Cables

Cables connect all the components in your home audio system, and carry the signal (music) from one part to another. Here’s a quick breakdown of why you need them:

1. Signal Transmission

Cables carry audio signals between components like:

• CD player / turntable / streamer → amplifier
• Amplifier → speakers

Without cables, there’s no way for the signal to travel between the devices.

2. Power Supply

Some components (like powered speakers or turntables with built-in preamps) need power cables to operate. So cables also carry electricity.

3. Better Performance

The quality of the cables can affect sound. Good cables:

• Reduce noise or interference
• Maintain signal integrity
• Provide tighter connections

(Though there’s a lot of debate about how much cables affect sound — especially once you're past entry-level quality.)

4. Correct Connections

You’ll often need different types of cables depending on your gear:

• Speaker cables for connecting amps to passive speakers
• RCA cables or XLRs for analogue source components
• Digital cables (like optical, coax, USB) for digital sources
• Power cables to plug into the wall or power conditioner