Some Factors You Should Know About Subwoofer Cables
Introduction
If you're an audiophile or simply someone who enjoys listening to high-quality sound, you know that having the right equipment is essential. One important piece of equipment is the subwoofer, which is responsible for producing those deep, rich bass sounds that enhance your music and movie-watching experience. In order to get the most out of your subwoofer, you'll need to choose the right cables to connect it to your audio system. In this article, we'll provide some tips on how to choose the best subwoofer cables for your needs.
Considerations
When choosing subwoofer cables, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you'll need to consider the length of the cable. If you have a small room or a compact setup, a shorter cable may be sufficient. However, if you have a larger room or a more complex setup, you may need a longer cable in order to reach your subwoofer from your audio system.
Next, you'll need to consider the gauge of the cable. The gauge refers to the thickness of the wire, and a thicker wire (lower gauge number) will be able to carry more current and deliver a stronger signal to your subwoofer. Thicker cables are also less prone to interference and will provide a cleaner, more accurate sound.
Another factor to consider is the type of connectors on the cable. The most common type of connector for subwoofer cables is the RCA connector, which is a small, cylindrical connector that is typically red or white. Some subwoofer cables may also have other types of connectors, such as XLR or banana plugs. It's important to choose cables with connectors that are compatible with your subwoofer and audio system.
Types of Subwoofer Cables
There are several different types of subwoofer cables on the market, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types of subwoofer cables:
Coaxial cables
Coaxial cables are the most common type of subwoofer cable, and they are often included with subwoofers when you purchase them. Coaxial cables have a single copper wire at their core, surrounded by insulation and a braided shield. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find, but they may not provide the best sound quality compared to other types of cables.
Optical cables
Optical cables are also known as fiber optic cables, and they use light to transmit the audio signal. They are more expensive than coaxial cables, but they provide better sound quality and are less prone to interference. They are also thinner and more flexible, making them easier to route through tight spaces.
Balanced cables
Balanced cables are typically used in professional audio systems, and they have three wires: a positive, a negative, and a ground. They are more expensive than coaxial or optical cables, but they provide excellent sound quality and are very resistant to interference.
Conclusion
Choosing the right subwoofer cables is an important part of getting the most out of your audio system. By considering the length, gauge, connectors, and type of cable, you can find the best subwoofer cables for your needs. Whether you prefer coaxial, optical, or balanced cables, there are many options on the market to suit your preferences and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What cable should I use for subwoofer?
For connecting a subwoofer, a single standard RCA or subwoofer cable should work fine. If you experience a hum, consider using a shielded subwoofer cable. Plug one end of the subwoofer/RCA cable into the Subwoofer Output on the back of your receiver.
2. Do subwoofer cables make a difference?
Yes, subwoofer cables are designed to handle stronger and longer signals compared to regular RCA cables. They have thicker insulation and more shielding to protect against interference and maintain audio quality. These cables also use heavier-gauge wire to prevent power loss and ensure optimal performance.
Having two RCA inputs on a subwoofer allows for increased sensitivity. When both inputs receive the same mono signal, the subwoofer's sensitivity is doubled. This means that the signal strength required to reach full output is reduced by half.
4. Is there anything special about a subwoofer cable?
Subwoofer cables are specially designed to deliver deep, intense bass sounds with superior quality compared to regular RCA cables. They are optimized for transmitting low-frequency signals, enhancing the audio experience in home theaters and making TV shows and movies come alive.
5. What gauge wire is best for subs?
When wiring speakers and subwoofers, it is recommended to use 18-, 16-, or 14-gauge wire for speakers, and 16-, 14-, or 12-gauge wire for subwoofers. Using the appropriate gauge wire ensures that the signal and power from the amplifier are not impeded on their way to the speakers and subs, resulting in optimal performance.
6. Should subwoofer wiring be parallel or series?
The wiring configuration for multiple subwoofers depends on the desired total impedance. Series wiring increases the total effective impedance, while parallel wiring lowers it. If the subwoofers have equal impedances, the system impedance is equal to the impedance of one sub voice coil divided by the number of subs.
7. Should I use LFE or RCA for subwoofer?
For most home theater systems, a single RCA subwoofer cable is suitable. The subwoofer can filter out low frequencies and pass on higher frequencies. The LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) channel is often used in surround sound setups to deliver dedicated low-frequency sounds, but it is not necessary for all setups.
Subwoofers may have left and right inputs to accommodate stereo pre-amplifiers. If you have a stereo pre-amplifier, you can use both pre-outs to connect to the left and right inputs of the subwoofer without losing any audio signals. Using a Y adapter or splitter is also a common practice to feed both subwoofer inputs with a single cable.
9. How long is too long for a subwoofer cable?
While you can connect a subwoofer to your receiver using a coaxial cable longer than 20 feet without issues, an RCA cable run that long is susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), especially if it crosses household electrical wires. It is best to keep the length of the subwoofer cable within 20 feet to minimize the risk of interference and maintain optimal audio quality.
Editor's Notes
During our subwoofer cable research, we found 25 subwoofer cable products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 202,709 customer reviews through our big data system to write the subwoofer cables list. We found that most customers choose subwoofer cables with an average price of $24.13.
The subwoofer cables are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of subwoofer cables, including Mediabridge, BlueRigger, Blue Jeans Cable, AudioQuest, WORLDS BEST CABLES. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Jerry Franklin's persistent curiosity and research inspire a love of writing how technical things work and help him build a wealth of knowledge in computer equipment and other electronic tools. He has always enjoyed great pleasure in taking all things apart and researching how to put them together again since his childhood.
