Esprit audio celesta xlr interconnect 1.2m - discontinued series

A 1.2m balanced pair from Esprit's Celesta series, the middle of the French maker's range. Built on 0.32mm strands of 6N OCC copper with progressive shielding and silver plated copper XLR connectors. The series is no longer manufactured, which is what sets the price. This is a 1.2m pair of Celesta balanced interconnect, from the middle of Esprit's range. It comes from a discontinued series. When Esprit introduced its G10 generation in 2026 the earlier Celesta was withdrawn, so the cable is unchanged but no longer in production. A balanced pair at this length is the usual link between a preamplifier and a power amplifier, or between a DAC and a preamplifier. What it does A balanced connection carries the signal twice, once inverted, and the receiving input subtracts one from the other. Interference picked up along the run appears on both conductors equally and is largely cancelled, which is why XLR is preferred for longer runs and in electrically noisy rooms. The Celesta XLR uses thicker 0.32mm strands of 6N OCC copper rather than the fine 0.07mm strands used in the single ended cable, with the same two dielectric materials, the same progressive shielding scheme and silver plated copper XLR connectors, soldered with 4 percent silver solder. How it sounds and where it fits We will not overstate it. Swapping interconnects gives the smallest change of any component you can buy, and the result varies from system to system. Where this cable makes sense is with genuinely balanced electronics, the kind that have differential outputs rather than an XLR socket wired from a single ended stage. It suits systems around €6,000 to €15,000. At 1.2m it will cross a normal rack or reach a power amplifier placed on the floor beside it. If your equipment is only balanced on paper, the single ended Celesta may serve you better. Key features Celesta series balanced interconnect, mid point of the range 6N OCC copper conductor on 0.32mm strands Two dielectric materials in an asymmetrical structure Progressive shielding, increasing in layers along the run Silver plated copper XLR connectors Assembled with 4 percent silver solder and ferrite rings Hand built in France, discontinued series Technical specifications Type: analogue interconnect, balanced, sold as a pair Length: 1.2m Connectors: three pin XLR, silver plated copper Conductor: 6N OCC copper, 0.32mm strands Dielectric: high temperature PVC and silicone Screening: progressive, building to two layers Solder: 4 percent silver Origin: France Condition and what is included This is brand new, from the G9 series. The cable was never fitted to a system and has never been used, and it is offered from the discontinued series at a price that reflects the series being replaced rather than the condition of the cable. Purchased new from Esprit in December 2025. Supplied in its original Esprit box. Sold with the full two year legal guarantee, which cannot be reduced on new goods. The cable is directional and marked with arrows, so fit it with the arrows pointing towards the amplifier. Frequently asked questions Is XLR always better than RCA? No. It is better when the equipment is genuinely balanced end to end, and over longer runs where interference rejection matters. Some components sound their best on their single ended outputs. Why thicker strands than the RCA version? Esprit use 0.32mm strands in the balanced cables and 0.07mm strands in the single ended ones. It is a different design brief, not a better or worse one. What sits above and below Celesta? Beta is below it, using 5N copper and simpler terminations. Eterna is above, with silver plated conductors and air based insulation. We list all three. Use the enquiry button on this page and we will confirm condition and availability before you order. Dreamcrest Audio Fidelity Ltd, Nicosia. Specialist hi-fi and high end audio, 20+ years in the audio business. Full details and photos: https://www.dreamcrestaudio.com/product/esprit-celesta-xlr-1-2m-discontinued/