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Enjoy music with a variety of audio cables
Please refer to the guide to find out which audio cable is best suited to you. For more information on different types and connections such as jack, SCART or phono, click here.
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What was an audio cable?
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What audio cables are available?
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Purchase criteria for audio cables
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Various connections for audio cables: Cinch, jack and Co.
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FAQs: The most common questions about audio cables
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Conclusion: How to buy the right audio cable
What was an audio cable?
Audio cables are used to transmit audio signals between devices. Some types of connectors are standard for certain devices, such as the headphone jack for mobile devices such as music players and smartphones, and cinch for stereo signals on speakers. Many different adapters are available for several connection types. Not only the connectors, but also the design of the cables themselves differ
What audio cables are available?
| Audio connection cable | Audio connection cables are manufactured in many different versions. Cable length as well as plugs are variable and offer numerous possibilities from jack via phono and diode plug. Combinations of different plug types are also possible and are gladly used. |
| Audio Y adapter | An audio adapter allows you to connect more than one device to an audio output. For example, two speakers to a jack on a PC or two headphones on a smartphone. |
| audio Y cable) | Musicians in particular access Y-cables for connecting amplifiers and subwoofers, mainly with phono plugs. These cables offer a cinch plug at one end and two separate cinch plugs at the other end. |
Purchase criteria for audio cables
Suitable for use
- Suitable plugs and sockets for the desired devices: Jack, phono etc.
- Cable length: It is best not to use longer than necessary to avoid disturbing cables in the housing
- Connections A and B: Adapters or uniform plugs/sockets
The right equipment
- Plug shape: Straight, angled on one side, angled on both sides
- Shielding: Foil, braid, foil and braid, without shielding
- For great comfort: Spiral cable, highly flexible, retractor
- Sheath: Fabric, leather, cord, SuperSoft
- For Casemods and chic PCs: Sleeved cable
- Gold-plated plugs for particularly high transmission quality
Practical advice
With the color of audio cables, there are other variants besides black, especially for Casemods. Some manufacturers offer sleeved cables that are particularly attractively sheathed in different colors. However, the color assignment of the connectors is usually uniform, so that their assignment remains unique.
Various connections for audio cables: Cinch, jack and Co.
- Cinch: Classic cinch cables are used to connect two separate audio signals (left and right) to loudspeakers, TV sets and many other devices. Sockets and plugs are possible.
- Diode plug 5pol: Although now almost everywhere is replaced by cinch, diode plugs (DIN-plug) with 5 individual contact pins are still in use. They combine both ground and both stereo audio channels into one connector.
- Jack: For mp3 players, as a plug for connecting small speakers and many other devices, cables with jack connections are established. Jack sockets and plugs are available in sizes 3.5 mm (most commonly used), 2.5 mm and 6.35 mm for mono and stereo signals.
- SCART: SCART is used as a connection for video and audio signals and can be found on TV sets and recorders. Audio cables are usually plug combinations of SCART input and phono plugs.
FAQs: The most common questions about audio cables
Which audio cable is the best way to record?
When it comes to shooting, quality is particularly important. Therefore, cables suitable for stereo recording are suitable. Suitable cables are stereo jack connection cables or cinch cables, if they are suitable. XLR cables are often used for microphones.
How are audio cables connected?
Audio cables, like all cables, are connected to the socket with the appropriate plug. For stereo cables with two audio signals, pay attention to the corresponding assignment (left, right) so that the sound quality is flattering to the ears. On the connectors, the assignment is indicated by colors or labels.
How to avoid cable mess?
In principle, audio cables should not be longer than necessary. However, excess cable lengths can still be wound up with cable ties or Velcro tapes and permanently attached. For cabling audio systems (e.g. 5.1) In residential areas, cables should be routed behind furniture or to walls. When winding the cables, there should be no voltage and care should be taken to ensure that the cable is not twisted internally for a particularly long service life. Supersoft cables also prevent cable mess.
Conclusion: How to buy the right audio cable
The audio cable selection should always be based on the devices used. This allows you to quickly identify which cables are needed. Speakers, headsets and many other devices already have permanently installed audio cables that are plugged into the corresponding socket on the PC or mixing desk. If adapters are required, short modules are more suitable to avoid larger cable guides.
If you are looking for a smart audio cable for your PC, you can access the sung models in powerful colors. They put Casemods in a very colorful scene. The basic principle is that direct cabling with a single cable ensures the best sound quality.
Spiral cables can also be recommended for short connection lines, as they are particularly flexible and take up no more space than necessary.