Cable quality can indeed affect sound quality. Cheaper cables lack the durability, shielding, connectors, and quality conductive materials to prevent electromagnetic interference. They are also less effective in reducing other forms of “noise” and interruptions that can impact the audio signal as it travels. A balanced audio cable will also reduce noise; it uses three conductors to carry the signal, which makes it possible to better cancel out interference. This is particularly true over long cable runs, such as those used in a professional setup.
Choosing better-constructed audio cables will create a more dynamic sound product, one that’s cleaner and richer overall. Read on for the details.
Common Myths About Audio Cables
When trying to achieve the absolute best performance out of your audio setup, the right audio cable plays a part. But, over the years, Wireworld, your online cable store, has heard some myths that need to be dispelled.
1: All Cables Sound the Same
The cable transmits the audio signal between the source and output device (such as a turntable to a speaker, or a computer to headphones). Digital cables will do that differently from analog cables. Higher-quality cables, like those from Wireworld, are built with more advanced insulation and cable geometry. This serves to better dampen or eliminate electromagnetic interference and transmit the audio with less “jitter” or interruption.
Some audiophiles find an optical cable a better choice for streaming or gaming audio, while others prefer the “warmer” sound of a coaxial cable for their music. Whichever you choose, selecting one with more advanced materials, like those from Wireworld, will greatly enhance the experience.
2: Digital Cables Don’t Affect Sound Quality
Digital cables transmit audio signals to the output equipment without any changes. When used in long-run settings, an audio signal sent through other kinds of cables can be affected by “jitters.”
While a typical digital cable can do this, a higher-end one will further minimize these annoying interruptions through better shielding, better quality conductors, and advanced cable geometry.
3. Expensive Means Better — Always
Better quality cables will typically use high-end materials like copper wire, heavier shielding, and high-quality connectors. Each element is more costly on its own, but it’s in how they are built that the difference in performance really appears.
Wireworld designs, tests, and manufactures high-quality audio cables for all kinds of systems and at different price points. Audiophiles will notice the improved difference immediately.
The Reality: How Cable Quality Affects Sound
The design or “geometry” of the cable will affect the clarity and detail of the audio signal.. The materials used for the speaker wire (such as copper or silver) also influence signal quality. Proper impedance between the cable, the source, and the output is necessary for the best performance, as is proper shielding to reduce interference. Finally, the kind of connectors on the cable impacts digital signals and, thus, the overall sound quality.
Less expensive cables simply don’t have the same “upgrades” to compete with Wireworld’s advanced design and proprietary materials.
1. Cable Geometry Affects Signal Integrity
A braided or twisted design minimizes interference. The spacing of conductors also has an impact. Widely spaced ones can create signal degradation; tighter ones create a clearer sound.
2. Conductor Material Impacts Conductivity
The type of material used for a conductor can influence brightness, warmth, or other audio details. Copper and silver are typically used, with silver being the best.
3. Resistance, Capacitance, and Inductance Change the Sound
These three factors are the electrical properties of how circuits interact with voltage. Resistance dissipates energy from the current in the form of heat. Capacitance stores energy in the electric field, while Inductance stores energy in the magnetic field.
How these elements are balanced impacts sound quality; for example, too much resistance weakens the signal. Wireworld’s design maintains an optimal balance between these electrical properties.
4. Shielding is Critical for Noise Rejection
Without the proper shielding, audio cables are susceptible to picking up excess noise, hum, and other kinds of interference. Wireworld uses a proprietary form of shielding in our cables. The result is exceptional rejection of the noises you don't want to hear!
5. The Connectors and Terminations Influence Performance
Higher-quality connectors, like those made from gold or silver, create a more secure signal transfer without annoying interference or interruptions. These are the choices Wireworld makes in its cable design.
The Science Behind Wireworld’s Approach
Wireworld is dedicated to designing, engineering, and rigorously testing the very best materials and configurations for all kinds of cables.
Whether it’s a USB audio cable,digital coaxial cable, or any other kind, we use the latest technological advances to create cables that provide exceptional sonic purity.
For example, our proprietary COMPOSILEX shielding significantly reduces annoying noise and interference.
Our customers include audiophiles, enthusiasts, and professionals who want the most advanced designs for the highest-quality performance.
Final Verdict: Myth Vs. Reality
Your audio equipment is largely responsible for the sound quality you’ll enjoy. But the cables that connect everything play a role.
Choose cables made from better-quality conductors (like copper or silver) with either a braided or paired geometry. Solid shielding is essential to reduce noise, and terminations made from gold or silver will create a more secure connection. Taking these basic factors into consideration will help you get the very best sound performance out of your audio setup.
Wireworld offers an elevated selection of cables, each designed to create exceptional performance.
