Do quality interconnects make a difference?

Interconnects might sound different, but only if they use odd construction techniques. Generally speaking, all properly (sensibly) designed and well made interconnects will sound the same – excluding noise pickup which is common with unshielded designs.

How much should I spend on interconnects?

As a rule of thumb, we recommend spending as little as you can to get the job done right, but no more than 5-7% of your total system cost into cables and interconnects, with the following priorities: HDMI and Component Video Interconnects (Cat 1 or Cat 2 certified for HDMI, 75 ohm shielded coax for Component video).

Are shorter interconnects better?

Regardless of the cost of interconnect and speaker cables, it is always better to make the interconnects shorter and the speaker cable longer.

Which brand speaker wire is best?

#1 Best Overall: Mediabridge 14AWG 2-Conductor Speaker Wire.

  • #2 Best Gauge Speaker Wire: MaxBrite High Performance 12 Gauge Speaker Wire.
  • #3 Budget Speaker Wire: Gear IT 16 AWG Speaker Wire.
  • #4 High Quality Speaker Wire: eXtreme 14 Gauge Speaker Wire.
  • #5 Best Speaker Wire for Home Theater: InstallGear 12 Gauge Speaker Wire.

    • Are expensive interconnects worth it?

    An expensive cable might sound worse on your system than cheap cable. Or it might sound better. The important thing to remember is that even if it does sound better, it’s such a minuscule improvement that pretty much anything else you can do will have a greater effect on the sound.

    How much should you spend on audio cables?

    Cables should only represent a very small percentage (5% or less) of total system budget so if you spent $10k on your equipment, don’t spend more than $500 for the interconnects and speaker cables.

    Do long RCA cables degrade sound?

    Yes, cable length does matter when it comes to sound quality, and it is something you will need to consider. However, the extent to which this is true varies from situation to situation. The good news is the cables you already have are probably fine even if they are long.

    Is oxygen free speaker wire better?

    According to tests, oxygen-free copper also runs cooler than other conductors. It’s more resistant to shorts, more durable and long-lasting, and is far less likely to corrode, due to the reduced oxygen content—at least, that’s the common wisdom.

    Do high end RCA cables make a difference?

    Premium RCA cables can make a difference, whether you hear it or not depends on your setup and expertise. Good RCA cables make a lot of difference for trained ears and a good sound system. On the other hand, using $10 RCA cables on a $1000 system would be unadvisable.