NF-404 Micro AIR | RCA

• Micro AIR Technology: Air-dielectric reduced capacitance
• Guided Copper Construction: Minimizes noise and preserves fine details.
• Symmetrical Signal Path: Effective protection against EMC and Wi-Fi interference.
• Authentic Sound Character: Delivers the music signal as close to the original recording as possible

The RCA and XLR outputs on hi-fi components transmit very weak signals and are therefore highly sensitive to a cable’s electrical properties—particularly its capacitance. High cable capacitance acts like a low-pass filter: it attenuates high frequencies and causes phase shifts that degrade the musical reproduction. Micro AIR technology consistently reduces capacitance, thereby preserving the integrity of the audio signal—for unadulterated reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum, from powerful bass to the finest high-frequency details. Another critical factor is signal noise within the conductor structure. Uncontrolled contact points between the individual wires can generate micro-distortions that manifest sonically as an unpleasant “hissing” sound during S-sounds, among other things. The specially developed Guided Copper construction of the NF-404 specifically addresses this problem: The individual conductors are precisely separated and insulated from one another by PE wires. This ensures a defined structure and a consistent, low-loss signal flow. The symmetrical architecture of the NF-404 Micro AIR also offers high immunity to electromagnetic interference. In environments with numerous potential sources of interference, such as switching power supplies, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks, stray signals are effectively compensated for. The result is stable, low-interference transmission. Whether used on its own or in combination with the LS-404 speaker cable, the NF-404 Micro AIR unlocks the full sound potential of your system and delivers an open, precise, and detailed sound.

Micro AIR technology Micro AIR technology

We are not able to switch off the laws of nature, so the best we can do is use them as ingeniously as possible. Due to the laws of nature, every cable exerts so-called parasitic effects. These include capacitance – the capacity to store energy like a battery and release it again with a time delay. This effect has a considerable impact on the transmission of audio signals and is therefore unwelcome. Capacitance is a physical property, and its value depends on a number of different factors, one of the most important of which is the insulation material used, also known as the “dielectric”. The dielectric material can considerably increase the capacitance of the cable. Because air doesn’t do this, it’s ideal for insulation purposes. One of the insulation elements in the Micro AIR technology is a complex, diamond-shaped structure. The tiny chambers created by this structure increase the distance between the conductors and raise the air content of the insulation. This method reduces troublesome capacitance effects and optimizes the cable’s transmission characteristics for the sensitive audio signals it needs to transport.

Guided Copper

Unlike conventional conductor designs, in which individual wires are arranged chaotically and uncontrolled contact points cause signal noise, the Guided Copper conductor follows a clearly defined architecture. At its center is a PE wire, around which the copper wires are arranged. All wires are spatially separated and isolated from one another by additional PE wires. This defined structure consistently prevents irregular contact points and unwanted interactions within the conductor. The result is a stable and uniform signal path in which interference and noise are significantly minimized. Fine details are preserved, and the reproduction gains in clarity and precision. Signals are transmitted cleanly and with precise timing, which also audibly improves spatial imaging and transparency. The conductors are made of high-purity OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper), which is characterized by excellent conductivity and high signal fidelity. The precisely guided arrangement of the conductors supports a consistent signal flow throughout the entire cable.

Electrostatics and capacitance

It’s something we’re all familiar with: when you take off a sweater with a high synthetic content you hear a crackling sound. The reason for this is that the integrated plastic material stores electrical energy, and then discharges it again. The same thing happens in the dielectric material of a cable. It “absorbs” electrical energy like a sponge and then releases it again. In the case of an audio cable, however, this electrical energy is part of the audio signal.

This problematic storage capacity of a cable is referred to as its “capacitance”. While capacitors intended to store energy should have a correspondingly high capacitance, the capacitance of a cable should be as low as possible. If this is not the case, it can have a serious detrimental effect on the transmission characteristics and also lead to interactions with connected electronic devices. The ideal solution is therefore air insulation such as that implemented with the Micro AIR (and previous AIR technology), reducing the capacitance to an absolute minimum.

Cables should not make any sound

The Referenz AIR series cables have already caused something of a sensation in the world of high-end connections. And we have used the very same principles of physics to develop our Referenz Micro AIR series. As the name suggests, air as insulation also plays a key role with these high end connections due to the excellent dielectric properties.

Cables in general don’t make any sound; they have a filtering effect and interact with the devices. We believe audio connections should be as unobtrusive as possible and cause no sound coloration. These would perhaps be astonishing to hear the first time, but they actually distort the original, and eventually are annoying. The trick is to adapt the physical filter effect through the architecture and choice of materials so that losses and interactions are reduced to a minimum. This was our goal when developing the Referenz Micro Air series – and we believe we have achieved our goal once again.

Made in Germany

Just like the AIR Helix cables, the Referenz high-end cables with Micro AIR technology are also manufactured in our own factory in Germany. Along with the complex, manual assembly of the cables, this of course also includes the corresponding quality control. Every cable is put through its paces after production. Both functional tests and mechanical tests are carried out. And of course we also check the live performance as part of product development – for maximum precision and low-loss signal transmission.

The cable manufacturing unit

The beating heart of in-akustik is our manufactory. This is where our success story is rooted – permeated by a congenial working atmosphere, a love of music and a passion for detail. At in-akustik, we believe musical enjoyment stems from a listening experience that remains as close as possible to the original recording and the artist’s interpretation of the piece. That’s why we boast a committed workforce that combines curiosity with a keen sense of precision. With a fascination for music and things that are really special – like the development of our complex AIR cables.

User Reviews

5 Years Warranty

We care about your experience with HeyNow Hi-Fi, and we’re here to make the warranty process as smooth as possible.

Your warranty is handled directly by the Australian importer. By submitting this form, we’ll coordinate the process for you and keep you updated every step of the way. Important: Shipping fees are not included as part of your warranty coverage.

If your HeyNow Hi-Fi purchase isn’t working as it should, click here to lodge a warranty claim.

Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us https://www.heynowhifi.com.au//pages/contact