There are many different audio cables, both analogue and digital. Each cable has its own function and purpose in a Hi-Fi system, so it is important to use them in the right place to get the best possible sound. maPlatine.com explains the different types of audio cables used in Hi-Fi, and their role.
- Phono cables
- Interconnect cables
- Speaker cables
- Power cables
- Digital cables
- Good to know
1. Phono cables
A phono cable is essential if you want to add a turntable to your Hi-Fi system. It is the audio cable that connects the turntable to the phono preamplifier. It is often confused with the interconnect cable.
Pro-Ject Connect it RCA CC phono cable
Manufacturers generally supply their turntables with a phono cable. When it isn't captive (i.e. soldered to the turntable), it can be replaced with a better-quality phono cable that transmits the audio signal more effectively. This upgrade can considerably improve sound reproduction.
2. Interconnect cables
Often confused with the phono cable (and vice versa), the interconnect cable is quite different and does not serve the same purpose in a Hi-Fi system.
Wireworld Equinox 7 interconnect cable
An interconnect cable connects any Hi-Fi device with a line-level output to an amplifier.
For example, if you have a CD player, you will need an interconnect cable to connect it to your amplifier.
Likewise, if you want to connect a turntable to an amplifier through a separate phono preamplifier, you will need an interconnect cable to connect the preamp to the amp.
3. Speaker cables
Sold in pairs or by the metre, speaker cables connect the amplifier to the Hi-Fi speakers, carrying the audio signal to them so they can produce sound.
Depending on the manufacturer, speaker cables come with different terminations: banana plugs or spades.
Tellurium Q Blue speaker cables
In a Hi-Fi setup, the speakers may be placed some distance from the amplifier. That's why speaker cable manufacturers often offer several cable lengths.
4. Power cables
The power cable, also called a mains cable, connects a Hi-Fi device to a wall socket. It helps optimise the sound of the Hi-Fi system.
Supra Lorad 2.5 10A power cable
The purpose of a power cable is, of course, to deliver the cleanest possible current (50 Hz or 60 Hz) by filtering out high-frequency interference. This helps prevent noise, distortion and harmonics that can affect the sound.
5. Digital cables
Digital sources are connected with so-called digital cables. This family includes several formats:
Audioquest Forest USB cable
- Optical digital cable: connects any Hi-Fi devices with Toslink optical inputs or outputs. This type of cable needs to be as transparent as possible so that light travels through it properly.
Atlas Element Optical digital cable
- Coaxial digital cable (RCA or BNC connectors): connects Hi-Fi devices fitted with these connectors. It has an impedance of 75 ohms.
Wireworld Starlight 7 coaxial cable
- AES/EBU digital cable: common in professional audio, with XLR connectors. It too connects Hi-Fi devices fitted with this type of connector. It has an impedance of 110 ohms.
Audioquest Cinnamon AES/EBU digital cable
- Ethernet cable: lets you connect your Hi-Fi system to a local network by wire.
QED Performance Graphite Ethernet cable
6. Good to know
Each Hi-Fi cable has its own sonic signature, which should be taken into account depending on your Hi-Fi system and the sound you are looking for.
For example, avoid pairing a very transparent cable, such as the Nordost Leif Blue Heaven interconnect cable, with a Hi-Fi system that is already too transparent. Conversely, if your system already sounds quite soft, avoid a cable that is too soft, as the Cardas Iridium phono cable can be. As we often say, it's all about balance!
Cardas Iridium phono cable
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We hope this buying guide has helped you see more clearly how audio cables are used in a Hi-Fi system, and the role each of these Hi-Fi cables plays. For more information, don't hesitate to contact our technicians by phone (0 810 810 121, or +33 2 99 65 41 63 from outside France) or by email (contact@maplatine.com).
