Subwoofers do not require any specific form of audio cabling. The specific type of cable needed to connect a subwoofer to an audio system will depend on the audio input jacks built onto the subwoofer itself.
What kind of cable is used for a subwoofer?
Regardless of what type of connection is available, be it RCA or direct wired, it is highly recommended to use shielded, heavy gauge cabling specifically designed for subwoofers. Such cables provide a cleaner, more noise-free audio signal. The image below shows two subwoofer outputs.
Is a subwoofer cable A special cable?
Subwoofer cables are a type of audio cable that can greatly increase sound quality. They are used for the purpose of connecting any media device that supports coaxial (S/PDIF) audio interface.
Can you use any wire for subs?
Although subwoofers are intended to be used with their own specifically designed wires, they are also able to operate using speaker wire.
Does speaker wire matter for subs?
99.9% of the time it's unsubstantiated claims and the difference really does not matter! Using non-standard wire or cables instead of speaker wire can result in sound changes, although very minor. The wire between speaker crossovers and the speakers should be kept fairly short.
Is subwoofer cable same as speaker wire?
Subwoofer cables are shielded, which prevents interference from tarnishing the output. Speaker wire, on the other hand, is generally unshielded because it is designed to carry an amplified signal. Unshielded cables are more prone to interference, especially those of the longer variety.
Do you need a special cable for a subwoofer?
Ways to Connect Subwoofer Most subwoofers require a single long cable with RCA connector. Connect it to the output of the AV receiver preamp and to an LFE (low-frequency effect) port of a subwoofer.
Does speaker wire gauge matter for subs?
The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the wire is. Having said that, it's less of a concern with speaker and subwoofer wire than it would be for your amplifier's power or ground wires.
What happens if speaker wire is too thick?
Speaker wire cannot be said to be too thick. Having a thick speaker wire is nothing to worry about. The thicker the speaker wire, the lower the resistance it presents to the current flow. This means thicker speaker wires allow for more current to pass through.
Are subwoofer cables the same?
A subwoofer cable typically contains the same wiring but has additional shielding added to reduce the speaker hum and provide greater sound clarity. With this in mind, it can still be a bit confusing how one would make the sound quality better than the other.
Does it matter how thick speaker wire is?
When determining which wire gauge to use, consider how far away the speakers are from your amplifier or A/V receiver. Generally, for short speaker wire runs, a 16-gauge wire is sufficient. However, for longer speaker wire runs (to another room, for example), it is better to use a thicker, lower-gauge wire.
Can you use any speaker wire for speakers?
Most systems will use 16, 14 or 12-gauge AWS wire. 16-gauge copper wire can run up to 48-feet with 8-ohm speakers. So, if you want a wire size that will suit most circumstances, then a 16-gauge copper wire is probably a good fit. For speakers with a lower impedance, then you might go with 12 or 14 AWG just to be safe.
Will thicker speaker wire make difference?
Thicker wires are better: It's true that for long runs, thicker wires are better at reducing the effects of resistance. But for most set ups (those with speakers within 100 ft of the amplifier), 16-gauge lamp cord is fine. For speakers 100 to 200 ft. It would take miles of speaker wire to hear any difference.Nov 6, 2014
Does the size of speaker wire affect sound quality?
Do expensive speaker wires "sound" better? Thicker wires are better: It's true that for long runs, thicker wires are better at reducing the effects of resistance. But for most set ups (those with speakers within 100 ft of the amplifier), 16-gauge lamp cord is fine. For speakers 100 to 200 ft.Nov 6, 2014
Can you use to big of speaker wire?
Ideally, a speaker wire shouldn't be longer than 50 feet (15.24 meters), and anything longer than that can affect the sound quality. Although you can compensate for the length by going for thicker wires, you should avoid it as much as you can.
What happens if speaker wire is too thin?
If your speaker wire is too thin, it will have a lot of resistance. Resistance is proportional to how thick or thin your speaker wire is. Thin wires have a relatively higher resistance than thick wires. Due to this, thinner wires should not be used for running long-distance setups.
Can you double up speaker wire?
For the best sound results, use stranded (not solid) speaker wire that's the same gauge (AWG) as your existing wire. You can splice 2 differently-sized wires together, as long as they're close in gauge (like 18AWG and 16AWG).
Can you lengthen speaker wire?
With a soldering/heat gun, the idea is very straightforward: you just heat the two wires up to an extent that they “glue” to each other. If you were wondering how to extend speaker wire for surroundsound soldering is the most effective and efficient technique. A set of wire nuts or shrink tubes.
Can I use digital coaxial cable as subwoofer cable?
Digital coax=composite video cable. They both have 75ohm impedance, and better shielding then regular RCA audio cable. Having said that you could use the flimsy RCA audio cable that comes with many audio devices, and use it as "digital coax", it will work just fine.
Is a subwoofer cable different than an RCA cable?
An RCA cable connects a subwoofer to a receiver with an audio signal sent to the standard left, right, and center channels with a coaxial connection. A subwoofer cable typically contains the same wiring but has additional shielding added to reduce the speaker hum and provide greater sound clarity.
Can I use any wire for speaker wire?
If you live in the USA or Europe, any old electrical wire will work. You can find electrical wire anywhere.
What type of cable is a subwoofer cable?
analogue audio cable
How do I connect extra speaker wires?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-g-MPzpQqc
Will any RCA cable work for subwoofer?
Any single, standard RCA or subwoofer cable should do just fine. The other end of the cable will be plugged into the L/LFE (white) RCA jack on the back of your sub. Any cable designed for subwoofer use should be just fine. It doesn't have to be expensive; the cheaper ones work just fine as well.
Do good subwoofer cables matter?
Subwoofer cables do matter as they enhance sound quality through increased shielding added to the cable that serves to improve the analog signal sent through the wires and reduce audio hum that would otherwise be produced.
Does speaker wire need to be thick?
Thicker wires are better: It's true that for long runs, thicker wires are better at reducing the effects of resistance. But for most set ups (those with speakers within 100 ft of the amplifier), 16-gauge lamp cord is fine. For speakers 100 to 200 ft. from the amp, experts suggest use 14 gauge.Nov 6, 2014
What cable do I need for sub out?
Most subwoofers require a single long cable with RCA connector. Connect it to the output of the AV receiver preamp and to an LFE (low-frequency effect) port of a subwoofer.