subject: Speaker Cables: The Basics [print this page] As a novice to audio systems, you can find it difficult to know which equipment you will need to ensure that your sound system works to its full capacity. You may have bought yourself a top-of-the-range player, and that in itself will be fantastic quality, but there is one area in which, if you purchase the wrong product, you compromise the whole system: the speaker wire.
The wrong wire, or a cheap, low-quality wire, can mean that the sound produced is nowhere near the level achievable with the sound system. It is perfectly pointless to spend thousands on an audio system, only to buy cheap cables and wires that then take away 50% of the quality. Audio quality is lost through wires, but some are better at preserving the output signal better than others, and as such, not all speaker cables are made equal!
Material
Speaker cables come in a range of materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
The most common type of wire are those made from copper, it is quite a good conductor and so is fine for communicating information from one device to another (in this case, the speakers and the player).
However, the highest performance wires come in gold or silver these are only relevant with sound systems at the very top-end of the market. If you spend 100 on your stereo, you should not be spending the same amount on wire, but if you spend 10000 on your stereo, then a few hundred on a speaker wire is more than acceptable, and ensures that you will get the most out of your purchase.
Gauges
In reference to speaker cables, gauge refers to the thickness of the wire. With top-of-the-range systems, it is important to have a low gauge (which, counter-intuitively, actually means the wires are thicker) because they can carry more information at once and this increases quality as little is lost as the signal passes through the wire.
Model
There are different designs of speaker cable depending on where you want to place them. For instance, underground wires feed under buildings or gardens these are generally for commercial use, so as a novice, you will not need to concern yourself with these.
Some wires are flat, which allows them to be fitted under carpets, or alongside doorframes, etc. This is probably the style of wire you will need when fitting a home audio system.
Jacks
Jack refers to the connector at the end of the speaker cable; you will need to purchase a wire with a connector that matches your speaker at one end and your stereo at the other. Your stereo instruction manual will have details, but if you are unsure, you can always ask an expert.
When purchasing a speaker cable, buy within your technical means, if you are new to audio systems, go for a simple design, and work your way up as you gain knowledge and expertise.
