Subwoofer Cables
Regardless of how much time you spend shopping for the perfect speakers for your home theater and how much money you invest in them, in the end they are only going to be as good as the cables connecting the audio source and the subwoofer. To put it simply, purchasing an audio system worth hundreds of dollars only to connect it via a cheap subwoofer cable or a standard RCA cable would be throwing money out the window.
Why is the subwoofer so important?
The main role of the subwoofer in your home theater's audio system is to manage and accurately transmit all the low frequencies in the soundtrack. Because it delivers that deep, satisfying bass along with regular sounds, the subwoofer is a device with great potential in terms of improving sound quality and hence, immersing the listener in home theater experience. As nothing compares to that bass rumble that makes furniture, floors, windows and walls shake, most people agree that a home theater system is not complete without a subwoofer.
What's more, the subwoofer cables are equally important!
Despite the fact that it is undoubtedly a crucial component of the system, even the best rated system will perform as effective as its weakest link. In other words, while any old audio cable you have lying around the house can be employed to connect the subwoofer to the device and it will produce sound, without the right wiring:
- You won't be able to listen to the best possible sound your system can deliver
- There is no guarantee that all frequencies are accurately transferred
- You won't be able to take advantage of your system's Dolby Digital, DTS or other surround sound capabilities Types of subwoofer cables
Subwoofer wiring is available in three types, namely:
- Sidewinder – although it presents some similarities with the coaxial cable, the sidewinder subwoofer cable incorporates better central conductors that can transmit audio signals with enhanced clarity; moreover, it employs the same connectors for positive and ground connectors.
- Oval – the highlight of the oval subwoofer cable consists of the fact that it can produce better and more realistic bass sounds; essentially, because the area between the signal conductor and the return is smaller, it means the low-frequency noise is considerably reduced.
- Hollow – the hollow subwoofer cable is especially effective for in-wall installations. Overall, its design averts huddle and grubby bass sounds, while still being able to transmit very low frequencies.
- Cmple.com provides 1-RCA subwoofer cables, meaning that the wiring has two RCA connectors on each of the opposite sides. We want to point out that while RCA and subwoofer cables might look similar at this point, the difference between the two is that the latter incorporates up to three additional layers of mesh and constitutes a better quality version of the regular RCA cables.
Features to look for in subwoofer cables
When shopping around for a subwoofer cable you should look for the follow characteristics:
- Solid cable core, preferably made of copper, for an augmented sound clarity.
- Strong plug made of silver, copper or gold, for a more reliable connection.
- PVC insulation, as it diminishes distortions and interferences.