The right cables can make a world of difference in how you hear your music and the quality of your entertainment system. But which audio cable is best for your needs?
Whether you are a home audiophile or mixing professionally, it pays to get the very best cable that you can afford. XLR and RCA are two popular, analogue solutions that deliver excellent performance at reasonable prices.
XLR
Professional-grade XLR cables are often preferred over RCA in the studio and for connecting microphones to PA systems. This is because XLR connections offer a balanced connection which protects the integrity of an audio signal, and that’s essential when you’re dealing with vocals, instruments and music.
This is because a three-pin XLR cable has one pin which carries the ‘hot’ signal, another pin that carries the same signal but inverted and the third pin which is earth. This means that any noise that is common to both hot and cold signals is cancelled out, making them a great choice for long cable runs where a small voltage (up to 4 volts) can be carried reliably.
As well as having a robust connector which can withstand repeated plugging and unplugging, XLR connections also feature a locking mechanism which makes them more secure than RCA connectors, especially when in use. This is particularly useful when you’re working in a live environment, where the possibility of accidentally disconnecting the wrong cable is very real.
RCA connectors are also fairly robust, although they don’t have the same locking capability as XLR connections. They are typically made from copper wire with an insulating sheath, and they can be of a lapped or braided construction, or even a fully conductive plastic, depending on what’s needed for the application.
However, RCA connections are unbalanced and can suffer from interference, especially over longer cable lengths. While there are expensive RCA cables available that offer superior shielding and can reduce this interference, most moderately priced options will provide a satisfactory level of performance.
Despite this, for many people, a RCA cable is all they need. They’re a great option for consumers, as they can be used to transmit mono or stereo sound, and they can also work over relatively long distances without degrading the quality of the audio signal.
RCA
This type of connection is most common in home audio systems. RCA cables carry an analog unbalanced signal and can be used to connect stereo speakers or a turntable to your amplifier. They are usually color-coded to differentiate left (red) and right (white) channels, though this is purely aesthetic and doesn’t affect performance. Typically, you’ll find RCA connectors on older gear, while newer gear uses digital connections like HDMI or optical. For a high-quality audio cable, you’ll want to look for one with a solid copper conductor, good shielding, and a reliable connector. Also, a low resistance will help keep the sound quality as high as possible.
While many people make the mistake of thinking that the more expensive a cable is, the better it will sound, this is simply not true. Expensive cables may offer superior shielding and better conductors, but they’re typically not necessary for most music setups. A moderately priced cable from a reputable brand should provide excellent results.
For example, the Chord Clearway Analogue RCA offers a fantastic performance for the price. It delivers a very neutral and hands-off performance that’s enjoyable to listen to, and it is capable of driving just about any speaker set with ease. Another great option is the Defiant Diamond, which has a very affordable price tag but is able to deliver a powerful and textured performance that’s a step above some of the more expensive options.
Another good option is the Nordost Heimdall 2 cable, which offers a smooth and relaxed sound that’s very easy to listen to. It also boasts a strong sense of PRAT with plenty of detail and an impressively spacious soundstage.
Optical connections can be a bit confusing, but they aren’t necessarily bad for your audio system. In fact, they can be a good choice if you have a component that has both RCA and optical outputs. If you have a PS2 console, for example, you could connect it with an optical cable to get surround sound, but this will result in two DAC conversions, which can reduce the quality of the sound.
Optical
Audio cables are a vital part of your home entertainment setup. They carry audible signals from your audio equipment to your speakers, ensuring that the music you enjoy is crisp and clear. However, not all audio cables are created equal. Some are prone to noise and interference, which can significantly reduce your listening experience. To ensure that you’re getting the best possible audio cable, you should always choose one with a sturdy construction and excellent shielding to minimize the effects of electromagnetic or radio frequency interference.
The Suplong Digital Optical Audio Cable is an ideal option for those looking to purchase an optical cable that offers premium build quality and high performance. It features a cotton braided jacket, which provides protection and prevents signal loss. It also includes a PMMA fiber core that improves audio transmission and resists electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. Additionally, it features corrosion-resistant gold-plated connectors that provide superior audio transmission and ensure a strong connection.
This optical cable is compatible with devices that have Toslink ports. It is a great choice for use with TVs, Blu-ray players, and AV receivers. Its heat-resistant design prevents damage from excessive heat. Additionally, it features a rugged aluminum casing that protects the cable and enhances its durability.
A major benefit of this optical cable is its ability to transmit uncompressed PCM audio. It is a good choice for use with devices that support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks. However, it is important to note that optical connections do not support 7.1 channels of high-resolution audio.
Most audio cables are made from a thermoplastic material. This type of material is highly flexible and resistant to moisture. It is also resistant to chemicals and can be easily cleaned. In addition, it is highly durable and can withstand repeated flexing. It is also a good idea to purchase a cable that is made of oxygen-free copper conductors. This will minimize noise and increase the speed of data transfer. Most importantly, it will not corrode over time. The tefzel insulation that is used on audio cables also helps to keep them protected from damage and improves their overall lifespan.
Coaxial
If you have a system that supports them, coaxial digital cables are a good choice. These are often used to connect set-top boxes and Blu-ray players, but they’ll also work with other audio equipment. They carry a digital signal that’s comprised of a sequence of 1s and 0s, which are less vulnerable to distortion than an analog signal. They can carry up to six audio channels, which makes them a good choice for 5.1 digital surround sound systems. Coaxial digital jacks and plugs look very similar to analog RCA jacks and connectors, but they have a special orange color to distinguish them from their analog counterparts.
However, they may transfer noise between your components, which can cause audible humming or buzzing. They also can’t support high-quality lossless audio formats, and they lose their signal over long distances. In addition, they can’t carry HDMI signals, which are the standard for most home theater components.
Optical cable is another option for digital audio transmission. These cables, which are sometimes called TOSlink cables, use plastic optical fiber to transmit the digital audio signal. Like coaxial digital cable, they can deliver 5.1 digital surround sound, but they’re more susceptible to interference than coaxial cables. They also don’t have the bandwidth to support high-end surround lossless audio formats.
Both types of audio cables can affect the quality of your AV experience, but the type you choose depends on what kind of devices and connections you have available. To minimize signal loss, you should make sure the impedance matches across your cables and devices. You can find online calculators to help you determine the appropriate impedance.
The best audio cable isn’t necessarily the most expensive, but it will depend on your specific setup and audio preferences. There are many great brands of audio cables available, including Audioquest, Monster Cable, Monoprice, and Blue Jeans Cable. However, no one cable is perfect for every situation, and you’ll need to experiment with different models to find the best fit. In any case, it’s important to understand that an audio cable is just a conduit for transferring a binary digital signal between devices. It can’t change things such as bit depth, sample rate, or acoustic properties of the source material.