Grimm Audio SQM Interconnect Cable

The cables you hear the least are doing the most. Grimm Audio's SQM takes the Star Quad geometry that has been a studio standard for decades and refines every aspect of it: carbon-doped sheaths kill microphony, a tightly woven braided screen blocks electromagnetic interference, and the four-conductor layout itself suppresses magnetic field pickup. Sold as a stereo pair with Neutrik gold-plated XLR or WBT NextGen RCA connectors, the SQM brings Grimm's measurement-driven engineering to the last link between your components.

Key Features of the Grimm Audio SQM Interconnect Cable

• Star Quad Geometry: Four conductors arranged in a star pattern provide inherent magnetic field rejection, reducing hum and interference pickup far below what standard twisted-pair designs achieve.
• Carbon-Doped Sheaths: Individual conductor sheaths and an additional layer beneath the braided screen are loaded with carbon to dampen microphonic noise from cable movement and vibration.
• Sealed Braided Screen: A tightly woven braid with no visible gaps provides continuous electromagnetic shielding across the full frequency range.
• Neutrik XLR / WBT RCA Connectors: Balanced pairs use Neutrik gold-plated XLR connectors. Unbalanced pairs use WBT NextGen RCA connectors with careful grounding to preserve the star quad's shielding integrity.
• Compact, Tough Construction: A thinner cable diameter than most high-end interconnects makes routing easier without sacrificing mechanical durability or electrical performance.
• Stereo Pair Included: Each SQM order includes a matched stereo pair (two cables), not a single cable.

Why Star Quad Works

Star quad wiring arranges four conductors in a symmetrical pattern where diagonally opposite conductors form each leg of the signal pair. Any external magnetic field induces equal and opposite voltages in the two legs, canceling the interference. This is not a new idea in professional audio, but Grimm's implementation goes further than most. The carbon-doped inner sheaths address something that standard star quad cables ignore: microphonic noise generated within the cable itself when it flexes or vibrates. By damping conductor-to-sheath friction at the source, the SQM keeps its noise floor below what the connected electronics can even resolve.

Shielding Without Compromise

Most braided shields have small gaps between the woven strands that allow high-frequency interference through. The SQM's braided screen is woven tightly enough that there are no see-through gaps, providing a continuous barrier. For the unbalanced (RCA) version, Grimm takes additional care in the assembly so that the screen functions purely for shielding against hum and RF without interfering with the star quad's magnetic cancellation. This is a subtlety most cable manufacturers overlook when adapting balanced designs for single-ended use.

From the Studio to the Listening Room

Grimm Audio builds products used in mastering studios and broadcast facilities across Europe. The SQM grew out of that professional background, where cables need to be quiet, durable, and thin enough to route through cable trays alongside dozens of other runs. In a home audio system, these same qualities translate directly: low noise floor, no microphonic coloration, and a cable thin enough to route cleanly behind a rack without forcing components apart. Available in lengths from 0.5m to 5m (XLR) and 0.5m to 3m (RCA), with custom assemblies available on request.

Part of the Grimm Audio System

The SQM is the ideal analog interconnect for any Grimm system. Connect the PW1 Phono Preamplifier to the UC1 Universal Converter, or run analog sources into the MU2's analog inputs. The SQM handles any connection where analog signal quality matters.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Grimm Audio SQM Interconnect Cable Specifications