What You Should Know Before Buying Coaxial Speaker Cable
The speaker cable is one of the most important aspects of any audio system. It connects your speakers to your amp, and it's crucial to know what to look for before you buy it. This article will break down all the basics in a way anyone can understand.
What is Coaxial Speaker Cable?
If you’re looking to buy speaker cable, you may have come across the term “coaxial” and wondered what it meant. A coaxial speaker cable is a type of electrical cable that consists of two conductors (an inner conductor and an outer conductor) that are separated by a dielectric material.
The inner conductor is typically made of copper or copper-clad aluminum, while the outer conductor is typically made of aluminum or copper mesh.
Coaxial speaker cable is often used in home theater and audio applications because it can carry a signal with less interference than other cable types. It’s also relatively easy to install and terminate.
When shopping for a coaxial speaker cable, you’ll need to decide on the gauge (thickness) of the wire. A thicker gauge will be able to carry more current and thus produce a louder sound, but it will also be more expensive and more challenging to work with. A thinner gauge will be less expensive and easier to work with, but it won’t be able to carry as much current and will thus produce a softer sound.
The length of the cable will also affect its performance. Longer lengths of coaxial cable will have more resistance than shorter lengths, which can degrade the quality of the sound. If you’re running your cables through walls or ceilings, you may need to use a thicker gauge to compensate for the added resistance.
How to Install Coaxial Speaker Cable
If you want to improve the sound quality of your home theater or audio system, installing a coaxial speaker cable is a great way to do it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to install coaxial speaker cable:
1. Run the cable through the wall or ceiling. If you're running the cable through the wall, use a drill with a hole saw attachment to make a hole for the cable. Ensure the hole is big enough for the cable to fit through without being too tight.
2. Strip the insulation off both ends of the cable using a wire stripper.
3. Connect one cable end to your receiver or amplifier using banana plugs, spade terminals, or another type of connector.
4. Connect the other end of the cable to your speakers using banana plugs, spade terminals, or another type of connector.
5. Test your system to make sure everything is working correctly.
Where to Find Coaxial Speaker Cable
If you're looking for a good deal on coaxial speaker cable, you can check a few places. Online retailers like Amazon and Monoprice often have reasonable prices on this type of cable. Local electronics stores may also carry coaxial speaker cables, although the selection may be more limited.
When shopping for a coaxial speaker cable, it's essential to keep in mind the gauge (thickness) of the cable. A thicker gauge is better for longer runs, while a thinner gauge is more suitable for shorter runs. Check the specs of your speakers and amplifier to see what gauge cable they require.
The Difference Between Solid and Stranded Coaxial Speaker Cable
When it comes to coaxial speaker cables, there are two main types: solid and stranded. You should be aware of both advantages and disadvantages before making a purchase.
Solid coaxial cable is made from a single piece of copper wire. It's typically thicker and more durable than stranded cable, making it ideal for high-powered applications or installations where the cable will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear. However, the solid cable is also more inflexible, making it challenging to work in tight spaces.
Stranded coaxial cable, on the other hand, is made up of multiple thin strands of copper wire twisted together. This makes it more flexible than solid cable, which can be a significant advantage when working in tight spaces.
Stranded cable is less likely to kink or break if bent too sharply. However, because it's made up of multiple small wires, it's not as durable as solid cable and isn't recommended for high-powered applications.
Best Coaxial Speaker Cables
If you're looking for the best coaxial speaker cables, you've come to the right place. This article will tell you everything you need to know before buying coaxial speaker cables, including what to look for and avoid.
Coaxial speaker cables are a type of audio cable that is commonly used to connect speakers to amplifiers or receivers. They are typically made of two insulated wires (positive and negative) twisted together. The advantage of using coaxial speaker cables is that they can carry a higher frequency signal than other audio cables, resulting in better sound quality.
When shopping for coaxial speaker cables, there are a few things to remember. First, ensure the cable is the correct length for your needs. Second, pay attention to the gauge (thickness) of the cable.
The thicker the gauge, the more copper wire inside the cable, and the better it will be at carrying a signal. Finally, check for any special features that might be important to you, such as gold-plated connectors or oxygen-free copper wire.
Now that you know what to look for in an excellent coaxial speaker cable, let's look at some of our top picks.
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