/Mylar and dual silver-plated copper braids
Shield Termination Source end
Male XLR Contacts Hollow tellurium copper
Female XLR Contacts Beryllium copper
Connector Grounding Forward-positioned pin-one ground contact
Cable Termination Hand-terminated in Orlando, Florida
Packaging Sold individually — one cable

Clarus Crimson MKII AES/EBU at The Grid HiFi

The Clarus Crimson MKII 110-Ohm AES/EBU Digital Audio Cable combines precision balanced geometry, silver-plated PCCC conductors, advanced dielectric insulation, and premium XLR connectors for high-performance digital audio systems.

The Grid HiFi offers expert guidance in selecting digital transports, network streamers, reference DACs, and the connections that bring them together.

Complete your reference digital audio system. Contact (713) 218-8120 for product availability and assistance.

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FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Do you price match?

Yes. We match any authorised dealer, including big-box retailers. If you find the same product at a lower price, contact us and we'll match it.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes — free shipping on every order, with 2-day delivery available on most products. Easy returns and exchanges are included.

Where is your showroom?

We're at 6362 Alder Drive, Houston, Texas. The showroom lets you hear and compare reference-level systems in person before making any decisions. If you're considering a larger purchase or installation, it's well worth the visit.

Can I buy online without visiting the showroom?

Yes. The full product range is available through the online store with free nationwide shipping. For more complex system builds, speaking with one of our advisers first tends to lead to a better result.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Special financing is available through the BrandSource Credit Card for qualifying purchases, allowing you to spread payments over time with no annual fee. Promotional rebate savings are also available periodically. See the financing page for full details.

Do you install systems as well as sell equipment?

Yes — installation is central to what we do. We design and install whole-home audio and video, home theaters, media rooms, outdoor audio, lighting and motorised shades, and full smart home automation.

Do you provide support after installation?

Yes. We provide ongoing service and support to ensure systems continue performing as intended — not just on installation day, but over the long term.