[For Musical Instruments] Recommended Speaker Cables: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Cable and the Sound Quality
Speaker cables connect guitar and bass amplifiers to speaker cabinets. Because they look similar to shielded cables (cables that connect instruments to amplifiers), you might be choosing one at random, thinking "they're all the same."
In fact, speaker cables play a very important role in transmitting the sound produced by the amplifier to the speakers faithfully and without loss .
In this article, we'll thoroughly explain everything from how to choose the right speaker cable for your instrument to recommended products and the differences in sound quality that many people are concerned about. Find the cable that will bring out the full potential of your equipment!
The role and importance of speaker cables
The role of a speaker cable is to transmit the electrical signal sent from the amplifier's output stage (power amplifier) to the speaker unit that produces the sound .
At this point, there are two important points to remember when using a shielded cable (input cable).
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Handling high currents: Unlike input cables, speaker cables handle high currents and power from power amplifiers. For this reason, the conductors (copper wires) in the cables themselves are made thicker and designed to have less resistance.
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Never use input cables! Using input cables to connect speakers may exceed the allowable current and damage the cable or amplifier , or in the worst case, cause a fire . Always use cables clearly marked " speaker cables ."
Don't make a mistake! How to choose the right speaker cable
There are three main points to consider when choosing a speaker cable for musical instruments:
1. Types and shapes of connection terminals
This is the most common and is chosen to match the terminals on your amplifier cabinet.
|
Connector Name |
Features |
|
Phone (standard plug) |
Same shape as a guitar shield. This is the most common type and is used with many combo amps and cabinets. |
|
Speakon |
It has a locking mechanism, is difficult to disconnect, and can handle large currents. In recent years, it has been increasingly adopted by professional musicians and high-output amplifiers. |
Choose the one that suits the equipment you will be connecting, such as phone on both ends , phone and Speakon , or Speakon on both ends .
2. Conductor size (AWG/gauge)
A unit that indicates the thickness of a cable, expressed in AWG (American Wire Gauge) or Gauge.
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The smaller the AWG number, the thicker the cable.
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Thicker cable = less resistance = less signal loss
Generally, 16AWG to 12AWG is the standard for instrument amplifiers. If you are using a high-output amplifier, it is safer to choose 14AWG or 12AWG (the smaller number) as they have less resistance.
3. Length
If it is too long, the resistance will increase and cause deterioration in sound quality.
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Generally, it's best to choose the shortest length you need .
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If the amp head and cabinet are close together, 1m to 1.5m is sufficient.
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For safety reasons, we recommend keeping the distance within 3m , even if you have some leeway.
Is there really a difference in sound quality?
To put it simply, speaker cables do change sound quality .
In particular, since the signal sent from the amplifier to the speaker has a large current and power, the effect on sound caused by the cable's resistance, conductor material (such as OFC), and structure tends to be more pronounced than with input cables.
How sound quality changes with cables
Thick cables with low resistance: Reduces signal loss, improves low-frequency resolution, and makes the sound pressure feel stronger. Specific conductors and structures: Adds a distinctive crispness, warmth, and brilliance to specific frequency ranges (such as the midrange).
However, the change in sound quality that a cable makes is ultimately intended to bring out the potential of the equipment (amp/speaker) . Rather than "improving the sound," choose a cable that " more clearly and faithfully conveys the individual characteristics of the amp ."
Recommended Carefully selected speaker cables for musical instruments
From here, we will introduce a carefully selected list of recommended instrument speaker cables, from standard to high-quality.
Guitar
ONKODO 9497 Speaker Cable SS
Features: Nicknamed "Sea Snake," this cable features eye-catching orange and black twists. It uses ETP high-conductivity tin-plated copper stranded wire, producing a powerful, vibrant, and tight sound. The twisted construction also provides excellent noise resistance, resulting in a particularly rich midrange**.
recommendation: Its excellent balance makes it suitable for any genre. It is particularly suited to a wide range of music, including rock, pop, and jazz, which require tight bass and dynamics. It is also highly regarded as a standard cable for guitar amplifiers.
cable : BELDEN 9497
plug : Switchcraft 280-280
Conductor material : ETP High Conductivity Tin Plated Copper Stranded Wire
Conductor cross-sectional area : 1.31mm ² / 16 AWG
Price: From 3,200 yen
To product page >>
ONKODO Blue y524 Speaker Cable for Musical Instruments and PA, SS (SWITCHCRAFT)
Features: This cable uses high-purity oxygen-free copper (y-OFC) and a twisted pair structure that is less susceptible to stray currents, making it effective against noise. Because it uses unplated conductors, it features a nearly flat, unobtrusive sound quality, high resolution, and excellent sound clarity and positioning. It is a flexible and easy-to-handle cable.
recommendation: Its flat, balanced sound quality makes it suitable for all genres. It is particularly suited to classical, jazz, and vocals, which emphasize sound localization, realism, and clarity. For musical instruments and PA applications, it is ideal when an easily adjustable sound that is not biased toward any particular frequency band is required.
cable : ONKODO Blue y524 y-OFC adopted (high purity oxygen-free copper)
plug : Switchcraft 280-280
Conductor material : ETP High Conductivity Tin Plated Copper Stranded Wire
Conductor cross-sectional area : 2.0mm ² / 14 AWG
Price: From 3,600 yen
To the product page >>
Bass
MOGAMI 3082 Speaker Cable (Phone to Phone) SWITCHCRAFT/SS
Features: Coaxial structure is a standard in professional settings. Despite the limited outer diameter of 6.5mm, mm The cable has a thick conductor cross-sectional area of 15 AWG. This structure results in high capacitance and low impedance, making it excellent for driving speakers and known as a professional cable that is economical and has excellent sound quality.
recommendation: It features flat, high-resolution, and highly transparent, clear sound quality. The low frequencies are not too obtrusive and the overall range is well-balanced, making it ideal for applications that require faithful reproduction of the original sound, such as studio monitoring and PA systems. With high sound quality and good cost performance, it can be used regardless of genre.
cable : MOGAMI 3082
plug : Switchcraft 280
Conductor material : oxygen-free copper
Conductor cross-sectional area : 2.03mm ² / 15 AWG
Price: From 5,350 yen
To the product page >>
Gotham SPK2x2.5mm Speaker Cable
Features: A cable from the long-established Swiss manufacturer Gotham, made of high-purity oxygen-free copper (OFC) 2.5 mm The cables use thick conductors (13 AWG). These thick conductors are strong enough to transmit high power and have excellent low-frequency reproduction. They have good sound projection and a dynamic feel that makes music enjoyable to listen to, while also possessing a neutrality that brings out the full expression of the system's sound.
recommendation: The combination of powerful low frequencies and clarity makes it ideal for genres that require dynamic movement, such as rock and pop.It is also ideal for a wide range of professional applications, such as PA systems and live music venues that use high-output amplifiers, which require a reliable cable that can handle high wattage.
cable : Gotham SPK2-2.5mm
plug : REAN/NEUTRIK NYS225-NYS225
Conductor material : High-purity oxygen-free copper
Conductor cross-sectional area : 2.5mm ² / 13 AWG
Price: From 1,900 yen
To product page >>
summary
Speaker cables are the final critical piece that determines the sound of your amplifier.
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Be sure to check the connection terminal and thickness (AWG) and select the one that is appropriate for your equipment.
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Never use an input cable .
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The basic rule is to choose the shortest length .
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Start by trying out standard products and choose a cable with a sound quality that brings out the individuality of your amplifier.
By choosing the best speaker cable, you can bring out the true potential of your equipment and achieve clearer, more powerful sound. Find the perfect cable and take your music to the next level!
