AudioQuest Red River review

The boldness makes for a slightly overwhelming approach but that’s our only real criticism

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The boldness makes for a slightly overwhelming approach but that’s our only real criticism

Pros

  • +

    Broad soundstage

  • +

    driving sound

Cons

  • -

    Approach can be overwhelming

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AudioQuest cables are functional – and educational too. Some are named after snakes, others bridges; this interconnect comes from a range named after rivers (there are two Red Rivers in the US: North and South).

But enough of the geography lesson…

Performance

AudioQuest Red River

AudioQuest Red River

Plugged into our reference kit, there’s immediately a greater sense of space and dynamics compared with budget cables such as the Wireworld Luna 7 and the Atlas Element Integra.

Playing Marshmallow Attack! from Frozen’s delightful OST, the AudioQuest helps convey a broad soundstage and driving sound.

The boldness makes for a slightly forward and at times overwhelming approach compared with others, but that’s our only real criticism.

Verdict

The Red River doesn’t have the refinement of, say, Van den Hul’s the Bay C5, but what this interconnect lacks in smoothness and subtlety, it makes up for in scale and dynamic scope.

MORE: See all our speaker cable reviews

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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