The basic purpose of a cable is to move an electrical signal from one component to another without significantly degrading the signal or introducing noise.
Depending on the application, cables can be made of various materials, such as copper.
Generally, better-quality cables will carry sound more effectively and last longer. They’ll also be more durable, ensuring that you won’t have to replace them as frequently.
3.5mm audio cable
3.5mm audio cable is an inexpensive and widely available type of connector that allows you to connect your device with headphones, speakers, or microphones. It can be used to transfer analogue or digital signals.
A 3.5mm mini-jack is most often found on portable media players, smartphones, and headphones. It is also commonly found on TVs, home theater systems, and other devices that have a stereo input.
The mini-jack is typically available in a TS (mono), TRS (stereo), or TRRS (stereo plus mic) configuration. TS connections have one ring around the metal end of the connector, while TRS and TRRS cables have two rings.
This 3.5mm mini-jack to XLR cable is useful for directly connecting the stereo audio output from your mobile phone, tablet or laptop to the XLR inputs of your amplifier or powered speakers. It will split the unbalanced stereo signal into a left and right audio output and sum them for playback.
Auxiliary cable
If you want to connect your audio devices to a car stereo or other sound system, you’ll need an auxiliary cable. These cables are usually 3.5mm in diameter and can be found on many devices, including tablets, smartphones, and laptops.
Auxiliary inputs are analog, which means they transfer acoustic signals in AC voltages. They’re commonly used in headphone jacks and on some audio devices, but they can also be found on some digital audio players and CD players.
Auxiliary inputs aren’t as universal or versatile as USB connections, but they do have advantages. First, they’re cheaper and more adaptable. Second, they offer superior audio quality. However, they tend to wear out faster and introduce more noise than USB cords.
RCA cable
RCA cables are often used for connecting audio components, such as DVD players or camcorders to TVs and speakers. They have three standard ports: two for left and right audio analogs, and one for composite video.
Typically, these cables use a color code system to indicate the correct socket for each plug. This is a good idea, but can cause problems when you connect multiple devices to the same jack.
For example, you may end up with an RCA cable that has the left channel red and the right channel white. This isn’t a problem, but you should always check that both ends of the cable are connected to the same left and right jacks on your equipment.
The connectors on RCA cables are usually gold, silver, or copper. Gold is the most expensive but also the best at preventing oxidation. Other materials are also suitable, though they’re not as good for electrical conductivity. Shielding is also a key factor in how well an RCA cable works.
Speaker cable
Speakers are the heart of any home cinema or music system, and they need to be connected to the amplifier in order to give you an excellent sound. However, if the cables are bad, they can really ruin the overall sound quality.
There are many different types of speaker wire available on the market, and it can be a bit of a minefield to figure out what’s best for your set-up. The best way to find a good cable for your speakers is to get it online and look for reviews.
The most common type of speaker wire is copper. Copper has a good level of conductivity, costs relatively cheaply and can be bent easily. The one downside to copper is that it can oxidise over time, which can make the wire less conductive and potentially destroy it.