Loudspeaker Cables

A speaker cable is a wire used to connect speakers and amplifier sources. You can find it in a range of lengths, materials, areas and brands. However, it’s essential to go for the right one as per the kind of setup. Let us find out in detail.

Speaker wire, nowadays, includes two or more electrical conductors. These are individually insulated by plastic or sometimes rubber. The two wires may be electrically similar, but the manufacturers mark them differently to identify the correct audio signal polarity. It is still a debate whether or not the quality of cable affects the signal it carries. The audiophiles have discussed it for years, and the argument continues to exist. One of the essential characteristics of a speaker wire is electrical resistance. However, other properties include capacitance and inductance. Let us explore more about speaker wires and their varieties. The below guide will help you buy top-quality speaker cables online.

Things you need to know speaker wires

Speaker cables are electrical wires that we use to connect speakers, amplifiers, and other audio components. The electric signals that transmit through these cables translate into mechanical movements. This makes speaker cones and subwoofers vibrate at perfect rhythm, frequency, and volume to produce sound. You can find budget rates as well as top of the line premium-grade options. You can choose from many options. For example, high-end cables have silver rather than copper for superior conductivity. Next up, you need to look for capacitance, gauge size, resistance and more. Read on to know more.

Characteristics of speaker cables

In general, resistance has an impact on the performance of a speaker cable. It is affected by two main components that are the length and cross-sectional area of the wire. Its resistance is proportional to its length. If you want to minimize the resistance, then try to keep the length as small as possible. The other way to have a balanced system is to keep both speakers’ speaker cables of the same length. The cross-sectional area also affects the resistance of the cable. The smaller the wire cross-section, the higher the resistance will be. Moreover, you can choose from different conductor materials like copper, gold, and silver. Copper is the most common material that has good conductivity, and it is also reasonable. Let us explore more to find the best budget speaker cable.

Difference between positive and negative speaker wire

Speakers usually have two connection terminals. One is positive, and another is negative. Also, a wire should be attached to each of these terminals. However, it’s easy to forget which one can go to which connection. Understanding polarity is important to make the right connection and get output. If you reverse it, it will create a phase difference. This results in a condition where the sound from the speakers cancels out the sound from the speakers in the other way. This effect becomes more noticeable at low frequencies. You will either identify the polarity through the user manual or look at the wires themselves. Some may have a different appearance. Another way to make the right connection is to change the wires after discovering that the connection is wrong.

Details about outdoor speaker cable

Outdoor speakers have become popular with time. Many people install their systems outdoors, but output quality has always been a point of discussion. We all expect quality outputs from speakers. However, the secret of a perfect audio transmission and output may get affected due to the wire. Apart from choosing the best speaker cable for the outdoors, you must also look at its weatherproof features. Outdoor systems require the cable to be strong in terms of resistivity to the weather conditions. So, go for the cables that are rated outdoors. There is a wide range of cables you can choose from.