At Townshend Audio, we are driven by a relentless pursuit of sonic truth, crafting components that allow music to flow with unparalleled clarity and precision. We are proud to announce that the Townshend F1 Fractal Speaker Cable was awarded the Hi-Fi+ Speaker Cables of the Year Award 2018, a testament to its innovative design and transformative performance. This prestigious accolade from Hi-Fi+, one of the industry’s most respected publications, celebrates the F1 Fractal’s ability to redefine speaker cable performance, delivering a listening experience that is both revelatory and immersive.

A Breakthrough in Cable Design

The F1 Fractal Speaker Cable is the culmination of decades of research into signal transmission, building on our founder Max Townshend’s pioneering work in impedance matching and vibration control. Unlike conventional cables, which can introduce reflections and distortions due to mismatched inductance and capacitance, the F1 Fractal uses Fractally-treated pure copper strip conductors spaced with ultra-thin PTFE insulation. Encased in synthetic rubber and a woven polyester braid, the cable is further stabilized by an RLC network in a machined aluminum capsule, which prevents amplifier oscillation, reduces distortion, and filters radio frequency interference (RFI).

This unique topology results in a cable that is exceptionally transparent, with a soundstage that Hi-Fi+ described as “lifelike 3D space in a way that I have rarely heard from a speaker cable.” The F1 Fractal doesn’t color the sound—it reveals the true character of your amplifier and speakers, from the deepest bass to the airiest treble, making it a no-compromise choice for audiophiles seeking purity.

Hi-Fi+ Speaker Cables of the Year 2018: A Defining Recognition

The Hi-Fi+ Awards 2018, published in December 2018, honor the finest audio products of the year, selected by a team of expert reviewers for their innovation and sonic excellence. The F1 Fractal Speaker Cable earned the top spot in its category, praised for its unconventional yet brilliant design. In their review, Hi-Fi+ wrote:

“Townshend Audio has long been the company that never does it the way you expected, but always does it right. There’s a deliciously left-field approach to Townshend Audio’s design criteria that sweeps aside convention and makes something at once different and brilliant. So it is with F1 Fractal, the latest in a long line of ‘break the rules’ loudspeaker cables… The lack of reflection in the cables, I think gives a clue to their greatest strength, which is the ability accurately to portray lifelike 3D space in a way that I have rarely heard from a speaker cable.”

This glowing endorsement highlights the F1 Fractal’s ability to deliver a spacious, neutral, and detailed sound that captivates listeners. The award recognizes not just its technical prowess but its musicality, making it a standout in a field of high-end competitors.

Why the F1 Fractal Excels

The F1 Fractal is engineered to be the ultimate link between amplifier and speakers, offering features that set it apart:

• Fractal™ Treatment: Proprietary conductor treatment minimises distortion, ensuring a clean, uncoloured signal.
• Impedance Optimization: Mathematically calculated inductance and capacitance reduce reflections, preserving waveform integrity.
• Vibration Damping: Polyurethane encapsulation and a flexible conduit eliminate microphonic effects, enhancing clarity.
• RFI Protection: The RLC network filters interference, delivering a silent background even in noisy environments.
• Robust Construction: Hand-assembled with durable materials, it’s built for longevity and consistent performance.

As Hi-Fi+ noted, the F1 Fractal yields “an airy sound packed with detail,” free of mid-band or treble colouration. Its ability to create a three-dimensional soundstage makes it ideal for any system, from compact standmounts to reference-grade floorstanders.

A Legacy of Innovation

The Hi-Fi+ Speaker Cables of the Year 2018 award joins a distinguished roster of honours for Townshend Audio, including The Absolute Sound’s Golden Ear Award 2011 for the Rock 7 Turntable, HiFi Pig’s Outstanding Product for the Allegri+, and Hi-Fi+’s Highly Commended 2020 for the Allegri Reference. Each accolade reflects Max Townshend’s vision of challenging convention through science and listening. The F1 Fractal, our first new speaker cable in 14 years at the time, embodies this ethos, pushing boundaries to deliver what Hi-Fi+ called a “different and brilliant” solution.

We extend our gratitude to Hi-Fi+ for recognising the F1 Fractal’s unique contribution to high-fidelity audio. Their commitment to rigorous evaluation aligns with our own, making this award a cherished milestone.

Experience the F1 Fractal Difference

The Hi-Fi+ Speaker Cables of the Year 2018 award is more than an honour—it’s an invitation to hear your system as never before. The F1 Fractal doesn’t just connect components; it unlocks a soundstage that feels alive, with depth, detail, and dynamics that breathe new life into every recording. Whether you’re exploring classical, jazz, or electronic music, this cable ensures the music flows naturally, as the artist intended.

We invite you to discover the F1 Fractal Speaker Cable and contact an authorised dealer for a demonstration. Experience why Hi-Fi+ named it the best of 2018—and why it’s a cornerstone of reference-grade audio.

Thank you for trusting Townshend Audio to bring you closer to the music you love.

Townshend Audio Team