KIMBER KABLE PBJ INTERCONNECT RETURNS TO RUSS ANDREWS WITH PURER COPPER UPGRADE

Russ Andrews has brought the Kimber Kable PBJ analogue interconnect back into its UK range.

Originally a popular first upgrade for many audiophiles, PBJ had been phased out of the line-up in 2003, replaced by Kimber’s Timbre cable.

Now reintroduced, the PBJ returns with an update to its copper conductor, while retaining its familiar construction.

KIMBER KABLE PBJ UPDATED WITH HIGHER CONDUCTIVITY COPPER

The key change in the new version of the Kimber Kable PBJ is the use of copper with a higher IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) rating. Kimber Kable claims that the copper used in the updated PBJ measures at 102% IACS, compared to the 100% benchmark set by the standard. This rating is a measure of electrical conductivity and is said to result from improved manufacturing methods that reduce impurities beyond typical oxygen-free copper (OFC) standards.

TRI-BRAIDED VARISTRAND CONSTRUCTION MAINTAINED

The reintroduced Kimber Kable PBJ retains its original tri-braid construction, with three conductors woven in a braided layout. Each conductor uses Kimber’s VariStrand™ design, which combines seven strands of different gauges. According to Kimber, this is intended to deliver a more balanced handling of audio frequencies. The braided geometry also acts to reduce radio frequency interference (RFI), helping to preserve the quality of the audio signal.

TEFLON INSULATION CHOSEN FOR ELECTRICAL PERFORMANCE

Kimber Kable has continued to use fluorocarbon (Teflon®) as the dielectric in the PBJ. This material is noted for its low dielectric constant, which helps reduce signal delay and distortion caused by signal absorption and release. Kimber Kable states that Teflon also allows for lower-temperature application during manufacture, which is claimed to better preserve the copper’s conductivity.

KIMBER KABLE PBJ: A STAPLE NAME WITH AN UNUSUAL ORIGIN

The PBJ name refers to the American “peanut butter and jelly” sandwich. Simon Dalton from Russ Andrews explains that the name draws on the idea of the cable being a “staple” in many systems, much like the sandwich is in the American diet. He notes that the cable became a mainstay for many audiophiles in its original run, particularly as an early upgrade.

KIMBER KABLE PBJ TO REPLACE TIMBRE AND TONIK MODELS

The newly reissued Kimber Kable PBJ will be officially shown at the North West Audio Show in Cranage on 21–22 June. Russ Andrews confirms that PBJ will take the place of both the Kimber Tonik and Timbre interconnects in its current line-up. Buyers can choose between standard nickel-plated RCA plugs, Kimber’s UltraPlate™ RCAs, or Switchcraft® XLR connectors. The cables are covered by the Russ Andrews 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee and a 25-year warranty.

KIMBER KABLE PBJ PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The Kimber Kable PBJ is available now via Russ Andrews. Prices are:

0.5m pair: £75 (Nickel-plated RCA) / £130 (UltraPlate™ RCA) / £145 (Switchcraft® XLR)

0.75m pair: £89 (Nickel-plated RCA) / £144 (UltraPlate™ RCA) / £159 (Switchcraft® XLR)

1.0m pair: £103 (Nickel-plated RCA) / £158 (UltraPlate™ RCA) / £173 (Switchcraft® XLR)

HiFi PiG Says: A classic from the USA, reborn and brought to the UK.