The age old argument of cable quality has raged between audiophiles since the dawn of time (well not really, but certainly for quite a while). Some argue the quality of speaker cables is just as important as the quality of the Hi-fi components they’re connecting. Other enthusiasts save their cash buying budget cables and claim that they make no difference to the sound quality whatsoever.
So rather than poking our nose between these two opposing camps and risk getting dragged into the ongoing battle, lets elude the heated quarrel and instead offer up an overview of speaker cable jargon and give you some useful tips on how to buy your own.
What is speaker cable?
Speaker cable is the wire used for the electrical connections between speakers and amplifier sources. It has three key electrical properties: resistance, capacitance and inductance. Resistance is by far the most important property to look at. Low-resistance wire allows more of the source’s power through to the speaker coil, meaning more power and more sound. Simple enough.
How does resistance affect performance?
Generally speaking, resistance starts to have an effect on the performance of a speaker when resistance is greater than 5% of the speaker’s impedance. Resistance is affected by two key aspects: wire length and the cross sectional area of the wire. The shorter the wire is, the less resistance it will have. The trick here is to minimise wire lengths where possible but still ensure your speakers are positioned apart (if you missed out on our speaker positioning guide, shame on you! Read it here). It’s also important that the wire lengths to both speakers are the same to ensure they both have equal impedance values.
The cross sectional area of the wire is referring to the thickness, or gauge, of the wire. The thicker a wire or the lower the gauge, the less resistance. It is therefore a combination between speaker impedance, length and gauge that affects the resistance. The below table illustrates suggested cable lengths that will ensure your cable has a resistance less than 5% of your speaker’s nominal impedance given differing gauge measurements.
Perkune Audiophile Cables
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Jan 2, 2024
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Hey there, fellow sound aficionados and song lovers! Ever wondered how to beautify your audio enjoy to the next stage? Well, preserve onto your headphones due to the fact nowadays, we are diving into the vibrant global of speaker cables!
Unveiling the Wonders of Speaker Cables
Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of the audio world — speaker cables. These reputedly everyday wires play a crucial role in delivering that crystal-clear sound you crave. Choosing the nice speaker cables can be as important as picking the proper audio system themselves!
The Quest for Top-notch Quality
When at the hunt for best speaker cables online, there are some factors to bear in mind. Opt for cables that promise sturdiness, conductivity, and minimal interference. Remember, it’s no longer just about the charge tag, but the price they convey to your auditory satisfaction.
Unravelling the Myths
Myth: Expensive cables usually equate to better sound first-rate. Reality take a look at: it’s now not always the case! While first-class matters, there may be a candy spot where affordability meets performance. Don’t cost a fortune chasing an elusive audio nirvana.
Understanding Cable Jargon
Signal-to-noise ratio, impedance, gauge — feeling misplaced in a maze of technical phrases? Fear no longer! Our guide deciphers those cryptic terms into simple language. Embrace information, no longer confusion, whilst navigating the cable panorama.
The Symphony of Choices
From braided designs to excessive-end connectors, the market is teeming with alternatives. Explore and test! Find the cables that resonate along with your audio choices and private style.
Embracing the Human Touch
While we have talked tech, let’s now not neglect the human touch in this audio adventure. It’s about relishing the tune, sharing laughter, and growing recollections. Let’s infuse life into these cables, transforming them from mere conductors to conduits of joy!
So, expensive tune fans, let’s tune in, plug in the ones cables, and embark on an auditory adventure like in no way earlier than!