Here’s one cable maker’s scientific defense against accusations of audio snake oil.
Do expensive audio cables really sound better? Black Rhodium founder Graham Nalty says yes, and claims science backs him up.
In a recent interview at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025, Nalty explained how physical properties make premium cables perform better. The audio veteran insists these differences are measurable, not just marketing tricks.
The Physics Behind High-End Audio Cables
Nalty’s central argument rests on his assertion that “all audio cables obey the laws of physics,” which is also the title of a book he authored on the subject. For most listeners, basic cable principles seem sufficient. But, Nalty believes this view misses important factors that affect sound quality.
“People used to quote Ohm’s Law and say that if a cable behaved by Ohm’s Law, then every cable was the same,” said Nalty.
“But it ignores the many laws of physics that affect the performance of cables.”
When confronted about “snake oil” accusations, Nalty pushed back. His company’s approach, he claims, comes from scientific testing, not clever marketing.
This insight changed their entire development process. They stopped making improvements randomly. Instead, they began systematically studying physical phenomena that might affect how cables perform.
This question led them to discover several physical principles they needed to address. One example of this involves environmental interference.
He believes these effects are measurable rather than psychological. And, addressing them creates audible improvements in sound quality.
How Black Rhodium Cables “Improve” Sound Quality
Several engineering techniques were outlined by Nalty that his company uses to enhance audio quality. These methods supposedly address specific physical phenomena affecting sound reproduction.
The result, he claims, is both measurable and audible improvements.
Mechanical vibration control
Black Rhodium uses specific engineering approaches that focus on mechanical vibration to reduce distortion.
“We started by introducing a large metal vibration damper in the middle of the cable that damped vibration and much improved the sound,” he said.
“And then we worked on to a vibration-damping braid, which, on a long length of cable, was actually as effective as the weights, the vibration dampers, but at a lower price.”
The audio signal reportedly stays more faithful to the original when physical movements within the cable are reduced. Research at the company suggests that controlling these vibrations helps deliver cleaner sound free from distortion caused by physical movement.
High-frequency interference reduction
Something unexpected was also discovered during the testing of ferrite rings on their cables.
This finding came as a surprise since ferrite components typically filter out high-frequency noise rather than improve bass response. Nevertheless, he claims the result can be clearly heard.
Perceived listening experience
The technical improvements translate to specific changes in music, based on Nalty’s observations.
“What I noticed particularly in my own listening was how bass notes in the background of music, which normally just form a warm background, were clear and very distinct,” he said.
“Additionally, the treble notes of music, particularly a large choir, they really soar beautifully.”
To illustrate the difference, Nalty cited a specific musical example.
Why Expensive Metals Sound Better in Cables
Perhaps most controversially, Nalty asserted a direct relationship between material cost and audio performance. This, in turn, could justify the price of these high-end cables.
“We found, quite amazingly, that the more expensive it was to buy, say, a length of wire to make a cable, the better it sounded,” Nalty stated.
“It’s almost like a law of physics itself. Why this is, I don’t know.”
Experiments with platinum and other precious metals from the Platinum Group convinced his company that these materials deliver superior sound.
For one of their product ranges, the company created experimental cables using fine platinum wire. Nalty claimed these produced “lovely” sound.
However, market realities soon intervened.
This economic challenge pushed Black Rhodium to seek alternatives.
“We have developed another metal that we use in our expensive cables. It’s not quite as good, but it’s at least affordable in a high-end cable,” Nalty revealed, though he was careful not to disclose specifics.
“Certain things we don’t tell too much because some things are easy to copy.”
The sound improvements may seem “subtle” according to Nalty, but he insists they’re “very important if you want to enjoy your music.” This is especially true with complex recordings like choral works that might sound muddled through standard cables.
From a consumer perspective, these claims invite questions about value and diminishing returns.
However, the company has also acknowledged that practical considerations have led them to find more accessible solutions for audiophiles who aren’t prepared to pay platinum prices.
The Science and Skepticism Behind His Claims
Graham Nalty insists that Black Rhodium cables follow scientific principles, but independent verification remains scarce.
First off, blind testing often challenges these claims.
Despite years of debate, no widely accepted lab tests or double-blind studies have conclusively proven that premium cables provide audible improvements over well-made standard ones.
In fact, listeners frequently struggle to tell the difference between high-end and budget cables when visual cues are removed.
Material choices add another layer to the discussion.
Nalty believes metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium improve sound quality. But, he also admits he cannot explain why.
Engineers, on the other hand, argue that conductivity differences between these premium metals and traditional copper or silver are simply too small to meaningfully impact audio performance.
Sure, premium materials may enhance durability or reduce oxidation. But, their role in actually changing what you hear remains a topic of heated debate.
It’s not just about Black Rhodium, though.
Brands like Nordost and AudioQuest promote similar theories about cable design. But, as is with this case, independent testing to support these claims remains limited.
And, without more concrete measurable data, this conversation continues in audio forums and listening rooms worldwide.