Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Belden BAV RCA

reviews

Manufacturer details

Features
Type: Interconnect Cable
RCA Cable
Material: Copper
  • Center Conductor: 25 AWG copper (Gen 1) or four 30 AWG copper wires (Gen 2)
  • Shield: Double-braid TPC copper shield
  • Jacket: Translucent PTFE
  • Connector: Cardas SRCA
Description
The Iconoclast RCA cable presents the same materials and electricals as our XLR cable -- using the same air tube design but in a coaxial rather than a star quad architecture. A bare copper conductor (or four, in the case of the Gen 2 model) is suspended in a Teflon air tube using a glass-and-Teflon spacer thread; over this are three layers: a PTFE insulating tube, a heavy double-braid TPC copper shield, and a jacket of translucent PTFE.
Just as the Iconoclast XLR has a BAV counterpart, so does the Iconoclast RCA. The BAV RCA cable uses the same PE/PVC materials as the BAV XLR cable, but with a single conductor in one air tube rather than a star quad in four air tubes. Like the Iconoclast RCA, it carries a double bare copper braid shield. We terminate this cable using Canare solder-type RCA plugs.
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Iconoclast
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Iconoclast Series 1
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REL-Compatible
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Iconoclast Generation 2
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BAV Belden 1310A
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Belden BAV RCA
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Iconoclast 4x4 Generation 2
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RCA Cable
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Iconoclast 4x1 Generation 1
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BAV Power
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BAV XLR Balanced
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BAV S/PDIF Digital Audio
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BAV Belden 1313A
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Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

Select products

BAV RCA Series

  • Positioning: An entry-level interconnect line designed for standard analog audio setups.
  • Description: Features a simple design with effective shielding to keep the signal clear in everyday applications. In contrast to the enhanced balance of the Iconoclast XLR series and the high-power optimization of the Iconoclast Speaker lines, it offers a cost-effective solution for small room use with modest functionality.

Iconoclast RCA Series

  • Positioning: A premium interconnect line engineered for high-performance analog systems.
  • Description: Features advanced conductor geometry and high-purity materials to minimize distortion and preserve signal integrity. Compared to the more budget-oriented BAV line, it offers a higher level of fidelity and precision for discerning listeners.

BAV XLR Series

  • Positioning: An entry-level balanced interconnect line designed for standard systems.
  • Description: Uses balanced connectors and practical engineering to reduce noise and maintain clarity. Compared to the premium Iconoclast XLR series and the more specialized Speaker options, it provides accessible balanced performance for everyday applications.

Iconoclast XLR Series

  • Positioning: A flagship balanced interconnect line that emphasizes superior signal integrity.
  • Description: Uses high-precision engineering and proprietary design to reduce noise, distortion, and phase error. Positioned above the BAV series, it is ideal for high-end systems where signal accuracy is critical.

BAV Speaker Series

  • Positioning: A power-delivery cable line suited for entry to mid-fi speaker connections.
  • Description: Offers robust build quality and conductor design aimed at minimizing signal loss in typical listening environments. Compared with the higher-end Iconoclast Speaker series, it serves as an affordable solution for moderately demanding systems.

Iconoclast Speaker Series

  • Positioning: A high-performance cable line optimized for high-fidelity speaker connections.
  • Description: Delivers maximum signal accuracy and power handling using advanced design techniques. Positioned above the BAV line, it is intended for larger, more demanding systems requiring audiophile-grade performance.

BAV Power Cords

  • Positioning: A versatile power delivery option suitable for all system levels.
  • Description: Engineered to provide clean and consistent power across a range of applications, from mid-fi to high-end systems. While BAV interconnects and speaker cables are entry-level, these power cords are optimized for broad compatibility.
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Brand logo
Brand detailsiconoclastcable.com
Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
642
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
13
Founding Year
2002

Our take on the brand

Iconoclast cables are designed by retired Belden engineer Galen Gareis, who focuses on timing in cable performance through a unique star-quad configuration and air tube chambers that improve current coherence. The brand stands out by providing detailed scientific measurements to back their claims, and their cables are manufactured using ultrasonic welding, delivering high-end performance at more accessible prices than competing brands.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

We have an extraordinary line of audio cables produced by Belden, the 123+ year old $3-billion wire and cable manufacturing company. The cables were designed and manufactured utilizing the incomparable resources of the Belden Engineering and Design Center and manufacturing facilities in Richmond, IN. Design briefs, white pages and complete engineering data are all placed as an open book on our website.

What's your approach to customer support?

We are not in the business of selling snake oil at the noise bleed prices that plague our industry in this segment. We have an no questions asked 30-day return policy leaving the audiophile zero risk in trying our cables. We are manufacturer direct and support only a very small handful of dealers, mostly international. We want to maintain personal relationships with customers and hold prices at levels that are within reach of most audiophiles. 

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
Bob Howard
.
Brand Page

Used

Iconoclast Cable

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What if you spend more?

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Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.

All Dealers
Martins Hi-Fi
1603627010
England (Midlands)
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How to buy

Cables

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