LAKE MARY, FL - AR/Acoustic Research has bolstered its accessory line with new high performance cables and connectors, splitters and a cable organizer package. The items will be on view at ICES ’98 booth #300 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the one occupied by AR’s parent, Recoton.

Because optical transmission of broadband digital data keeps signal loss and degradation to a minimum, even over long distances, the new fiber optic connecting cables in AR’s line extract higher performance from the optical digital outputs of such components as CD players and transports, DVD and MiniDisc players, Dolby Digital AV-3 surround sound processors and others.

AR fiber optic cables feature high-grade connectors and are available in 3-, 6- and 12-foot lengths. Respective catalog numbers are HT180, HT181 and HT182, and manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are $19.99, $24.99 and $34.99.

Paired right-angle connectors and a barrel connector are also new to the AR line. Equipped with precision-machined RCA male and female ends, the right-angle connectors reduce the amount of space needed for cable behind components, allowing users to place them nearer to walls. Because one connector in each pair is sized to protrude beyond the other, AR right angle connectors can be plugged into vertically arrayed jack pairs.

In addition to conserving space, AR right angle connectors reduce the strain placed on cables that would otherwise be plugged directly into rear-panel jacks then bent to run vertically. Rubber finger grips facilitate handling and provide isolation while gold plating resists corrosion for maximum signal transfer over the long term. The right angle connectors, catalog number HT417, carry an $11.99 per-pair MSRP.

AR’s new barrel connector incorporates dual female RCA ends and is designed to convert two cables into a larger one. Precision machined and gold-plated, it carries catalog number HT416 and sells for $8.99 MSRP.

A new AR cable organizer package, catalog number HT419, provides an easy way to tidy up the nest of cables lurking behind so many home electronics systems. Each package contains 120 shrink tubes. Users need only run a series of cables through each then apply heat from a hair drier, causing the tube to contract around groups of cable. Labels are also included, both pre-marked and blank, for use in identifying bunched cables, and cable-bundling clips are provided as well. Manufacturer’s suggested retail is $11.99.

Because AR/Acoustic Research has been a constant presence in the high fidelity industry for more than 40 years, audiophiles and videophiles know and trust the name. When they hear it and investigate the AR accessory line, they’ll find items based on proven technology.

These include video interconnect cables with solid copper center conductors that are oxygen-free to preserve signal integrity and double shielded against interference by braided copper and aluminized mylar. AR/Acoustic Research audio interconnects offer serious music listeners and home theater fans alike balanced-line construction compatible with top-of-the-line high end components, directional ground design, twisted-pair conductors and aluminized mylar shielding. Precision machined, gold-plated connectors with snug-fitting split center pins and strong, pliable PVC jackets are employed.

The AR/Acoustic Research oxygen-free speaker cable line features low-profile MICRO-FLAT™, which can substantially improve the look of multi-speaker home theater installations. MICRO-FLAT’s jacket is easily painted to blend with walls and baseboards, and an adhesive back allows easy, unobtrusive mounting.

Connectors, wall plates and hookup kits round out the line.