VSystem

Van den Hul The Second — Balanced Interconnect with Carbon Conductors

The van den Hul The Second is the balanced version of the acclaimed The First — with two Linear Structured Carbon conductors, each containing 12,000 individually insulated fibres. Quadruple shielding combining silver-coated OFC braids and LSC-saturated layers represents one of the best constructions available — completely closed against any external signal penetration. An excellent choice for home systems, professional recording, and long cable runs alike.

Key Highlights

• Two Linear Structured Carbon conductors — 12,000 individually insulated 7-micron fibres each
• Quadruple shielding — two layers of silver-coated OFC strands and two LSC-saturated layers
• Practically unlimited length — van den Hul have produced 25-metre versions for professional recording
• Stable, low capacitance (68 pF/m) thanks to protection against humidity penetration

Technology & Benefits

Carbon Conductors with Individually Insulated Fibres

The two centre conductors are made of identical groups of Linear Structured Carbon, each containing 12,000 individually insulated carbon fibres. Beyond the undisturbed signal transmission through each fibre, the individual insulation also contributes to high sound quality — electrons move in one direction without side movements, eliminating the boundary problems caused by crossings between individual conductors.

Quadruple Shielding — The Best Available

The shield is made of 4 layers: two different groups of helically wound dense silver-coated OFC strands and two Linear Structured Carbon saturated layers. This is among the best shielding available — completely closed against any external signal penetration, with many additional advantages for the cable's overall construction.

Low-Loss Insulation with Humidity Protection

The insulation of both centre conductors is made of polyethylene foam in white and brown. Specially treated artificial filler fibres protect The Second against penetration of humidity, keeping capacitance stable and low over time.

Rugged Hulliflex Jacket

The light brown Hulliflex outer jacket provides maximum mechanical ruggedness, easy handling, and optimal lifespan protection — a material van den Hul describe as the best external insulation they can think of.

No Length Limitations

There is practically no limitation to the applicable length of The Second. Van den Hul have produced 25-metre versions as microphone cables for professional recording applications. The cable also renders outstanding resolution and neutrality when used as an electrical instrument cable.

Who Is It For?

The van den Hul The Second suits audiophiles looking for a balanced connection with carbon conductors and maximum shielding. It is equally an excellent choice for professional applications — studio recording, microphone cabling, and long-distance transport of low-level signals.

Technical Information

• Cable type: Analogue interconnect — balanced
• Available versions: RCA 1m, XLR 1m
• Jacket colour: Light brown
• Product range: Entry-level
• Conductor material: Linear Structured Carbon — 2 x 12,000 individually insulated 7-micron fibres
• Conductor diameter: 1.0 mm
• Conductor insulation: Polyethylene foam (white and brown)
• Shielding: Quad — 2 layers of silver-coated OFC strands + 2 LSC-saturated layers
• Cable diameter: 7.3 mm
• Conductor resistance: 36 Ω/m
• Capacitance: 68 pF/m
• Jacket: Hulliflex, halogen-free
• Connectors: Van den Hul C-7.3 RCA / Neutrik XLR

Expert Tip from vsystem.bg

The Second is one of the few carbon cables with its own metal shield, making it suitable for systems with tube equipment or complex grounding configurations where metal-free versions may exhibit background hum. The XLR version fully realizes the balanced construction and is the preferred choice for longer runs.

FAQ

What is the difference between The First and The Second?
The Second is the balanced version of the coaxial The First — with two carbon conductors instead of one and quadruple shielding that includes silver-coated OFC strands. This makes it suitable for both unbalanced and fully balanced connections.

Can it be used for long runs?
Yes, there is practically no length limitation. Van den Hul have produced versions up to 25 metres for professional recording applications.

Is it suitable for microphones or musical instruments?
Yes, The Second is regularly used as a microphone cable in professional recording and renders outstanding resolution and neutrality as an electrical instrument cable.

What is the difference between the RCA and XLR versions?
Both use the same construction. The XLR version fully realizes the balanced connection for better interference immunity, while the RCA version serves standard unbalanced home components.