High-End Speaker Cables

It is claimed by enthusiasts that high-end speaker cables perk up the quality of sound. The way it works is that the signal is carried from the amplifier to the speakers through speaker wires and between components the signal is carried through cables known as interconnects. Electrical characteristics like resistance, inductance, and capacitance allow one to calculate the frequency response. For applications of smaller signals, the amount of shielding also plays a role. When commercial products are designed, all these qualities are taken into account. High-end cables used in audiophile products employ construction geometries and specialized materials like silver and copper of very high purity. Oxygen-free, long-crystal is also used to assure that the best sound quality is produced.

While arguments exist regarding improvements in sound quality using wire constructed with exotic materials, it is generally agreed that the speaker wire resistance should be kept to a minimum. The acceptable standard is that hindrance should not be more than 5% of the total circuit value. Since resistance is dependent upon length and thickness, longer running cables must be thicker. If the distance between the amp and speakers is 80 feet or less, then a 16 gauge wire is good. If the distance is between 80 and 200 feet, hen a 14 gauge wire would be better. When the 5% criteria are met, thickness beyond that will not lead to any significant improvement.

Scientific opinion claims that a short length high end cable made from silver or oxygen-free copper that is joined from the socket to the apparatus can improve audio or visual quality. Further experts claim that by building Radio Frequency Interference filters in the cables or shielding them from Electro-Magnetic Interference, sounds that are free from noise are produced and thus are of better quality.

For the perfectionist that is interested in cutting their own wire, some easy to install connectors are available. Of course, one can just connect with bare wires but that always increases the risk of a short circuit. The pin connectors are easier and safer to deal with than bare wires - just attach them to the wire and plug into the center of the binding post. Spade connectors, like pin connectors, offer secure connection and fit most binding posts. Banana plugs are popular as they are easy to work with and they provide a solid connection. Dual banana plugs are also available but they only fit in five way posts. Before buying connectors make sure the terminals are compatible.