Can someone please tell me the difference between RCA connectors?

Question

I am confused between the difference of a RCA digital connector. Such as a RCA connector for your sub wolfer, which gives audio signal. Compared to the audio- video composite jacks, red and white. Also component cable, could that be used for the RCA digital connector for your subwolfer? They all look the same, it is usually a RG59 with a RCA connector, so what is the real difference? Thanks.

Answer 1

Typically you are right, they can all be interchanged.

Technically, a composite video cable(yellow) should have a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms and stereo audio(red and white) should have a characteristic impedance of 50 ohm.

Digital coax cables have a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms.

Subwoofer cables have a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms.

RG6 cables are better to use than RG59 cables as the thicker center conductor results in less line loss.

But what does all this mumbo jumbo mean in practice?

Ideally it is best to treat video cables as usuable for any RCA cable application. This includes composite, component and, oddly enough, digital coax, because they are all 75 ohm cables.

Analog audio cables can be used for subwoofer applications and analog audio applications but its best to not use them for other purposes. It will likely work but technically it is not "correct".

I hope this helps answer your questions.

Answer 2

The difference is the color of the connector - literally.  Any of these cables are interchangable with each other.