How to Make RCA Cables

An RCA cable--a length of wire with a male RCA connector at either end--usually comes premade. These cables are almost ubiquitous in home and car stereo systems. They're used for connecting audio components like amplifiers to the preamp outputs of a car receiver, or to connect a CD player to a home stereo receiver, to name just a few examples. Good quality RCA cables can be expensive, particularly in longer lengths, but you can save some money by making your own using some off-shelf parts, simple tools and this set of instructions.

Things You'll Need

• 14 gauge 2-conductor insulated wire
• Male RCA connectors
• Wire cutters/strippers
• Soldering iron

Instructions

1. Cut your wire to the length you desire. How long a cable you need depends upon what you're connecting. When patching together home audio gear, the length may be quite short, maybe only a foot or two, since the components are usually in the same cabinet. In car audio systems you may find the components you need to connect in different parts of the car--for example, a receiver in the dash, and an amp in the trunk. This may take a length of over 20 feet. Take into account the gear you'll be connecting and where it's located when you decide how long the wire will be.

2. Strip the insulation off of either end of the wire to expose the two leads, and the insulation off of each lead so that a 1/2 inch of bare wire is exposed.

3. 

   Choose one end of the wire. Slide the shell of your RCA connector over the wire, and then insert the positive lead of the speaker wire into the center post of the conductor. Solder the wire in place. Hold the negative lead against the back post of the RCA connector and solder into place. When the solder has cooled, slide the shell over the connector and screw on tight.

4. 

   Repeat Step 3 with the other end of the wire. When you're done, you'll have an RCA cable with a single connector at either end.