Why Not All Audio Cables are the Same

When a signal is passed through an analogue audio cable, there will always be a certain amount of sound degradation. The extent of that degradation will depend almost totally on the quality of the cable, with those at the top end of the spectrum letting the signal through virtually unscathed and those at the very bottom end massacring the sound and producing something that is very different from the original source.

Almost every different type of cable will have slightly different properties that will affect how the signal is conveyed from one point to another. As such, the way a cable is formed will completely alter the signal that reaches the speakers, and in turn those that buy high end audiophile cables will be left with a much sharper, clearer and - most importantly - truer sound.Everything from the type and quality of the material used to conduct the signal to whether or not the way the cable has been designed is likely to give rise to an electromagnetic field that could interfere with the signal could change the end result and, therefore the chances of them producing interference or static will vary based on the material used and the way they are manufactured. Even the thickness of the cable will make a difference, with thicker wire ensuring a signal has to work far harder to find its way through.

We often do not consider that there will be many different ways to form an audio cable. Since the majority will look identical on the outside, save perhaps for color and length, it is what is going on underneath the rubber sheathing that is important, and the difference in material and manufacturing processes between an audiophile speaker cable and a cheap quarter inch jack lead can be vast.

This is not to say that audio cables alone will solve your sound issues. There are plenty of sceptics who suggest that cables will play very little part in creating an overall sound and many individuals have spent a good deal of money on high end cables without experiencing any notable difference. The problem here is that a great audiophile cable will not magically cure a poor sound system. As such, rather than just shelling out a good chunk of money on cables and hoping that this will revolutionize an old and tired sound system, it will be far more important to spread your budget as evenly as you can, ensuring that everything from the speakers to the amps are the best quality you can afford.

Should you not have the money to buy new speakers and new cables, try buying one now and the other further down the line, remembering that until both are in place the full impact of the change may not be obvious.

Spending more on a speaker cable will get you something that allows signals to pass through as freely as possible, and since there are so many different ways to form a speaker cable and so many materials that will conduct a signal, it is worth remembering that not all cables will have been created equal.

This article is contributed by Adam Howes. He is a freelance writer who regularly engineers for national and international touring bands. He regularly contributes articles to companies such as The Cable Company.

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