Loudspeaker cables - Audiohum Alta Fidelidad

Loudspeaker cables

The speaker cables are responsible for carrying the signal from the integrated amplifier or power stage to our speakers. A good synergy between the amplification, the cable and the loudspeakers is fundamental to obtain the best results.

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  • Brand: Kondo Audio Note

Speaker Cables - Buy Quality Speaker Cables

What is a speaker cable?

Speaker cables are used to make the electrical connections between a pair of speakers and the audio amplifiers. They will transmit the signal that the speakers will use to reproduce the sounds. Cables, compared to other elements of our audio equipment, are quite affordable. But not choosing them correctly, or buying poor quality cables will influence the overall sound of the hi-fi system.

Types of speaker cables

There are three types of materials from which speaker cables are constructed: Copper, silver and gold.

Each type of material has different tolerances to air oxidation, and an oxidised wire will cause the sound to lose a lot of quality.

The type of material the cables are made of will determine the price of the cables. It is always important to know that any cable should match the rest of your hi-fi equipment.

Bi-wire or single input?

There are speakers with single inputs and others that include bi-wire inputs. If your speakers have a single input the choice is obvious.

If your speakers have a bi-wire input, you will need to select which type of cable to fit to your equipment. Bi-wire cables are more expensive than single cables, but offer more space in the sound of the speakers and better detail.

Ideally, you should mount both cables in your equipment and test them to see which cable suits your sound preferences and make the best decision.

Buying Guide:

When choosing a speaker cable, there are several important factors to consider.

What to consider when choosing a speaker cable?

Speaker cable length and thickness

The length of the cable will depend on the distance between your speakers and your amplifier or receiver. It is important to choose a cable long enough to reach the desired location without excessive strain. As for the thickness, it is measured in gauge or AWG (American Wire Gauge). A lower gauge indicates thicker wire, which is preferable for long distances and high power systems, as it reduces resistance and signal loss. For most home systems, a 12 or 14 AWG gauge is usually sufficient.

Speaker cable connectors and terminals

Speaker cables generally come with connectors on both ends. The most common connectors are banana plugs, spade plugs, or pin connectors. Make sure the connectors are compatible with your speakers and amplifier or receiver. Also, check the quality of the cable terminals to ensure a solid and secure connection.

Speaker cable quality and construction material

Cable quality is an important factor in ensuring proper signal transmission. Choose cables that use high-purity copper conductors, as copper is an excellent conductor of electricity.

Shielding: If you plan to use speaker cables near sources of electromagnetic interference, such as power lines or electronic devices, consider cables with shielding. Shielding helps protect the speaker signal from outside interference and can improve audio quality.

It is also important to know the input impedance of your speakers to select the most suitable cables. The vast majority of speakers are between 4 and 8 ohms.

For personalised advice and even to test the most suitable cables with your hi-fi equipment, please contact us without obligation.

Advantages of Quality Speaker Cables

Using quality speaker cables can provide several significant advantages to your audio system:

High Fidelity Audio Transmission

Quality speaker cables are designed to transmit audio signals accurately and without degradation. Using high quality cables with high purity copper conductors and solid construction can help maintain the integrity of the audio signal, resulting in high fidelity audio transmission. This means you'll enjoy more accurate and detailed sound, with more faithful reproduction of your music or audio.

Greater Sound Clarity and Definition

Quality speaker cables can contribute to greater clarity and definition in sound. By using high quality conductors and a construction that minimises interference and signal loss, these cables help prevent unwanted distortion and noise that can affect sound quality. As a result, you'll experience clearer, crisper reproduction with improved instrument separation and stereo imaging.

Reducing Interference and Unwanted Noise

Quality speaker cables are often better shielded and insulated, which helps reduce interference and unwanted noise. Electromagnetic interference and nearby electrical fields can affect the audio signal and cause distortion. Quality cables often have better shielding that minimises the influence of these external interferences, resulting in cleaner audio reproduction free of unwanted noise.

It is important to note that speaker cable quality can make a difference in high-end audio systems and in critical recording or music production environments. However, in home and general consumer audio systems, the difference between high-end speaker cables and standard quality cables may be more subtle. Ultimately, the choice of quality speaker cables will depend on your needs, preferences and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between copper, aluminium and silver speaker cables?

The difference between copper, aluminium and silver speaker cables lies mainly in the conductive properties of each material.

Copper is the most commonly used material in speaker cables due to its high electrical conductivity. It is a good conductor of electricity and offers low resistance, which allows for efficient audio signal transmission.

Aluminium is also used in speaker cables, but does not have the same conductivity as copper. Aluminium is less efficient in transmitting electrical signals and can have a higher resistance. This means that, in general, a heavier gauge (thicker) aluminium wire is required to achieve similar performance to copper wire.

Silver is an excellent electrical conductor and has an even higher conductivity than copper. However, due to its higher cost, it is not commonly used in speaker cables. The difference in performance between copper and silver can be minimal in audio applications, so copper remains the most popular choice due to its cost and efficiency.

What is the recommended length of speaker cable?

When it comes to the recommended length of speaker cable, there is no single answer. The ideal length can depend on several factors, such as the power of the amplifier, the sensitivity of the speakers and the quality of the cable. As a general rule, it is recommended to keep speaker cables as short as possible to minimise signal loss. However, for large speaker systems or specific installations, it may be necessary to use longer cables. In such cases, it is important to use cables of adequate gauge to compensate for any signal loss.

Are the speaker cable connectors interchangeable?

Speaker cable connectors are generally interchangeable. The most common connectors are banana plugs and push-on clamp connectors. Both types of connectors are widely used and are compatible with most amplifiers and speakers. However, it is important to ensure that the connectors are compatible with the speaker terminals and amplifiers that will be used.

Is a special speaker cable required for surround sound systems?

No special speaker cable is required for surround sound systems. The speaker cables used in surround sound systems are similar to those used in traditional stereo systems. The main difference in speaker cables for surround sound systems is the number of cables required. In a typical stereo system, two speaker cables (one for each speaker) will be needed. In a surround system, more speaker cables will be required for the front, rear and centre speakers, as well as for subwoofers if present. Cables used for surround sound systems must be of the proper gauge and long enough to reach each speaker in the system.