BALANCED REFINEMENT COPPER (BRC)
Unlike most of our rivals who religiously adhere to the use of “oxygen free copper” (OFC), we have elected a different touch with BRC - Balanced Refinement Copper. Every ounce we use is made from high quality copper from the Ural region of Russia which then undergoes electrolytic refinement. When shaped into foil or rod wire forms an extremely uniform and defect free crystal structure with exceptional conductivity, high ductility and resistance to tearing is achieved.
To this end, extensive chromatographic and mass spectrum analysis was combined with our findings from comprehensive listening tests. A consistent outcome of this testing was that OFC sounded worse than the electrical one. This is almost entirely down to the presence of higher quantities of silicon (Si) which is used as an oxygen absorber during the deoxidisation process.
As well as the negative impact of silicon, the elements in the 3rd, 4th and 5th periods, such as sulphur (S), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As) selenium (Se), tin (Sn) and antimony (Sb) also deteriorate the performance. Even when present in quantities of no greater than 0.001 to 0.003%, they can create chemical compounds that have semiconductor properties and form Schottky barrier junctions at the borders of crystals.
The effect of metals in the iron subgroup - chrome (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and cobalt (Co) - are also very unwelcome. Quantities of no more than 0.001 to 0.005% can detriment copper plasticity and make it brittle. This in turn leads to an increase in non-linear distortion especially at higher current densities.
When we reach the metals of the 5th and 6th periods, such as silver (Ag), gold (Au), lead (Pb) and the platinum subgroup (Rh, Pd, Pt, Ir) and the non-metals of the 2nd period such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O), the results are different and much more benign. In quantities of between 0.01 to 0.03%, there is no noticeable effect on either the electrical properties or sound quality of the conductor. Additionally, the presence of silver in a quantity of up to 0.02% and lead at a quantity of 0.0005% serves to improve the crystal structure uniformity, increases the recrystallization temperature and helps the wire to retain high electrical conductivity after it has been subjected to mechanical stress.
This effect might be likened to mineral water. Many impurities are definitely unwelcome but the presence of other substances in trace amounts results in a water that is preferable in both taste and health terms to “purer” distilled water. Seeking to achieve a similar benefit in conductors, we place orders for copper with the specified impurity ratios to be used for all our conductors and shields. Named Balanced Refinement Copper (BRC) it reveals stunning musical fidelity for both audio and video, rendering information precisely as it was recorded without any coloration.
INSULATORS
Complex insulation is what Tchernov Cable is widely renowned for. We have opted for a high purity Russian-made non-polar polyethylene (PE) without any artificial polymerization accelerators that do have polar molecular structure to obtain the strikingly low signal energy loss within the dielectric. Different fluoroplastic tapes (PTFE) are applied for dielectric binding techniques and our cutting-edge SATI® insulation, which has no equal in the industry to date.
JACKETS
The primacy of quality jacketing for cable damping can’t be underestimated. Different vibrations have a critical influence on audio frequencies. The innovative Combined 2-layer SPVC jacket with the air-foamed inner layer, first-ever introduced by Tchernov Cable, provides long-term dielectric stability, efficient absorption of acoustic noise and vibrations along with the enviable flexibility. There is nothing similar on the market to date.
However, in our top-end Reference & Ultimate cables the unequalled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) Elastollan® is used to reach even higher damping efficiency. Developed by BASF, Elastollan® provides high elasticity and mechanical strength, efficient absorption of acoustic noise and vibrations, as well as excellent resistance to abrasions, tears, temperature fluctuations, and aggressive chemicals.
ORGANIC DYES & ADDITIVES
The coloring is processed with organic dyes of a refined chemical formula, exactly matching each type of SPVC. These Russian-made purely organic concentrates have no analogs elsewhere in the world as they do not contain, unlike most imported counterparts, any metal ingredients that degrade the properties of insulating materials.
The antistatic treatment eliminates the electrostatic effect that deteriorates signal transmission quality. The stabilizing additive serves for obtaining better homogeneity of the SPVC mass during its extruding and subsequent hardening.
SOLDER SFS/AG
Tchernov Cable developed its own original solder with a melting point of only 180 °C and a balanced silver and copper ratio.
The presence of a special flux boasts signal integrity and the unbeatable soldering consistency. The optimal diameter makes termination with any connector type easy and convenient. The SFS/AG solder is exclusively manufactured to our specifications in Japan.
