How to Buy Audio Cables

By eHow Electronics Editor

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Speakers play the biggest role in how an audio system sounds, and often it is the audio receiver that drives the speakers. Neither piece of equipment can function at peak performance without quality audio cables. Here are some tips on how to buy audio cables.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1
Look over the audio receiver and determine the output of the device. Many audio receivers output their sound through simple speaker wire connections. Older radios and stereos have a simple clasp connection to receive a stripped speaker wire. These connections are becoming obsolete due to signal loss.
Step2
Use the most common cables available. Most audio systems have at least two separate types of audio cable connections. Analog audio connections are the most common on audio equipment. These cables exhibit two color-coded RCA connectors. Typically, these connections are red and white and are designated left and right channels.
Step3
Consider digital audio cables. Many high-end audio devices have connections for digital audio cables. These cables are identical to RCA connectors in appearance; yet deliver crisp, clear digital sound. Fiber optic cabling is another digital cabling choice.
Step4
Find a receiver that offers an HDMI port to deliver the best possible audio signal. Stereo receivers are increasingly becoming part of the home entertainment system for the home and offer a high definition source for audio as well as video. High definition cables use a proprietary connector to deliver high definition audio and video in one cable.

Tips & Warnings

  • Keep the audio cables short. The shorter the distance a signal travels from the source of the signal to the output, the stronger the signal will be.
  • Use an adapter to convert a HDMI cable connector to an existing component connector. This will allow the user to continue using a legacy digital audio source device.
  • Never attempt to splice or repair HDMI cables.

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eHow Article:  How to Buy Audio Cables

eHow Electronics Editor

eHow Electronics Editor

Category: Electronics

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