Review sample supplied by Mad Scientist Audio
Retail price in US Dollars at the time of review (ex VAT):
White Magic RCA starts at $399 for a 0.8-meter pair
White Magic RCA or XLR Ultra starts at $849 for a 0.8-meter pair
White Magic Prime RCA or XLR starts at $1.349 for a 0.8-meter pair
The Mad Scientist is at it again! Not one to sit still, he developed a new range of cables labeled White Magic. As the manufacturer explains on a newly made White Magic Technology page on the Mad Scientist website:
White Magic cables are the result of over a decade of refinement in high-end cable design. At the heart of the White Magic philosophy is a belief that signal integrity isn’t just about conductivity — it’s about controlling the environment around the signal: mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic.
Mad Scientist cables now come in a paper wrapping sealed with a wax stamp.
White Magic Technology
The White Magic covers a range of cables, including Analog Interconnects, Digital Interconnects, and USB Cables. Each cable features a custom-made solid-core conductor with unique mechanical and electromagnetic properties. White Magic wire does not contain copper, silver, or gold. Rather than using traditional high-conductivity metals, a material is chosen that offers exceptional resistance to vibration, low microphonic susceptibility, and an elevated level of natural field damping.
This conductor behaves very differently from copper or silver; for instance, it does not oxidize or tarnish, so unlike copper and silver wires, the surface remains pristine. It also produces a distinct sound. The wire is encased in PTFE (Teflon) tubing to ensure ultra-low dielectric absorption and maintain stable geometry.
All White Magic cables utilize a directional, resistively terminated shielding system designed to absorb and dissipate RF energy, rather than reflect it. This multi-layered shielding approach is inspired more by Stealth Radar and RF anechoic chamber design than by traditional audio cable thinking.
Higher-tier models employ multiple independent shielding layers, each separated by low-loss dielectric barriers and terminated with precision resistors. The lengths and spacing of these layers are carefully chosen using prime number relationships, a technique that effectively suppresses resonance and standing waves across a broad frequency range.
White Magic
White Magic is the entry to the world of White Magic. This cable has basic screening and uses a 0.2mm run of WM wire for both signal and ground. The review sample is 1 meter and is fitted with the entry-level Starline connectors. Alternatively, the cable is available with KLE or Neutrik connectors.
White Magic Ultra
White Magic Ultra features the same stage 2 screening as Black Magic Ultra and Gold. Uses double run of 0.1 and 0.2mm wires. The review sample is 1.5 meters and is fitted with Neutrik RCA connectors. Alternatively, the cable is available with KLE or Amphenol XLR connectors.
White Magic Prime
White Magic Prime has multiple independent shielding layers, each separated by low-loss dielectric barriers and terminated with precision resistors to create a “bad-antenna” design. The lengths and spacing of these layers are carefully chosen using prime number relationships. The cable uses a double run of White Magic wires. The review sample is 1.5 meters, balanced, and is fitted with Amphenol XLR Connectors.
Running In
All three review cables were run in using a Cable Cooker, prior to delivery. Typically, they require about two days to reach cruising level, and they continue to improve for up to 200 hours.
Review Context
The White Magic cables were listened to in the main system, which currently consists of the CH Precision L1 preamplifier, CH Precision A1.5 power amp, LAiV GAnM power amplifiers, and Apogee Centaur speakers. The main digital source is the Grimm MU1 music server. The interlinks were connected between the CH DAC and Preamp, where I normally use Driade Flow Link Reference 808. The speaker cables are Driade Flow Reference 808. All components are powered by the PS Audio P20 PowerPlant.
Next: Listening and Conclusion
