Munich HIGH END Show Report 2016
High End Society Munich Germany

WBT NextGen WBT-0703 AG/CU, WBT-0708 AG/CU And WBT-0718

  Since 1985, virtually every audiophile knows of WBT and their excellent connectors. Audiophiles admire the technical innovations and the know-how in terms of audio connectors of the company with its headquarters in Essen, Germany. For many well-known and highly reputed audio manufacturers worldwide WBT technology is today standard in their audio devises. WBT connectors were the first ones to feature continually the collet chucking, clamping and expanding mechanisms. This enables to achieve the right contact pressure which provides for more precise transition characteristics. All products developed by WBT are produced within a fully automated manufacturing processes at their own production facilities, and from there exported to countries all over the world.

For the first time the plastic/metal compound technology made it possible to use pure copper and fine silver as signal conductors. At the same time WBT optimized the conductor geometry onto the low mass principle. It would not be possible with conventional manufacturing methods. Pure copper being known and appreciated for its good conductivity is not suitable for this process because it is simply too soft for a turning machine. Thus nextgen enables a considerable reduction of metal mass. Eddy current and mass storage effects occur in a drastically lower extent. The result is said to be incredible signal fidelity that has never been achieved before.

With the research on the WBT nanoGen carbon connectors we start into a new era. In the PVD process an electrically neutralized carrier gets hit by pure carbon. This material is significantly superior to any other materials due to its phase preservation and rapidness. Besides, in this technology eddy current and mass storage effects cannot develop at all. WBT nanoGen is a further milestone in the development of innovative connectors.

Unlike the 'classic' pole terminals which had been manufactured as turned parts from copper containing brass alloy (pure copper is too soft), nextgen is completely different. Hybrid construction of functional materials are built by production tooling from WBT's development to deliver consistency in signal conductors. With no eddy current distortion, the signal is free from mass storage effects plus WBT pays close attention to vibration control. Their environmentally friendly production is combined with products that are both IEC and CE compliant.

The WBT-0703 and WBT-0708 are 19mm 8 groove deign and 17mm with 11 grooves design respectively. They have a special piano lacquer appearance and can handle 30/200 Amperes. New electrical and mechanical vibration control ensures proper signal handling to audiophile standards. The assembly is Teflon insulated and the metal connectors are 24 carat gold plated.

WBT Nexgen connectors are found on many high-end audio pieces of gear. Their WBT-0708 and 0703 AG series are available in either silver or copper. They have subtle did detente between them as it depends on the visuals and way the connector tightens. The great news is that you pretty much can't over tighten or strip these, so they are highly durable and will provide many years of top quality connectivity.

While not pictured, WBT also offers excellent silver content solder. Highly recommended!

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