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Coaxial cables, also known as coax cables, are widely used for the transmission of audio and video signals. They can be used for various purposes, including the transmission of data signals, cable TV signals, and satellite TV signals.
Coaxial speaker cable is usually equipped with a male RCA jack at both ends. It is also capable of conveying lossless audio output, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles.
In this guide, we’ll be exploring in detail about coaxial speaker cables, coaxial cable types, coaxial speaker cable components and a lot more.
What is Coaxial Cable?
The coaxial cable was patented in 1880 by Oliver Heaviside, but was first used in 1858 (22 years before patent). It consists of an inner conductor, surrounded by an insulating layer, which is in turn surrounded by a shield. The inner conductor carries RF signal, while the insulation and shield help to protect it from damage from any environmental factors.
Coaxial cables are used in TV antennas, game consoles, satellite boxes, DVRs, HDTVs, subwoofer speakers, and more.
Coaxial cable derived its name from its own structure. It is made up of an ‘inner conductor’ and a woven copper shielding around, sharing a common geometric axis. This is how ‘co’ and the ‘axis’ were combined together to form ‘coaxial’
Key Elements Of Coaxial Cable
The simple cylindrical shape of coaxial cables makes them perfect for carrying digital and/or analog signals over long distances while also providing reliable protection from electrical interference.
Their smooth surface material is minimally affected by temperature changes and moisture levels.
Coaxial cables contain four key elements, each with its own importance:
Core
The core conductor is the innermost layer and it carries all the data signals along its length.
Insulator
Core is surrounded by an insulator that keeps electrons confined to the conductor in order to minimise signal loss.
Shield (usually woven copper)
On top of the insulator is a shield which protects the signal from external interference.
Plastic jacket
An outer jacket ensures physical integrity and provides extra insulation.
Depending on the application, coaxial cable may be thicker or thinner, colored or uncolored, more or less complex. The only thing which remains a constant is its four interlocking components that ensure both reliable transmission and effective shielding RF signals or data.
Different Types of Coaxial Cables
It could be really helpful for you to find out which cable type is suitable for your need, if you know the basic differences among all of them.
With regards to impedance, you can find two main options – those with 50Ω impedance and those with 75Ω impedance.
The 50Ω versions are suitable for analog television connections and broadband internet services, while the 75Ω varieties are more suited to modern digital applications.
In terms of physical construction, there are numerous factors that set them apart, such as the dielectric material used, the thickness of their insulation layer, and even the type of connectors they end with.
Additionally, some cables may be specifically designed for audio or video transmission – depending on the purpose you have in mind, you may need one type over another.
Because of these features and variations, it’s important to take into consideration each cable’s unique specs before making a purchase. If you understand what makes a particular coaxial cable distinct from another one, then you’ll be far better equipped to choose the right option for your situation.
Here is a list of types of speaker coaxial cables:
| Cable Type | Core diameter | Outer diameter | Impedance | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RG-8/U | 2.17mm | 10.3mm | 50Ω | Amateur radio |
| RG-11/U | 1.63mm | 10.5mm | 75Ω | Same as RG-7 but with lower losses |
| RG-60/U | 1.024mm | 10.8mm | 50Ω | High-speed cable internet, HD cable TV |
| RG-58/U | 0.81mm | 5mm | 50Ω | Amateur radio, radio communications, Ethernet |
| RG-8/X | 1.47mm | 6.1mm | 50Ω | Same as RG-8/U |
| RG-59/U | 0.64mm | 6.1mm | 75Ω | HQ HD video signal transmission over short distances |
| RG-6/U | 1.024mm | 6.86mm | 75Ω | Cable TV, satellite TV, cable modems |
| RG-6/UQ | 1.024mm | 7.57mm | 75Ω | Same as RG-6/U but with better shielding |
| RG-7 | 1.3mm | 8.13mm | 75Ω | Same as RG-6/U |
Types of Connectors Used for Coaxial Cables
When buying a cable, one of the most important things to consider is the connector. Without a proper connector, your cable won’t be able to properly transfer data and power. Depending on what type of coax cable you have and the application it’s being used for, you will need one of many different connectors.
BNC connectors are the most common type of coax connectors and can be used in numerous applications. They provide a secure connection and are designed to be easy to install and remove.
N-type connectors also provide a secure connection, but are typically used in harsher environments due to their higher levels of protāection from heat and moisture.
SMA connectors have a wide range of uses and feature small sizes that make them ideal for portable devices such as laptops or tablets.
F-type connectors are generally used for video components such as TVs or other media players.
RCA connectors offer relatively low signal transmission quality but are still frequently used in home entertainment systems for streaming services like Netflix.
What is Coaxial Cable Used For?
Coaxial cables serve as a transmission channel for audio, video, and internet signals in various radio communications, telecommunication, and wi-fi systems.
They are used extensively by cable TV providers to bring digital television signals directly into households. Likewise, they are employed when connecting HD TVs and satellite dishes to the wall outlet. Moreover, coaxial cables have become one of the most common ways to provide high-speed cable internet.
Different cable types such as RG-6, RG-7, RG-11, and RG-60 have varying levels of attenuation across their variety of frequencies. Careful consideration must be taken regarding size, length, materials used in manufacturing and shielding techniques employed to ensure that the desired overall strength of transmission is achieved across each frequency band used.
What is Coaxial Digital Audio Cable?
Audio transmission cables are necessary in a wide range of applications, from recording studios and media production houses to home entertainment systems. Coaxial digital audio cables are one of the most common types of cables used for this purpose, as they offer an uninterrupted, shielded connection between two components.
The cable consists of an inner conductor which is surrounded by insulation material. This is then encased in a braided metal shielding that helps block any external electromagnetic interference, resulting in a purer signal going through the system.
Two RCA connectors at the end make it easy to attach two components together with minimal effort. Indeed, coaxial cables provide a highly reliable and user-friendly method of transmitting audio signals over long distances while still maintaining a clean signal quality throughout the connection.
Can Coaxial Cable Be Used as Speaker Cable?
It is indeed possible to use coaxial cables as speaker cables. However, the fact is, many people are still not aware that a coaxial cable can be used as an alternative to traditional speaker wire.
A versatile coaxial speaker cable is typically used for televisions but also offers numerous benefits for audio applications. It reduces the need for multiple cables, as one coaxial cable can carry stereo audio and video signals. Also, the construction of coaxial cables ensures that interference levels remain low, resulting in high-quality sound without any static.
Coaxial speaker cables are simple to install, and many come with adapters to connect easily to all kinds of audio equipment. All these advantages mean that using a coaxial cable as a speaker wire can be a great solution when setting up an audio system. In addition, sound quality will ensure you get the most out of your speakers.
However, if you are looking for interference-free audio, you should try using an optical audio cable for audio systems. This is because the optical audio cable will also provide minimum losses in audio bandwidth. However, optical audio cables are a little costlier than coaxial cables. As a result, you may need to shell out a few extra bucks when choosing optical audio cable over coaxial cable.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Coaxial Speaker Cable
Pros
- Coaxial speaker cable is a popular choice when it comes to connecting audio components.
- They are great for delivering high-quality sound with minimal interference.
- Their low resistance and ability to deliver quality sound makes them an preferred choice for most audio devices.
- With regular maintenance, coaxial speakers can provide tens of years of uninterrupted performance.
Cons
- For starters, coaxial cables can be quite thick, taking up quite a bit of space and making them difficult to hide in walls and behind furniture.
The metallic shielding on these cables can interfere with RF signals like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, resulting in poor performance unless proper shielding is used around the area.
Is It Worth To Upgrade To Coaxial Speaker Cable?
While some audio enthusiasts swear by the improvements they hear with superior remote wiring, others point out that basic 14-gauge wires can be replaced for far less.
If you ask me. I personally didn’t find considerable difference that could justify the price and all the hassle.
If you are still willing to upgrade to coaxial speaker cables, you can go ahead and and try from any online store. If you don’t find enough difference, you can simply return the cable back to the seller.
Can I Make A DIY Coaxial Speaker Cable?
There are many DIY tutorials available on the internet for making coaxial cables. Many of them are confusing. Of all the DIY tutorials I have seen on this subject, however, the one that stands out the most is Audioholics tutorial (Tutorial video below) on how to make his cross-connected coax speaker cable.
Assembling coaxial cable requires more time and effort than your typical setup, so users should carefully consider such factors before making DIY speaker cables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
Unlike traditional cables, coaxial speaker cables are designed to deliver flawless transmission of audio signals and are packed with the latest technology to make sure your listening experience is great.
They provide consistent sound quality regardless of how far the signal has to travel, making them ideal for even large home theater setups.
They could reduce latency and provide higher quality transmission than other cable types. This is why, professionals use them in recording studios and in live performances.