TOP 5 BEST RCA CABLES FOR CAR AUDIO
So, which RCA cables should you use for your car stereo? In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best RCA cables for car audio and provide you with a buyer’s guide.
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5 BEST RCA CABLES FOR CAR AUDIO REVIEWS IN 2023
There are a lot of different types of cable. Which one is the best for car audio? Our top 5 best budget RCA cables for car audio are based on their quality, price, and durability.
One of these RCA cables is sure to meet your needs, whether you are looking for the highest performance or the best value. We’ve picked a few for you!
1. SILVER SERPENT RED/BLACK RCA – BEST RCA CABLES FOR AMP
The 3 Feet Better Cables Silver Serpent Anniversary Edition Red/Black RCA Audio Interconnect Cables – Stereo Pair (2 Cables) are high-end, high-performance, premium hi-fi audio cables that are made in the USA of U.S. wire and imported (Japan) RCA to RCA connectors-cold-welded, not soldered.
These award-winning audiophile-grade RCA to RCA audio cables are great for any RCA stereo or multi-channel audio application – including Blu-ray, DVD, DVD-Audio, SACD, CD, and streaming audio with D/A converters.
These best shielded RCA cables for car audio will improve your home audio or theater experience in an instant. The high-purity silver covering on the conductor (silver is a superior conductor than copper and gold) makes these cables ideal for any RCA audio application.
Overall, these 3 Feet Better Cables Silver Serpent Anniversary Edition Red/Black RCA Audio Interconnect Cables – Stereo Pair (2 Cables) are great for anyone looking for high-quality, audiophile-grade RCA cables that will improve their home audio or home theater experience.
Pros:
- It has a great construction
- The audio quality is very good
- It’s a great value for the price
- These cables are very well-made
- They sound great
Cons:
- Some users have noted that these cables are a bit stiff
- Others have said that they’re not as flexible as they would like
Sample Customer Reviews: I wanted to upgrade some of my interconnects for my home theatre components and I was going to get Audio quest cables but I noticed in a review someone mentioned the “Better Cables” brand so I went to their site and was impressed. Top notch copper, connectors, and shielding and they sound great to boot. Check’ out….hearing is believing!
2. ROCKFORD FOSGATE TWISTED PAIR 20-FEET SIGNAL CABLE
The Rockford Fosgate RFI-20 is a 20-feet twisted pair signal cable that is made of OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) for corrosion resistance. This product is designed to deliver the best possible sound quality in your car’s audio system.
The twisted pair construction helps to reduce interference and noise, while the oxygen-free copper conductors ensure that the signal is transferred clearly and accurately. This product also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure that it will last for many years to come.
And with its competitive price, the Rockford Fosgate RFI-20 is definitely one of the best RCA cables for car audio systems on the market today.
Overall, the Rockford Fosgate RFI-20 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality RCA cable for their car audio system. It is made of high-quality materials, it is designed to deliver the best possible sound quality, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- It has a length of 20 feet.
- It’s made of OFC
- It has a twisted pair construction.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
- It’s very competitively priced.
Cons:
- It may not be compatible with all car audio systems.
- Some users have reported that the cable is too stiff.
Sample Customer Reviews: “I use these in my car audio setup. They’re not the highest grade RCAs you can get but they’re plenty good for most aftermarket amp installs. Unless you’re putting together a 1500-2000W RMS+ system you don’t need the super-high-grade RCA cables.
I have a 1000W total RMS system and used only the Rockford cables here and they handle great. Usable for other things as well that require RCA connections and they’re appropriately priced.”
3. HOSA CMP-159 3.5 MM BREAKOUT CABLE, 10 FEET, BLACK, 1-PACK
The Hosa CMP-159 3.5 mm TRS to Dual 1/4" TS Stereo Breakout Cable is the perfect way to connect an audio device with a mini stereo phone output to Pro audio gear with unbalanced phone inputs. This 10 foot long black cable is made with rugged and durable nickel-plated plugs for optimal signal transfer as well as oxygen-free copper conductors for enhanced signal clarity.
Additionally, the Hosa CMP-159 is equipped with OFC spiral shields for effective EMI and RFI rejection and flexibility. With a 3.5 mm TRS to dual 1/4 inch TS connector, this cable is ideal for connecting an iPod, laptop, or similar device to a mixing console.
Overall, the Hosa CMP-159 3.5 mm TRS to Dual 1/4" TS Stereo Breakout Cable is a top quality cable that is perfect for those looking to connect an audio device with a mini stereo phone output to Pro audio gear with unbalanced phone inputs.
Pros:
- It has nickel-plated plugs for rugged durability and efficient signal transfer.
- It has oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors for enhanced signal clarity.
- It has OFC spiral shields for effective EMI and RFI rejection and flexibility.
- The cable is 10 feet long.
- It has a 3.5 mm TRS to dual 1/4 inch TS connector.
Cons:
- It is a bit pricey.
- The length might be too long for some people.
Sample Customer Reviews: “I’ll never get this quite like mom used to make but I love these Hosa TRS cables sautéed with a generous helping of garlic and butter. Free Ukraine.”
4. ROCKRIX CAR AUDIO 2 CHANNEL TWISTED PAIR RCA STEREO CABLE – 17FT
The ROCKRIX Car Audio 2 Channel Twisted Pair RCA Stereo Cable is the perfect way to enhance your car audio experience. This 17-foot cable features twisted pair technology for maximum signal transfer, as well as 100% OFC (oxygen free copper) for outstanding noise rejection and accurate frequency response.
The red/black color-marked connectors make it easy to hook up your left and right channels, while the split pin technology ensures a secure connection. This cable is also flexible, making it easy to route through your car’s interior.
Whether you’re connecting a stereo receiver or sound system, the ROCKRIX Car Audio 2 Channel Twisted Pair RCA Stereo Cable is the perfect way to get the most out of your car audio setup.
Overall, the ROCKRIX Car Audio 2 Channel Twisted Pair RCA Stereo Cable is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their car audio experience. The combination of twisted pair technology and 100% OFC construction results in outstanding signal transfer and noise rejection.
Pros:
- It has a length of 17 feet.
- It has twisted pair technology
- It is made of 100% oxygen-free copper
- The connectors are color-marked for easy left and right hookups.
- The split pin design ensures a secure connection.
Cons:
- Some users might find it a bit too long.
- It might be difficult to route in some car interiors.
Sample Customer Reviews: “These worked great and were a big upgrade from what I was using. There’s no more static and the ground loop noise is not there at all and the speakers get really loud. Other things I did differently for this build were grounding radio to chassis and not use ground wire from wire harness and I replaced red 4 gauge power wire but I’m fairly certain it’s these high quality rcas that made the most noticeable difference.”
If you want to know how to hook up amp with RCA jacks? then here is the guide!
5. STINGER SI6412 12-FOOT 4-CHANNEL 6000 SERIES RCA INTERCONNECT CABLE
The Stinger SI6412 12-Foot 4-Channel 6000 Series Audiophile Grade RCA Interconnect Cable is the perfect way to connect your car audio system. The 4-channel design provides excellent sound quality, while the C3 Tech ensures unmatched signal transfer.
The split-tip connector allows better signal transfer and the color coded channel identification makes it easy to connect your system. This RCA cable is the perfect way to get the most out of your car’s audio system. With 12 feet of cable, you’ll have plenty of lengths to connect your system.
The OFC conductors provide excellent sound quality and the Stinger SI6412 is the perfect way to get the most out of your car audio system.
Overall, the Stinger SI6412 12-Foot 4-Channel 6000 Series Audiophile Grade RCA Interconnect Cable is the perfect way to connect your car audio system. The 4-channel design provides excellent sound quality, while the C3 Tech ensures unmatched signal transfer.
Pros:
- It has a 4-channel design
- The C3 Tech used in this RCA cable
- The split-tip connector allows for better signal transfer.
- Color coded channel identification makes it easy to connect your system.
- With 12 feet of cable, you’ll have plenty of lengths to connect your system.
Cons:
- The price might be too high for some people.
- The length might be too long for some people.
Sample Customer Reviews: “Work great, definitely worth the price but I put this in a Civic and it barely reaches my amps so only really long enough for a small car, at least if you run wires down the side panels.”
EASY TO UNDERSTAND GUIDE FOR USING RCA CABLES
Before we discuss the reviews, let me explain what RCA cables are. These cables can transfer both sound and video from a device to a TV or speakers. If you have ever connected a DVD player to your TV, you have seen RCA cables. They have differently colored plugs that match the colored ports behind your TV.
THE TWO DIFFERENT KINDS OF RCA CABLES EXPLAINED SIMPLY
There are various types of RCA cables, but the two most commonly used ones are composite video and component. You will probably use these types more often.
UNDERSTANDING COMPONENT CABLES FOR YOUR DEVICES
Component RCA cables are a type of cable that can be used to connect devices to high-definition TVs. They are a bit more complicated than other types of RCA cables. Component cables have three lines for video and two lines for audio.
The video lines are colored red, green, and blue, while the audio lines are red and white or black. This is similar to the colors used in composite video cables. To avoid any confusion between the audio and video red lines, cable manufacturers usually add an extra color.
WHAT IS COMPOSITE VIDEO?
Composite video cables are easy to spot. They usually have a yellow plug for video, and red and white (or black) plugs for the audio channels. The video signal that travels through the yellow plug is analog and carries all the video information in just one signal.
This is not the best way to send video signals because analog video is made up of three separate signals. Combining them into one signal can cause a decrease in quality.
PRACTICAL USES FOR RCA CABLES: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
RCA cables have been around since the 1940s, and even though we mainly use HDMI to connect our devices to TVs, we still use RCA cables sometimes. For example, we can use RCA cables to connect camcorders to our TVs.
High-end camcorders have three RCA jacks: two for audio and one for video, while low-quality ones only have one jack that combines both the audio and video signals.
If you have an older video game console like a PlayStation 2 or an Xbox 360, you’ll need an RCA cable to connect it to your TV or car stereo.
RCA outputs and inputs are also common in car equalizers, which can be connected to older stereo units using RCA cables.
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A HIGH-QUALITY RCA CABLE
There are various aspects that determine how well an RCA cable works.
CABLE LENGTH AFFECTS RCA CABLE PERFORMANCE
The longer an RCA cable is, the less effectively it will transmit signals. Therefore, it’s best to purchase a cable that’s only as long as you need, and not any longer. This will help ensure that you get the best audio and video output possible.
RCA CABLES WITH THE BEST CONNECTOR MATERIALS
The materials used in RCA cable connectors affect the cable’s durability, price, and performance. Gold, silver, and copper are the most common materials used. Gold connectors are the most expensive but have the advantage of being resistant to corrosion, which means less maintenance is needed.
However, they are not the best conductors of electricity. Silver connectors, on the other hand, are excellent conductors, with copper being a close second. Sometimes, you may find connectors made of other materials, such as zinc, nickel, or tin.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SHIELDING IN RCA CABLES
RCA cables require shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and frequency interference (RF) that can come from the environment. Shielding works in two ways: by reflecting interfering signals off the cable’s body or by conducting them to the ground.
Here are the most common types of shielding used in the cable industry today:
SPIRAL SHIELDING IN RCA CABLES
Spiral shields in RCA cables are similar to braid shields, but instead of having wires woven together, each strand is wrapped around a conductor. This makes spiral shields more flexible and easier to terminate. Spiral shields are commonly used for audio signals, which is why they are often found in microphones and other types of cables.
BRAID SHIELDING IN RCA CABLES
Braid shields are the oldest type of shielding used in RCA cables, but they are still commonly used today. This type of shield consists of several thin wires that are woven or “braided” together. Braid shields are typically made of materials such as copper, aluminum, or steel.
UNDERSTANDING TAPE SHIELDS IN RCA CABLES
Tape shields are made of aluminum and polyester layers glued together. They are not as strong as spiral or braid shields, as the adhesive is sensitive to pressure. Additionally, there are other types of shields, such as spiral wrap shields, tri-shields, and quad shields, which are variants of braid shields.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING RCA CABLES FOR CAR AUDIO
There are many things to consider when choosing RCA cables for your car audio system. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
LENGTH
It’s important to consider the length of your RCA cables when purchasing them, as it can make a difference between having enough space for all their connections or being too cramped.
A good rule-of thumb is 16 feet (5 meters) from head unit – amplifier, but if you want extra flexibility in where exactly these wires will go through walls then shorter lengths also exist!
CONNECTORS
You also need to make sure that your head unit and amplifier are compatible with the type of connector you choose. The most common kind is phono plugs, which have a diameter of around 0-25 mils (0 64 mm).
SHIELDING
Copper braid is the most common type of shielding used to prevent interference from other electronic devices. It works by blocking electromagnetic waves, which can cause a lot of problems with modern technology like your computer or phone!
CONDUCTOR MATERIAL
The quality of an RCA cable is determined by the material it’s made with. Copper has been traditionally used to make high-end wiring, but aluminum can be just as good and will last longer in most cases (unless you’re dealing with heavy electrical equipment).
You can purchase high-quality cables for your car audio system from a wide variety of sources. Some factors to consider when choosing which one is right for you are length, connectors type, and shielding material used on each individual line or wire in the cable!
TYPE OF SHIELDING USED IN RCA CABLES
The RCA ( Recovering conductance amplifier) cables are used to carry audio signals from one car device to another. You will be able to use these alongside other electronic components and wires in your vehicle that runs along with power being transmitted through them.
Which can interfere by passing outside noise or distortion onto what you want to be delivered into an amplifier for playback inside of its speakers; this means they could potentially make any song sound fuzzy instead!
It’s easy to cut corners when it comes to cable shielding, but you should always make sure that your RCA cables have effective and adequate protection from noise-income electromagnetic interferences. The thicker the better!
If possible go with two or even three layers for extra durability against interference as well as external radio frequency signals which could result in data loss depending on how thick they are put together properly first time round.
THE STURDINESS OF CONNECTORS
The type of connector on your car’s audio cables matters. Some have one male 3.5mm jack pin to two RCA, while others only accept connections from two males at once- depending upon what you need for installation and which set will work best with both devices in mind!
Thicker insulation helps ensure that they stay sturdy over time; it also ensures there isn’t any interference when listening through them because thicker wires don’t flexible enough nor easily damaged by bending or touching other objects nearby (like power lines).
When shopping for an RCA cable, you should consider the ones with thicker connectors as they will have better contact than thinner models. Thinner cables are more likely to loosen up and lose their connection over time due in part by being tugged on constantly while tighter connections allow conductivity which results in higher quality signal delivery offered by these types of cords- thus achieving clarity when watching videos or listening music alike!
TYPE OF CONDUCTOR USED
The perfect RCA cable will have a copper core that’s been designed to carry audio signals. This metal is more suitable for signal transportation, ensuring your music sounds great!
The difference between copper goes beyond its standard form. Some RCA cables use pure, unadulterated metal while others have been treated to make them better conductors; unfortunately for us consumers, there’s not much information on what exactly these treatments are so we can’t choose wisely!
In order to get the most out of your system, it’s important that you use cables with copper conductors. These will enhance frequencies and provide better sound quality for all listeners in any environment.
COST OF RCA CABLES
When you’re looking for RCA cables, the cost should match your expectations of quality. It’s important not to compromise between price and performance when finding a good deal on these cords that will last through years worth of use.
The difference between a good and bad car audio RCA cable can be heard by everyone in your vehicle. This is why it’s important to always go for high-quality products, no matter how much money you have on hand!
LENGTH OF RCA CABLES
It’s important to choose an RCA cable that has the required length for your car audio system. You will need this information before purchasing, so make sure it matches up with where you’re putting everything in terms of speaker setup and amplifiers etcetera!
ARE ALL RCA CABLES OF EQUAL QUALITY?
Just like any other cable, RCA cables come in different types and qualities. The better the quality, the better the signal it can carry. When it comes to audio equipment, it’s recommended to use the best quality cables that you can afford to get the best possible signal.
Cheap cables can cause problems such as interference, static, and poor sound quality. Therefore, investing in good-quality RCA cables is essential, especially for those serious about their car audio setup.
Although they may cost more upfront, they will save you money and headaches in the long run, and you’ll be able to enjoy crystal clear sound as intended.
HOW MANY RCA CABLES ARE NEEDED FOR A CAR AUDIO SETUP?
Determining the number of RCA cables you need for your car audio setup depends on the specifics of your setup. Typically, one RCA cable is needed per amplifier or subwoofer. For example, if you have two amplifiers and four subwoofers, you will need a total of six RCA cables.
Some setups may require extra cables for crossovers or equalizers. If you’re not sure how many RCA cables you need, it’s best to consult a professional car audio installer to get the correct information and ensure proper installation.
DO VARIOUS DESIGNS OF RCA CABLES PRODUCE DIFFERENT SOUNDS?
The purpose of an interconnect is to transfer a low-level audio signal without altering its level, frequency, or phase characteristics. We’ve conducted multiple tests on cables with our home audio friends, and we’ve discovered that there are differences.
When you switch from a cheap coaxial cable to a high-end twisted-pair cable with extensive shielding, you can hear a difference, but only under specific conditions.
In a car audio system, the cable’s ability to reject unwanted electrical noise and interference is more important than its performance at audio frequencies.
ARE LONG INTERCONNECT CABLES GOOD FOR YOUR SYSTEM?
If you study cable design theory, you’ll learn about inductance and capacitance and how they affect frequency response. It’s logical to think that longer cables would have a greater impact on the audio signal. Therefore, we decided to repeat our test using 17-foot cables and compare them to our cheap 3-foot coaxial cable.
HOW TO TEST YOUR RCA INTERCONNECT CABLES?
To perform this test, we found interconnect cables in our lab and connected them to our Quant Asylum QA402 and a high-quality Class-AB amplifier. This allowed us to measure how the different designs and cable lengths affected the frequency response.
We used each cable with a resistive 4-ohm load and measured the amplifier’s output. Fortunately, the QA402 has excellent accuracy and resolution, which we needed for this test.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING RCA CABLES
Here are some factors to consider when choosing RCA cables:
AUDIO QUALITY:
Look for RCA cables that provide good sound quality and minimize interference, which can affect the clarity and accuracy of the audio signal.
DURABILITY:
Look for RCA cables that are durable and can withstand wear and tear, especially if you plan on using them in a mobile setting like a car or for frequent connections and disconnections.
COMPATIBILITY WITH CAR AUDIO COMPONENTS:
Ensure that the RCA cables you choose are compatible with your car audio components. Check the input and output jacks of your amplifier, receiver, or other components to make sure they match the type of RCA cable you are considering.
PRICE:
Consider your budget and look for RCA cables that provide good value for money while still meeting your needs for length, quality, and compatibility. Remember that while more expensive cables may offer better performance, the difference may not always be noticeable in a car audio setup.
FAQS:
Q:1 Do RCA cables make a difference in car audio?
A: Yes, RCA cables are one of the most important things in a car’s audio system. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to hear any sound coming from your speakers. RCA cables are responsible for carrying the audio signal from your head unit to your amplifier.
Q:2 Do high quality RCA cables make a difference?
A: In short, yes. Just as with any other audio component, the quality of the cables you use to connect your car stereo can have a significant impact on sound quality.
Q:3 What are the best cables for car audio?
A: The best car audio cables are those that are made of high quality materials and construction. They should also be able to handle the demands of your particular system.
Q:4 What is a good brand of RCA cables?
There are many brands of RCA cables available on the market. However, not all of them are created equal. When it comes to choosing the best RCA cables for your car audio system, you need to consider several factors such as quality, durability, and price.
Q:5 Are gold RCA cables better?
Gold RCA cables are not necessarily better than other types of RCA cables. However, they are often more expensive. If you are looking for the best possible quality, then gold RCA cables may be a good option for you.
CONCLUSION
Now that you know more about the best RCA cables for car audio, you can make a more informed decision when choosing the right one for your needs.
Keep in mind the type of shielding used, the sturdiness of connectors, and the type of conductor used when making your selection.
Also, be sure to consider the length and cost of the RCA cable before making your final choice.