Best Coaxial Speaker Cable For You in 2023
Coaxial speaker cable is popular these days. You can find them in every household. They transmit audio and video signals, TV antennas, modems, cable boxes, and even speaker cables.
Coaxial Speaker cables power various appliances like cable/satellite boxes, game consoles, Blu-Ray/DVD players, HDTVs, DVRs, subwoofer speakers, and many more.
It’s hard to decide the best coaxial cable for you, but luckily that’s where I can help. Based on my research, I have build a list of coaxial cables.
This guide will give you an in-depth analysis of coaxial speaker cables. I will discuss the types, components, materials, pros and cons, usage, and more. Let’s read on to discover!
What is Coaxial Speaker Cable?
The term ‘coaxial’ denotes the construction of the cable. The core (inner conductor) and the copper shielding (copper wires woven around the core) are co-axial.
The cable was first invented in 1858. And, it got patent in 1880. Coaxial cables have been a staple of every home. In addition to televisions, it has been a standard cable since the beginning of the 20th century.
An RF signal transmits through these cables, connecting a destination device to an input device.
These cables send low infrared frequency waves to higher-end audible frequencies, which range from 300GHz to 20kHz.
In other words, a coaxial speaker cable is an electrical wire that transmits radio signals from a source to a destination. These cables are becoming popular in professional home audio setups. They deliver consistent sound quality.
They are identical to RCA audio cables aside from the fact that they transmit digital signals. A reliable connection establishes due to the higher bandwidth offered by these cables.
Some coaxial speaker cables are used with subwoofers only. These cables can be used with subwoofers and loudspeakers up to 75 cm or 6 meters long. They offer secure connections and high-quality sound due to their construction.
Mic cables comprises of three-pin XLR connectors. XLR cables are popular microphone cables because they have a low signal-to-noise ratio.
XLR cables transmit signals from source devices to destination devices (20 kHz to 300 GHz). These cables are widespread, and most speakers now use them. They are popular because they deliver high-quality audio without noise.
What Is a Digital Coaxial Cable?
Digital coaxial cables can transmit any electrical or digital signal. These cables transfer video and audio signals. Although digital signals are transmitted across them via electrical pulses, they are not digital internally.
The structure of digital coaxial cables is the same as that of regular coaxial cables. A metal shield covers a wire at the center, surrounded by insulation-like material, and a plastic sheath.
In addition, they are resistant to interference and have a high impedance to electrical currents. Because they can handle a wide range of electrical frequencies, digital coaxial cables are particularly suitable for high-end applications.
What Does It Look Like?
The coaxial cable is cylindrical. Its thickness and colour vary, and its shape might be complex. Every coaxial cable has 4 key elements. Here are they:
- Core conductor
- Dielectric insulator
- Metallic shield
- Plastic jacket
The core conductor is usually copper-plated steel or stranded copper. A dielectric insulator is positioned around the core. It is generally made of solid plastic, foam plastic, or air with spacers.
Braided copper wires are used for the shield. Although some high-quality cables employ a silver-plated braid. Because shielding is vital to preventing losses. Shielding is enhanced with two layers of aluminium foil and two layers of braided copper wire.
Pros and Cons of Coaxial Speaker Cable
Coaxial speaker cables are widely used in radio communications, telecommunications, wi-fi systems, cable TV, and cable modems.
Coaxial cables are specially designed and built to provide many advantages. They are less susceptible to electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference due to their excellent shielding and outer jacketing.
Additionally, coax cables are suitable for high-frequency applications (50 MHz and higher). Furthermore, coaxial cables are cheaper, simpler to install and expand, and more durable than twisted-pair cables.
Coaxial cable, while inexpensive, simple to install, and long-lasting, also has some drawbacks. A network’s failure/breakdown is likely if a single cable carries all network traffic.
Can Coaxial Cable Be Used for Subwoofer?
Use a coaxial cable if a subwoofer needs to be linked to a receiver over a long distance.
Coaxial cables and video cables, have an impedance of 75 ohms. Because they are fully compatible, digital coaxial cables are available.
Some other cables which use RCA connectors to transmit audio, including a subwoofer cable, may not have a 75 ohms resistance.
What Are Different Types of Coaxial Cables on the Market?
Coaxial cables are categorised by thickness, material, function, connector design, and current resistance. They are frequently sorted based on Impedance, with 75Ω and 50Ω impedance coaxial cables being the most popular.
There’s a range of impedance ratings available aside from these two values. 75Ω coaxial cable is typically used for RF transmissions in homes, although 50Ω is also used.
Here’s a list of different types of coaxial cables on the market:
According to Construction
- Flexible coaxial cable – They have a braided outer conductor that makes them easy to work. These cables have the least amount of protection.
- Semi-rigid coaxial cable – This is a rather sturdy cable with an exterior conductor made of metal. These are less elastic than flexible cables but have more substantial shielding.
- Triaxial Coaxial cable – A dielectric sheet on these cables separates two external conductors. One of the conductors acts as an earth ground, whereas the other is a signal foundation. Noise resistance and insulation are improved when these elements work together.
- Dual Coaxial cable – Two cables covered by a single exterior jacket
- Twinaxial cable – Consists of two insulators with the same exterior conductor, which are excellent for high-speed signal transfers.
On the Basis of Impedance
- 50 Ohms Impedance – 50-Ohm cables are frequently used for radio communications. It has 50 Ohm’s compatibility with various antenna types and radio transmitters. These cables are also utilised for high-speed digital communications and coaxial Ethernet networks.
- 75 Ohms Impedance – 75-Ohm cables are generally found in houses. They are used for audio/video transmission and telecommunications, RF video transmission and cable TV systems.
According to Radio Guide (RG) Standard
Radio Guide or RG standard is used for the classification of coaxial cables. Cable types are called by the letters R and G, followed by a number and another. The RG standard describes the following about coaxial cables:
- Outer diameter
- Core wire diameter
- Impedance
- Shielding
- Dielectric type and diameter
Types of Connectors Used for Coaxial Cables?
Coaxial cable connectors maintain proper shielding on connecting cables by utilising unique connectors. You will find superior connectors are reliable and durable for connecting cables to other devices. The following are different types of connectors for coaxial cables:
BNC
BNC stands for Bayonet Neil-Concelman. They are used for connecting/disconnecting TVs, radios, RF equipment, test instruments, etc. These RF connectors are available in small to medium sizes.
TNC
TNC stands for Threaded Neil-Concelman. These connectors indicate threaded versions of a BNC connector. They work at better microwave frequencies than BNC connectors.
SMB
SMB stands for Subminiature version B. These connectors are concise versions of SMA connectors. They deliver excellent electrical performance from DC to 4 GHz.
QMA
In terms of internal construction, QMA connectors are similar to SMB connectors. But, QMA connectors provide faster locking and disconnection convenience.
7/16 DIN
7/16 DIN stands for Deutsches Institut für Normung connectors. These are threaded RF connectors used for signal transmission that needs high wattage. In addition, they are used in defense applications, cellular networks, and antenna systems combined with multiple transmitters.
RCA
RCA stands for Radio Corporation of America. These connectors are known as cinch connectors. They work with red, white, and yellow cables that plug into the rear of TVs.
MCX
MCX stands for Micro coaxial connectors. They come in small forms factors. In addition, they are ideal for applications with limited size, space, or weight.
Comparison of Best Coaxial Speaker Cable
IMAGE | MODEL | CONNECTOR TYPE | COST | RATING |
 | Mogami GOLD RCA-RCA-03 Patch Cable | RCA, Coaxial | CHECK PRICE | 4.5 / 5 |
 | Amazon Basics Digital Audio Coaxial Cable | RCA, Coaxial | CHECK PRICE | 4.6 / 5 |
 | AudioQuest Carbon Digital Coax Cable | – | CHECK PRICE | 4.1 / 5 |
 | Monoprice 102681 Digital Coaxial Audio Cable | Optional | CHECK PRICE | 4.7 / 5 |
 | KabelDirekt – Digital Coaxial Audio Video Cable | F Connector | CHECK PRICE | 4.7 / 5 |
Let us explore each of the listed Coaxial Speaker Cables.
Best Coaxial Speaker Cable in 2022
There are many coaxial speaker cables available in the market. I have curated and found some of the best coaxial speaker cables for you.
Mogami GOLD RCA-RCA-03 Patch Cable
Perfect Coaxial Cable for Audio/Video Applications
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Mogami cables are one of the best high-end home theatre application options. It can connect HD DVRs and HD set-top boxes to your stereo systems or HD televisions. It works flawlessly in addition to video, audio, and S/PDIF.
Furthermore, it has been utilised by DJs and high-end consumer goods. To obtain audio output in HD 1080i component visual output, you need to use 3 cables.
You can use two cables for stereo composite audio (red/white or left/right). S/PDIF, composite video, or mono audio can be obtained using only one cable. Each length is 3 feet long. Others are 6 feet, 12 feet, and 20 feet. In addition, the pack includes straight connectors and gold contact RCA male plug connectors.
Mogami GOLD Patch Cable presents excellent quality audio at an affordable price. This cable provides a superior shield against interference to offer a great listening experience.
Amazon Basics Digital Audio Coaxial Cable
Top-most Digital Coaxial Cable
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
This cable is the top-most digital RCA cable because it delivers top-notch audio quality. It has minor energy loss and shielding against electromagnetic and radio frequencies. The audio output from this cable is lifelike and of superior quality thanks to this feature.
Amazon Basics cable can be utilised with RCA-compatible digital audio components, S/Pdif, and composite video connections. Secondly, it has gold-plated connectors. It also has split-tip center pins, which combine with gold plating to improve contact pressure and high conductivity.
Lastly, the cable is easy to handle and install. It has a superior grip to make it simple to operate and simple to install. The cable is four feet long and features colour-coded molds. It has excellent build quality and will last for years.
Amazon Basics cable is fit for compatible cable/satellite boxes, HDTVs, DVRs, Blu-Ray/DVD players, game consoles, subwoofer speakers, and more.
AudioQuest Carbon Digital Coax Cable
High-Quality Coaxial Cable
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The audio quality conveyed by this digital audio coaxial cable is the greatest on this list. It comes with less energy loss and shielding against EM/RF interference. The cable produces audio outputs that are lifelike and of high quality.
It is suitable for connecting RCA-compatible digital audio components, S/Pdif, and composite video interfaces. The gold-plated RCA connectors on this cable offer excellent contact pressure and high conductivity. The cable is 4 feet long and comes in different colours.
It is more durable than the PVC exterior of Amazon Basics digital audio coaxial cable. It fits snugly and is long-lasting. Colour-coded molds are provided.
Monoprice 102681 Digital Coaxial Audio Cable
Perfect Coaxial Cable for Audio
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Monoprice’s digital coaxial audio cable is among the best on the list regarding long-distance cables. This cable is capable of handling long-distance connections due to low capacitance.
The Monoprice Audio Cable comprises quality RG-6/U and is double braided copper shielding. It has CL2 fire safety jacket treatment to comply with fire safety standards. Additionally, it comes with gold-plated RCA connectors that are fit for use in all sorts of environments.
You may use it in residential buildings without concerns about signal loss. It can also handle S/PDIF digital audio and composite visual and RCA signals.
KabelDirekt – Digital Coaxial Audio Video Cable
Coaxial Cable fit for Video Applications
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
This cable is one of the best coaxial cables because it provides the highest signal power. The pure copper wire used in its construction provides maximum signal efficiency.
Furthermore, the strain reduces, resulting in a long lifespan. KabelDirekt cable comes with an F-pin to F-pin compatible connector. It includes radios, satellite receivers, TV antennas, cable boxes, and TV sets that are all compatible with it. There are two unique features of this cable.
First, it includes double shielding and thick aluminium braided shield structure to provide excellent protection. Moreover, aluminium mylar foil is available for delivering a consistent AV connection. There is also an F-type connector connecting with male-to-male CATV cables, VCRs, satellite television receivers, digital routers, cable boxes, and antenna connectors.
In addition to being corrosion-resistant and limiting interference, 24K gold-plated connectors are also resistant to interference. The metal connectors are entirely shielded with a copper plate. A copper plate protects the metal connectors. The connectors are also corrosion-resistant and limit interference.
The KabelDirekt – Digital Coaxial Audio Video Cable is a superb conductor of high-quality sound. It is also super durable and versatile.
FAQs about Coaxial Speaker Cable
1. Coaxial, Optical, or HDMI – Which is the Best for Audio?
Let’s discover how each of them is different:
Coaxial
Coaxial digital connections are utilised for audio transmission. The circular-shaped RCA connector is used as a connector. Compared to optical connections, coaxial connections sound better because they offer a wider bandwidth than optical connections.
The electrical signal travels through a coaxial connection up to 192 kHz, whereas the optical connection is limited to 96 kHz.
On the other hand, a coaxial connection supports superior audio up to 192 kHz, whereas the optical connection usually supports only 96 kHz. In addition, electrical noise produce in your equipment when using a coaxial digital connection.
Optical
Optical fibers transmit data via light in optical digital connections. Unlike coaxial digital connections, optical connections do not allow noise to pass from a source to DAC circuitry. Glass, silica, and plastic can help in making these cables.
Because optical connections can restrict noise, they might utilise in connecting to the DAC of an AV receiver or soundbar. Additionally, an optical digital connection supports up to two channels of uncompressed PCM audio.
HDMI
HDMI connections have far better bandwidth than coaxial or optical digital links. Therefore, audiovisual receivers, sound bars, Blu-ray players, and TVs connects through HDMI interfaces.
You will see HDMI inputs and outputs as firm fixtures on AV receivers, soundbars, Blu-ray players, and TVs. It allows for smooth playback of lossless audio formats like DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. Concerning the newest and existing video formats, HDMI supports them both.
2. What is the difference between Digital Optical (TOSLINK) and Coaxial Digital Audio Cable?
Both digital optical and coaxial digital audio cables are identical in one respect. They may send an audio signal from a DVD player to an A/V receiver or digital recording device via a fibre optic cable or a coaxial digital speaker cable.
The digital optical connection sends a digital audio bitstream using light pulses. In contrast to the standard RCA cable, a digital coaxial cable differs substantially due to its capability to support a wider frequency bandwidth for the digital audio bitstream.
3. How Do I Connect Speaker Wire to Coaxial Cable?
Follow the below steps to connect a speaker wire to a coaxial cable:
- Take a sharp utility knife to cut any existing connectors.
- Measure how much wire length you require, and then cut the cable accordingly.
- Cut off 1.5 inches of external insulation from both ends of the cable.
- Unbraid the speaker wire shielding, which is present around the core wire on both ends.
- Wind the braiding into a firm single thread of wire.
- Take off the semi-transparent insulation around the core wire on either end using a wire stripper.
- Finally, connect the uncovered core wire to the red connector over the speaker and rear of the audio receiver. Now connect the braided strand to the end of the receiver and black connector over the speaker.
4. Is Coaxial the Same as RCA?
Coaxial audio cables and RCA cables are of similar size and shape. They both have a 75-ohm impedance and bandwidths identical to each other. Coaxial cables are thicker than RCA cables. They both have the same shielding to prevent interference. Coaxial cables can transport digital signals, whereas RCA cables cannot.
5. Is Coaxial Speaker Cable Worth It?
Is it worth spending more for a coaxial audio cable over an ordinary speaker wire? Using a coaxial audio cable for your speaker system will give you a few minor advantages, but the higher price tag is not worth those advantages.
Even if you think the subtle distinctions are worth the price, most people will find little to justify the cost of coax cables over traditional speaker wires. Instead, they should stick with conventional wires.
6. Can I Make a Coaxial Speaker Cable on My Own?
There are several DIY coaxial speaker cable tutorials. Some are very straightforward to follow, while others are brief and confusing. The tutorial on making John Risch’s cross-connected coax speaker cable is the best I’ve seen.
As you already know, I don’t think creating this intricate cable is worth all the trouble, but you can try it and see if you like it.
Summary
In conclusion, a Coaxial speaker cable is excellent for digital audio transmission because it maintains signal integrity while delivering superior audio.
Moreover, they work well with the most advanced audio and visual equipment. This cable is ideal for a wide range of audio-visual equipment. You do not lose data with superior audio quality and no signal interference.
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Mark Dalio
Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.
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