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WBT-PlasmaProtect™ - A leap in quality for audio connectors

For numerous years, enthusiasts of outstanding sound quality have been enjoying the nextgen™ connectors of WBT. With their sophisticated signal conductors made of pure copper or fine silver in combination with innovative functional materials, the nextgen™ series offers everything the audiophile heart desires. By optimising the mass of the signal conductor, WBT managed to minimise mass storage effects and eddy currents. The sound is clearer, and notably more substantial and spatial.

However, WBT goes even further. The think tank of WBT has been working tirelessly for some years. According to the principle that the best is still not good enough, WBT is seeking to improve the nextgen™ principle even more. This endeavour often seemed very difficult. The in-house production facilities in Essen had to be restructured. A PVD plasma production line had to be established. Already during the construction phase, dedicated production processes particularly designed for WBT were developed and implemented on a newly established production line.

However, what does PVD plasma production mean?

Contacts have to be protected against corrosion. Around the world, this is done for connectors almost exclusively by using electroplating technology. WBT is the first manufacturer of connectors replacing electroplating by the much more precise PVD technology. The innovative nanotechnology replaces the obsolate electroplating technology. For this process, the signal conductors made of pure copper are cleaned in a high current polishing line and the surface is polished to a high glossy finish. This is done completely without any harmful chemical additives. The resulting surface is absolutely pure without any imperfections like chemical inclusions. Afterwards, the conductor is subject to physical vapour deposition (PVD) for a physical fine gold plating. In this process, atomic gold is released by plasma discharge ignition in a high vacuum. In the vacuum, this gold is literally shot on the copper conductor to realise atomic bonding* for inseperably anchoring (*Van der Waals forces). The result is a homogeneous material compound with a 24-carat gold surface.

And why plasma?

The choice of plasma can be easily explained. With their nextgen™ principle, WBT had already initiated a transition to environmentally friendly technologies. The replacement from galvanic surface coating to PVD plasma is just the consequent continuation of this basic thought. In contrast to environmentally harmful electroplating, plasma technology does not require any toxic electroplating baths and is environmentally neutral. Additionally, the new procedure enables reduction of the energy consumption by approx. 25 %. And resource-saving use of precious metals can also be ensured.

What are the consequences for the sound?

The atomically bounded gold ensures a hard and still flexible surfaces with resistance against scratches and abrasion. Even more important is the structure in the material itself. Thanks to PVD plasma technology, a defined crystalline structure is generated. As electricity is direction-dependent, this structure enables even further increase in precision of the signal flow for unparalleled signal quality. While nextgen™ connectors have improved sound quality by increased clarity, substance and spatiality, WBT-PlasmaProtect™ offers even more defined sound. While wishing an orchestra is playing in the living room at home, this technology now offers the sensation of being at the centre of the orchestra. When closing the eyes, it sounds like standing between the strings or brass section – and suddenly next to the kettledrum. One is left with the impression of not only being a listener but a part of the orchestra itself. With WBT-PlasmaProtect™, WBT managed to realise a leap in quality for audio connectors.



The patented nextgen principle

WBT has taken the design of the RCA connection one step further with the introduction of the "nextgen" connectors.

The WBT's nextgen plug and socket offer the following 'on the top' features:

- ultimate conductivity
- ultra rapid signal transfer
- no more interferences (especially Eddy current)
- to perform as a true wide band connector (for digital and analog)
- to be the first true RCA type connector of 75 ohms characteristic impedance offered to the Audio industry (the perfect solution for digital!).

Eddy current exclusion as well as the 75 ohms setting are impossible to obtain with a standard RCA construction where the center pin (plus) is built as a massive part and the outer contact (minus) is also massive and furthermore formed out of the plug's metal body. Logically, the nextgen plugs would have to break with today's most essential RCA design habits. But it was worthwhile!

Both, the nextgen plug and socket feature a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms, a long awaited piece for all matched digital audio connections. Now you have the chance to get the necessary total match of 75 ohms on your system ! You can't do better than exchanging your (standard) RCA type plug of your digital entries against nextgen

The nextgen RCA type plug

The core of the nextgen plug design is the central contact unit built from the plus and the minus conductor piece and their respective surrounding plastic holders. The conductors' daintiness insure the properties and performances mentioned before. Intelligently designed, the whole unit can be taken off for more comfortable soldering and clipped back into the central body easily.

The material

All material used is whether pure copper or fine silver (conductor elements) or highest grade materials like Ultramid and magnesium for their strength and Dyneon for its remarkably high heat resistance.

Of course, the nextgen plug also offers the widely known 'classics' of a WBT RCA:
- the patented clamping device effected by the two-piece outer sleeve (this time working on the thoroughly designed three teeth construction of the outer contact elements)
- the perfect cable strain relief by means of WBT's classic Torx screw

WBT is proud to present now their next generation of RCA type connections based on the 'reduced but pure' principle. The nextgen RCA socket features a fabulous wave-formed outer contact embracing the socket's solid Ultramid body.

It perfectly corresponds to the double prism inner contact, both conductors then made of highly ductile pure copper or fine silver. The intelligent wave form insures that a reliable contact is made any time with any standard RCA type plug and, of course, with the new nextgen WBT RCA connector. A perfect solution for digital entries due to its true 75 Ohm characteristic impedance!