Get the weekly hi-fi digest — new gear, best reads, and deals.
TARA Labs (The Absolute Reference Audio) is a pioneering American high-end audio cable manufacturer founded in 1984 by Matthew Bond in Sydney, Australia, before relocating to the United States in 1988 following overwhelming response to Stereophile magazine's favorable review of their Phase II speaker cable. Operating from Ashland, Oregon (550 Clover Lane, 97520), the company is currently led by President Merrill Bergs and the TARA Labs Design Team (TLDT), employing 11-50 staff who handcraft all cables in their Southern Oregon facility. Known for revolutionary solid core conductor technology and proprietary RSC® (Rectangular Solid Core) cables featuring extruded conductors with rectangular cross-sections, TARA Labs pioneered the optimal 18 AWG (1mm) diameter for audio frequencies to minimize skin effect. Matthew Bond, trained in physics and electronics, developed the first successful single solid core conductor for audio use, leading to products that continue winning more awards and positive reviews than any other cable manufacturer globally. The company maintains strong industry presence through exclusive North American distribution via AXISS Audio and comprehensive social media engagement across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest platforms.