Both of these cables are used when connecting a turntable to the pre-amp in different ways. The RCA cable is ubiquitous, used to connect everything from the turntable to a CD player or tape deck to the amplifier.
The tonearm cable is more specialized, designed to carry low-level signals from the delicate cartridge in the downstream amplification. It features special shielding and a separate ground wire to minimize noise.
What Is a Tonearm Cable?
The cable that you’re going to learn about in this article is a high-quality tonearm wire that’s specifically designed to connect ultra-low frequency signals between the turntable and pre-amp. Basically, it’s a bridge.
Low-frequency signals led to the introduction of line-level outputs; a tonearm wire is also equipped with a grounding wire to remove hum and other noise.
There may also be other noise-reducing shielding materials in this type of interconnect cable.
What Is an RCA Cable?
An RCA cable is the common way to connect different audio and video devices (e.g., a turntable to speakers, a TV to a cable box). Red and white (black) cables are for stereo audio, yellow is used for video signals.
This cable is simple, but versatile, usually used as interconnects in home theaters and professional audio applications. However, they can compromise signal integrity and introduce interference, even in digital applications. Simply put, the design matters. Wireworld uses proprietary insulation and high-quality conductor materials to elevate this ubiquitous cable.
Tonearm vs RCA Cables: Key Differences
Tonearm wires are a wire created especially for connecting the turntable to the pre-amp to enhance grounding and reduce noise. This presents some design challenges: shielding it from the noise of the motor or other wires, matching capacitance to the cartridge, etc.
Wireworld’s tonearm cables are built from the ground up with a wire that eliminates noise and hum, both of which often affect delicate or low-level signals. It’s a shielded cable with proprietary connectors for improved sound quality.
There are many different audio and video components that use RCA cables. They may also have a ground wire attached to help with the noise, but not always. RCA plugs include the standard red, white (for audio), and yellow (for video) connectors. But like tonearm wires, this frequently used connector benefits from the elevated design used by Wireworld.
| Feature | Tonearm Cable | RCA Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Wire | Yes | Sometimes |
| Connector Type | 5-pin or specialized | Standard |
| Signal Type | Lower-level frequencies | Analog |
| Shielding Needs | Braided copper or aluminum | Braided or combo |
| Use Case | Turntable to pre-amp | General A/V connection |
| Specialized Construction | Multiple layers of shielding, high-purity silver or copper | Protective outer layer, center conductor |
Why Tonearm Cables Aren't Just RCA Cables with a Ground
Tonearm cables are specifically designed to protect low-level frequencies traveling between the turntable to the pre-amp from noise, interference, and low capacitance.
These cables carry and maintain these signals using special materials and shielding that’s not always found in an RCA cable. These kinds of interconnects are purpose-built for preserving delicate signals.
How to Choose the Right Cable for Your Setup
The right kind of cable can make a huge improvement in sound quality. For those who love their vinyl, a tonearm cable is specifically designed to quiet the noise and hum that can interfere with very delicate signals traveling between the turntable and pre-amp.
The RCA cable is more of an all-purpose kind of connection that works with video equipment as well as with audio setups. It may have a ground wire to dampen noise interference; it may not.
Wireworld Cable Technology is the cable store that offers high-quality connectors of all kinds. If you have questions, we’re always here to help.
Conclusion
Wireworld is the expert in the kinds of cables and connectors that are needed in both professional and home settings. Our products deliver exceptional performance, and that includes our tonearm cables. Made with fine materials like silver-wrapped copper and specialized connectors, they bring out the very best in analog sound systems.
Our selection of high-quality RCA cables is built to provide solid connections to both audio and video equipment. We invite you to explore our products and experience a significant upgrade in your audio and video experience.
