There are several types and dozens of brands of audio cables. The choice depends on what one wants to hook up and how concerned is about sound quality. Generally speaking, 5-7percent of the total system cost is considered adequate to be invested in cables. If one’s just listening to background music, news shows, etc., or if sound quality isn’t all that important, one can use practically any cable - even the cheap ones that come packaged with many audio components.
People who want improved sound quality for listening can find something in their price range from cable specialists. Specialized cables provide optimum sound quality and are very sturdy. These are a better alternative to generic speaker cables which offer lower sound quality and aren’t as sturdy. Although the specialized cables may be affordable, the cost still could be several hundred dollars for the speaker cables or analog audio interconnects. Some people may find that the extra money spent is well worth the benefits of better sound and pride in owning the very best in audio equipment.
Analog audio cables, audio video cables, audio speaker cable and digital cables are the four basic types of cables that can be used to transfer sound. These cables transfer the audio signal from point A to point B unaltered. You control the amount of Resistance, Inductance, and Capacitance thereby minimizing losses at audio frequencies.
For passing analog line-level audio signals between components, RCA connections like audio cables connectors are used. RCA audio cables are grouped in stereo pairs, with one connection for the left audio channel and one for the right. For line level analog interconnects it’s a good idea to use cables that are low in capacitance and are well shielded to eliminate interference and external noise sources from mitigating into the signal
Video Cables are possibly the most important as the signal that is passed through is at a very high frequency. As the frequency increases it becomes more critical to ensure adequate shielding, solid terminations and proper impedance that audio video cables provide. Therefore it is necessary for a video cable to be adequately shielded and maintain characteristic impedance.
Audio speaker cables are generally quite thick, with two conductors, at the tip they may be tipped with metal pins, banana plugs, spade plugs, or even just bare wire. When connecting it is necessary to assure closest and tightest possible connection from cable to amp or loudspeaker in order to minimize contact resistance. It is also important to remember that the speaker cable runs should be kept as short as possible and not to loop excess cable as it can potentially increase cable inductance.
A special group of cables is digital audio cables. There are two types: optical and coaxial. Optical cables transmit digital audio signals as pulses of light. Coaxial digital cables look like standard analog RCA cables, but instead transfer digital audio signals. They are typically a single cable, whereas analog RCA cables are usually double plugs, for stereo audio.
Investment on cables for audio equipment depends on one’s sound quality requirement, which depends on background music/news etc. For improved/better sound quality sturdy costlier specialized cables are to be bought. The four different cables available in the market are analog audio cables, audio video cables, audio speaker cable and digital cables. They move signals from point to point with minimum signal loss by controlling resistance/Inductance/capacitance. RCA connections used for analog audio signals use low capacitance cables eliminating interference/noise. Video Cables pass high frequency signals that require adequate shielding/solid terminations/proper impedance. Speaker cables are short/thick and require low inductance. Digital cables transmit digital audio signals.
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audio cables,
audio video cables,
digital cables,
inductance and capacitance,
optimum sound quality,
very high frequency