Do More Expensive RCA Cables Make A Difference? | Proper Explanation

RCA cables were first introduced back in the 1930s, and they are still used for much modern-day audio equipment. But since there are so many different options available in the market, ranging from a dollar or two to thousands of dollars, it’s only fair to ask, do more expensive RCA cables make a difference?

The answer is almost always no. If we are talking of two sets of cables with equal gauges, then there should be no audible difference between them based on their price point. But, compared to very cheap and poorly made cables, there are some significant improvements in more expensive RCA cables. Still confused? Read on for a more detailed answer on how RCA cables can affect sound quality and if that depends solely on its price or if there are other factors.

What makes differences in the Sound Quality of RCA Cables

To understand why sound quality degrades when you are using RCA cables, you first need to understand what affects sound quality in the first place. You see when you are carrying sound, you are carrying nothing but voltage. The better you can carry the voltage without being interfered with, the better your sound output will be.

1. Distance

Voltage fades over distance. Therefore, the longer your cables are, the more chance there is for sound degradation. Also, when the distance increases, the chances of it picking up noises along the way increases too. that’s why, with better quality braided cables, it will get better sound as it will pick up fewer interferences.

2. Cable Noise

When running along or near other electronics or wireless signals, RCA cables can pick up noise. How well it can fight back the noise will determine how well it sounds in the end.

3. Grounding

Lastly, grounding too can have a great impact on the quality of sound your RCA cables transmit. Why? Because poorly-grounded electricals will bring significant noise to your sound equipment.

What Qualities Make RCA Cable Better?

These are the qualities that make an RCA cable better at transmitting signals:

1. Isolation

The isolation of cables prevents them from picking up external noises. In the case of cables like RCA, the level of shielding and the quality of the isolation technique used directly impact the rejection of noise. This results in cleaner audio output.

2. Connectivity 

The tips of the cable, which establish the connection with the audio equipment’s output and input, play a significant role. The choice of materials for these connectors can greatly affect the conductivity. As a general rule, gold-plated connectors are preferred for better performance, but we’ll explain more about that later.

3. Strength

The strength of the signal transmitted through a cable primarily depends on the number of copper strands carrying it. A higher number of strands generally leads to a stronger connection, while a lower number of strands results in a weaker connection.

How Good Are Expensive RCA Cables?

Depending on what we’ve explained earlier, in order to have good quality output from your sound setup, your RCA cables just need to be thick enough to prevent and cancel out any noise and crosstalk or signal interferences. Therefore, what you should be looking into is the thickness of the gauge. Apart from that, there’s no real or scientifically proven difference between a well-protected braided RCA cable and oxygen-free copper RCA cables priced at thousands of dollars.

Apart from the built quality, you should be looking into the connectors. And no, we are not talking about gold plating, although it can certainly prolong a connector’s service life. The quality of wiring is far more important here. Gold plating is nothing but a marketing gimmick because even silver-plated connectors can last a very long time and other than longevity, they don’t provide any improvement.

Our Verdict

If you have an above-average setup, don’t cheap out on the RCA cables. But you don’t need to go the fancy route either. Buy a good quality set of RCA cables that have the proper build quality and are well-protected against interferences.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Are gold RCA cables better?

As gold doesn’t tarnish that easily, it can help your RCA cables sound better, compared to an old tarnished RCA connector. However, unless the connectors are corroded, gold doesn’t have anything inherent in it to make it sound better.

Do RCA cables degrade over time?

Yes, RCA cables, like any other connectors, are prone to degradation over time. Because there are exposed connectors and joints, they will need to be replaced eventually.

Is Thicker Wire better for speakers?

Yes, thicker wires are better for speakers, if you run them over a long distance like the next room. If not, regular wires are just fine.

Is HDMI or RCA better for audio?

For versatility of use and a diverse profile of sound, HDMI is better suited. However, RCA can still offer an audiophile-grade sound quality if you spend well on the setup.

Do long RCA cables degrade sound?

RCA degrades sound over a distance. However, if your existing cables are long, you don’t need to worry, they probably are rated for the distance according to their length.

End Notes

Again, don’t cheap out on the quality when you are shopping for RCA cables. You don’t need to spend thousands, but a decent set of cables with lower impedance and better interference protection will always give you better quality sound than a very cheap and poorly-made set of RCA cables.