Are Expensive Subwoofer Cables Worth It?

The choice of subwoofer cables make no objective difference in sound quality. But still, expensive subwoofer cables can provide better shielding and build quality, they can’t improve the sound. 

On the other hand, if you buy subwoofer cables with balanced termination it can help reduce noise picked up on the way.

Also the resistance, capacitance and insulation is about the same on cheap and expensive cables. So why pay more when you get the same thing from both. To get a better understanding of subwoofer cables we need to dive deeper into this so without any further ado lets begin!

Are Expensive Subwoofer Cables Worth It? (Some Useful Tests)

There is a possibility that certain individuals may assert that the more costly cables will fully modify the sound quality of your audio systems and result as an improvement in your sound.

But here’s the catch, both the subwoofers and the cables result in the formation of an electric circuit. Therefore, resistance, capacitance, insulation, and the overall appearance of the cable are the factors that differentiate a costly cable from a less expensive cable.

Therefore, after doing some study and carrying out various experiments, I concluded that the resistance in the high-priced cable is lower than that of a low-priced cable.

However, this difference is minute and that is why it is expressed in decimals. Therefore, the resistance on inexpensive cables and costly cables is roughly equivalent to one another.

The second test I administered was related to capacitance. The outcome was roughly the same regardless of whether we used inexpensive or costly cables. Therefore, it will not have any effect at all on the quality of your sound.

The sound quality is not going to change regardless of the price of the cable; there might be a slight variation, but your ear probably won’t be able to tell the difference.

Therefore, the true distinction between expensive cables and inexpensive ones is that expensive cables will have a more attractive appearance than inexpensive ones.

So, if you want the cable to look nice, you can spend a lot of money on more expensive cable. Bear in mind, however, that the quality of their sounds will not be altered in any way.

Why Does A Subwoofer Cable Matter for Sound Quality?

If you do a lot of research on the different kinds of cables that you can use to connect your subwoofer to the receiver, at some point you will probably run into the question of whether or not you should use a subwoofer cable?

It’s possible that you’re asking yourself, “How exactly is a cable going to improve my listening experience?”

And while this may be something that someone who is not familiar with a sound system struggles, it is something that music lovers who have years of work experience have been tinkering with for years.

To be more specific, the use of a subwoofer cable will improve the audio quality of low-frequency audio signals, particularly bass signals, that are transmitted through your cable.

This is accomplished by adding additional layers of shielding (often in the form of mesh) to the cable, which helps to enable improved clarity and reduces audio hum at the same time.

But since an RCA cable and a subwoofer cable both seem the same, is there really a difference between the two? Why is the subwoofer wire considered to be more special?

When compared to the physical components of an RCA cable, the changes in the construction of a subwoofer cable are likely to be more modest; yet, these variances can have a significant impact.

In addition to having two RCA connectors at either end, a subwoofer cable also has extra shielding added to it. This shielding helps to simplify the audio signal and supports its transmission to your subwoofer.

You may anticipate a clean signal to reach your subwoofer, which will result in quality sound sessions and increased sound quality in your sound system. This is because the signal will not be choppy or interrupted when it reaches your subwoofer.

Obviously, this is also relevant in terms of the other elements that make up the cable as a whole. For instance, the copper wiring that is located within the interior of the cable must also be fabricated using a copper material of a high-quality in order to be considered acceptable.

If you don’t do this, you’ll discover that the signal being sent to your subwoofer is distorted because it “climbs” over the poor copper composition rather than “gliding” over the smooth, solid copper.

It is essential to give attention not only to the kinds of cable that you use (such as a subwoofer cable), but also to the efficiency of the cable that you pick to buy.

This is because there are several elements that define the cable that will assist the audio signals that are being forwarded to your devices.

When compared to using a high-quality subwoofer cable, for instance, employing the use of a low-cost RCA cable will unquestionably provide an inferior quality of sound.

It is important to keep in mind that the price tag is not necessarily correlated with the level of quality, but there are some cables that cost more for a valid reason.

Does A Subwoofer Cable Make A Difference On A Passive Or Active Subwoofer?

It is essential to have an understanding of the workings of the mechanisms that go into making your listening experience what it actually is. Honestly, designing the ideal sound system is a science, and as such, it is not something that should be treated off-handedly.

Choosing the appropriate elements for your “experiment” in mastering the ideal solution may require some research on your part, but the time spent on this endeavor will undoubtedly be rewarded when you obtain the outcomes you seek.

If you are going to use a subwoofer cable, you might be curious about whether or not the active or passive status of the subwoofer will make a difference.

The sound quality of both passive and active subwoofers can be improved by using a subwoofer cable; however, many people claim to have seen more apparent variations with active subwoofers due to the increased signal strength necessary with a built-in amplifier.

To begin, you might find it helpful to take a step back and understand the differences between a passive and an active subwoofer.

After that, consider how the use of a subwoofer cable will impact the sound quality that is streamed to either of these two subwoofer configurations.

If you use a subwoofer cable with either of these two types of subwoofers, you should be able to get a higher overall sound quality. Naturally, each of these subwoofers has their own set of benefits and drawbacks.

If you examine a passive subwoofer in greater detail, you will notice that it cannot function without an external power source (amplifier) because it does not have an amplifier integrated into its functioning system.

It’s possible that you won’t find passive subwoofers as frequently now that so many different manufacturers are beginning to pump out active subwoofers, but you can rest assured that they are still around, and that they are still required for a high-quality audio system setup.

If you use a subwoofer cable with a passive subwoofer, you will notice that the sound quality is improved; however, the reason for this improvement is somewhat different than the reason for the improvement when using an active subwoofer.

When you use a subwoofer cable with a passive subwoofer, the signal that is transmitted from your cable to the subwoofer will be amplified (considering it will have already passed through the amplifier).

If this is the case, you might discover that the influence it has on the subwoofer is more significant than the difference it makes to the SNR. In spite of this, you should observe an improvement in the sound quality in comparison to when you used cables that were less specific.

Alternatively, if you utilize a subwoofer cable in conjunction with an active sub, you might notice that it makes a more noticeable difference right away.

This is due to the fact that the signal strength that is being transmitted over the cable is significantly lower (since the active sub contains the amplifier built into its system).

In this particular instance, you will immediately discover that the impact it has on the SNR, including the subwoofer, is extremely visible in the greater audio quality that it delivers through the low-frequency audio signals that are transferred through the subwoofer. This is something that you will likely be able to notice.

The use of a subwoofer cable, as compared to an RCA cable or another sort of link, is going to make a difference in the sound quality of an active or passive subwoofer. This is an important point to keep in mind regardless of which type of subwoofer you have.

The improved shielding and high-quality copper components used in the construction of the cable contribute to the maintenance of an even and robust flow of the audio signal that will ultimately travel through the sub.

When you stream your preferred movies or music in the home, the sound quality will be improved overall, and you will be left with an entertainingly deep bass to accompany the improvement.

What To Look For In A Subwoofer Cable?

You may be looking into which subwoofer cable to purchase now that you are sure or have evidence to show that a subwoofer cable will improve the sound quality that is flowing through your sound system. If this is the situation, the facts that can persuade you can be found here.

When it comes to choosing a subwoofer cable, despite the fact that there is a wide variety of excellent solutions available, there are a few primary considerations that should be given priority.

When looking for a subwoofer cable, it is important to consider the following criteria:

• The cable’s thickness
• The presence of a distinct end color
• The wire diameter in American wire gauge (AWG)
• The type of metal used for the wires

The best subwoofer cables will have a significant inverse correlation between the thickness of the wiring and the cable as a whole. Along with this, these cables will also use copper for the wiring.

When taking a glance at the thickness of the cables, you’ll probably find that these are relatively common. After that, you can contrast them with the diameter of the wire.

You want there to be a clear inverse correlation between these two factors. Therefore, an AWG range of 20-25 should place you in an advantageous position.

Then, of course, you will be interested in learning what kind of metal is utilized for the wiring that is included within the cable. This is of the utmost significance since the sound that is produced as a result of the audio signals being transmitted via the wires is going to be determined in both its purity and its quality by the purity of the metal.

It is recommended that you search for subwoofer cables that use copper as the internal wiring metal because this kind of metal is thought to be the purest and most durable of all the metals that can be used in audio cables.

It is not mandatory to look for a subwoofer cable that uses a distinct color on the RCA ends, but doing so can be beneficial in recognizing which cable is which and understanding how and where to find it among the other wires in your audio system. 

This, along with a number of other considerations might help you achieve the improved sound quality that is guaranteed by a subwoofer cable.

Types of subwoofer cables:

1. Mono subwoofer cable.
2. Stereo phono RCA cables.
3. Subwoofer Y-split cables.
4. XLR subwoofer cables.

1- Mono subwoofer cables:

For surround sound systems with a dedicated subwoofer connector on the amplifier, mono subwoofer cables are the type of subwoofer cable that is used.

2- Stereo phono RCA cables:

One variety of electrical cable that is frequently utilized for the transmission of audio and video information is known as the stereo phono RCA cable

3- Subwoofer Y-split cables:

A subwoofer split cable, also known as a Y-split, is the cable that you should use to connect your subwoofer to the receiver or amplifier in your audio setup.

The vast majority of amplifiers only include a single subwoofer output; however, this cable divides the signal into two parts, enabling you to connect to either of the amp’s two subwoofer inputs.

4- XLR subwoofer cable :

Mics, amplifiers, and soundboards are some of the types of high quality audio equipment that make use of XLR subwoofer cables.

Uses Of RCA Cables

RCA cables are used to connect audio and video equipment. If you have a system that is able to support the three RCA Jacks, then the signals that they send out will be of a higher quality.

Let’s imagine there is an audio signal being transmitted through your TV and mic, so this signal can be divided into two channels using RCA cords. The third channel is available for use in transmitting the video signals.

But, when you’re using a stereo jack, the audio quality will be poor since all of the signals will be compressed owing to the low-quality transmission that will occur as the signal is divided. 

Because a computer already has three RCA connectors, using an RCA cable won’t be the best choice if you’re going to be connecting it to the computer. Therefore, the use of digital connections is going to be the superior choice for your computer.

What Are The Functions That Subwoofer Cables Serve?

There is no difference between RCA cables and the cables used for subwoofers. on the other hand, the subwoofer cables, are improved and upgraded ones that have been improved by making use of more long-lasting materials and techniques.

The RCA cables that are used for subwoofers have been upgraded to a much higher quality. The same purpose that RCA cables serve, namely to transmit audio and video signals, is served by these cables.

In addition to that, low frequencies are conveyed for subwoofers. Connecting a subwoofer to any device with a coaxial audio interface requires the use of the appropriate cables. A significant amount of equipment is used by subwoofer cables.

Does The Quality Of The RCA Cable Matter When It Comes To Subwoofers?

Let’s assume that the majority of subwoofers are capable of functioning with an RCA cable. There is a possibility that an RCA cable will function effectively with some subwoofers. And it’s possible that some won’t work well because an RCA cable doesn’t provide a very high level of cable shielding.

Because they have less insolation than other cables, RCA cables can sometimes produce an AC hum or buzz, which can result in a degradation of the sound quality.

Does The Quality Of The Subwoofer Cables Matter?

The subwoofer cable contributes, in some way, to the improvement of the sound’s overall quality. Because more shielding in a subwoofer cable helps to lower the amount of noise present in the music, using a cable with increased shielding results in better sound quality.

It is common knowledge that the analogue signal is sent through the subwoofer connections. To make a subwoofer cable of higher quality, the material it is constructed of must be long-lasting, and it must also be insulated using a mesh of fibers. This helps to cut down on the amount of background noise that is present in the music.

In light of all that has been discussed thus far, it is safe to say that the quality of the subwoofer cable plays an important role.

RCA Vs Subwoofer Cable, which Is Better:

A subwoofer can be connected to a receiver via a coaxial connection on an RCA wire. This connection allows an audio signal to be sent to the conventional left, right, and middle channels.

On the other hand, A subwoofer cable will typically have the same wiring as an RCA cable, and it will likewise serve the same purpose.

The sole distinction between an RCA cable and a subwoofer cable is that the shielding of the RCA cable is different from that of the subwoofer cable.

When compared to RCA cables, subwoofer cables offer better protection against buzzes and hums caused by alternating current. Therefore, that will result in an improvement to the sound quality.

Therefore, the subwoofer cable, as opposed to an RCA cable, may provide superior sound quality when used with certain types of subwoofers.

Thus, as a result of my research and experiments, I have come to the realization that the subwoofer cable offers a number of advantages over the RCA connection.

Is It Possible To Connect The Subwoofer With An RCA Cable?

If you are not persuaded that subwoofer cables are superior to RCA cables, or if you do not wish to switch from using RCA cables to using subwoofer cables for whatever reason, including but not limited to financial concerns, then this section is for you.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret, if you want to build a safe connection between the amplifier and the subwoofer, all you need is an RCA cable. Despite the fact that there is neither a thick shield nor any other kind of cutting-edge technology, the audio quality can be subpar.

A subwoofer cable, which, compared to an RCA cable, has significantly more insulation and is of a higher technological standard. When connected to a subwoofer, an RCA cable will never produce a pleasant listening experience for the low-frequency audio impulses that are sent.

It’s possible that you’re wondering how to get the most out of the connection that an RCA cable makes between a subwoofer and a receiver.

The issue with RCA cables is that they are unable to generate audio signals of the same high quality as those generated by subwoofer cables.

Therefore, you should use RCA if you are willing to put up with poor sound quality in order to save money. In that case, you should consider using a subwoofer cable as your next best alternative.

What Kinds Of Differences Can Cables For Subwoofers Cause?

If you have ever considered replacing your ordinary RCA cables with subwoofer cables, which were developed specifically to transmit a low-frequency response to your device, then you may have come across the idea of making the move. Consequently, I believe that now might be an appropriate time to do so.

There are a great number of people who are of the opinion that purchasing subwoofer cables of a high grade is an excellent investment. as a result of the fact that they improve sound quality while simultaneously reducing hum and buzz in the speakers.

Some people believe that because RCA cables ensure a safe connection, they must also have a positive impact on the quality of the sound they transmit.

Be cautious to check and double-check the specifications that your subwoofer requires. It’s possible that RCA cables will work nicely with some subwoofers.

If you haven’t given it any thought, you perhaps aren’t aware that changing the wires in your headphones will result in a different listening experience. The audio quality of your speakers might be affected by the cables that are used to connect them to your sound system.

Does Length Of Audio Cable Affect Quality?

Cables are essential components of the system because they shield voltages as they go from one point to another within the context of the audio and visual signals. Because electrons have to go through conductors and must work hard to overcome the boundaries that are established by connections at both ends of the circuit.

So, the question raises that, how long can wires need to be?

The sound quality is not significantly impacted by the length of the speaker wire, with the exception of uncommon circumstances in which the cable is very lengthy, such as more than one hundred feet. However, even these little variations in sound are difficult to distinguish.

It is recommended that speaker wires be kept as short as possible while still allowing simple access to the equipment. Because lengthy wires are more susceptible to being destroyed when they are dropped.

The quality of the music produced by the speakers is unaffected by the length of the speaker wire, with the rare exception of situations in which the cable is too lengthy (for example, more than 100 feet). There may be a little degradation in the overall sound quality.

Let’s state that it’s preferable to maintain the length of the speaker connections as low as possible without sacrificing the ease of access to the equipment.

As a result of my investigation and testing, I have determined that the length of the wire really don’t matter at all.  If someone is trying to convince you that the length of the wires actually makes a difference, then it’s possible that they have insufficient information of the electric circuits. Or it’s possible that they merely have a good chance of selling their items.

Conclusion

Resistance, capacitance, and insulation are roughly equivalent between inexpensive and pricey cable options. Therefore, after doing some research and carrying out a variety of experiments, I have accepted the fact that the resistance in an expensive cable is lower than that of a low-priced cable. 

However, considering the magnitude of the discrepancy, it is more appropriate to represent it using decimals. Because of this, the resistance on cables that are less expensive and cables that are more expensive are essentially similar to one another.