Does the type of coaxial cable matter for audio? i seen some for $40, $60 and $100 PLUS! is there such a diff?

Question

Does the type of coaxial cable matter for audio? i seen some for $40, $60 and $100 PLUS! is there such a diff?

Answer 1

coaxial cables are pretty basic, digital or analog, so really, all you need to decide is, if you want it wrapped in any protective outter coating. Terribly unimportant stuff. In all honesty, if you can use a digital optical for your surround sound, use it! I worked in the nome theatre section of a best buy and it is much better, precise, crisp clear, and not at all more expensive than a digital coax.

Answer 2

No.

In audio, coax is used mostly for Digital transmission. You either get the bits or you don't get the bits, and I doubt you will get any transmission errors in a 5 feet cable regardless of the wire you use. More expensive cables may withstand more abuse (twisting and bending), but the quality of audio will be the same.

Answer 3

The quality of cable you should chose is really up to you.

This is where the fomenters step in, and say any cable will work. And they are correct any will work. But the performance of your system will be determined by the interconnects AND MORE IMPORTANTLY the equipment. If the equipment can't be improved with better cable then don't get it.

A good benchmark is 10% of total system cost should be invested in cables, no more no less. While a better cable will most always make a difference it may be a factor of diminishing returns where the apparent difference is so small most feel the investment is not worth it and for them this is OK. But I believe in choice and making up your own mind, as this concept is generally accepted in most countries. So a guy who spends $30,000 US. more on a set of speakers that has 3db better low end extension at 4Hz should not be ridiculed for spending $4,000 US. on a single speaker connection.

Conversely a guy who buys a $300 HTIB should not be ridiculed for making that purchase. Only when he makes claims that his system is better than anything out there.

A Home Theater experience is extremely subjective and should be treated as such. You are the one who needs to be happy with your investment, so you should be the one to determine if interconnects do make a difference.

Cables do make a difference, but it is highly subjective. Start with my 10% rule and experiment with choices.

I submit some reading material for your consideration that will help you make wise choices in your overall experience.

Answer 4

I wouldn't buy the cheapest but you don't need to go nuts either.  For the most part the only time you need to worry about the quality of your cable is if it is long. Like over 20'.

Answer 5

To a first approximation coax cables will all work for audio, BUT the right cable characteristics will make a difference, and you don't necessarily have to pay extra for a cable more suited to a particulalr use.

For analog audio (component interconnects, subwoofer cables) coax cable is best with heavy shielding and low capacitance. Impedence is unimportant. You can use 75 ohm cable, but it isn't ideal. A small guage centre conductor is advantageous, as is a low density dialectric and a large outer shield diameter.

Shielding protects from hum, EMI and RFI, while low capacitance prevents high frequency roll-off.

Some sources claim audio coax cable should be 50 ohm ... but this is high capacitance cable and therefore the wrong thing to use.

For digital audio 75 ohm impedence is important, as is high bandwidth ... which means a larger centre conductor.

Does price matter? To a degree higher quality cable is more expensive, but it isn't necessary to pay high prices to get good cables.

The website at the link is a source for high quality cables at reasonable prices. The link is actually to an article about design considerations for analog audio coax cable. You may find it interesting.  Other good articles are also provided on this site re other cable types, including an extensive collection of info on HDMI cables.

Answer 6

you pay for what you get.. yes their is many diferances ,, wire geomertry , shielding , copper,silver, interconect ends,pins, 24 k gold ,