A carefully selected list of recommended RCA cables! A comprehensive guide to choosing the right one and the differences in sound quality

When you step into the world of audio, you will inevitably hear about "RCA cables." Don't underestimate them as just a cable; in fact, RCA cables are an important element that greatly affects sound quality .

In this article, we'll thoroughly explain everything from the basics of choosing RCA cables to carefully selected recommended models that even professionals will be impressed with, as well as differences in sound quality that you may be concerned about. Be sure to use this as a reference to take your audio experience to the next level.

What is an RCA cable? Learn the basics

RCA cables are cables primarily used to connect audio and video equipment. They generally transmit left and right audio signals.

• RCA terminal: This refers to the connector shaped like a bullet at the end of the cable.

• Applications: Used between various audio equipment, such as amplifiers and CD players, preamps and power amplifiers, record players and phono equalizers.

Four points to consider when choosing an RCA cable

To answer the question, "Which one should I choose?", we will explain four important points to check when choosing an RCA cable.

Select by conductor (core) material

The material of the conductor (copper wire) that is the "inside" of the cable is one of the factors that has the greatest impact on sound quality.

material	Features	Sound quality trends	Recommended users
High purity copper (PC-Triple C, PCOCC, 6N, etc.)	Fewer impurities and higher signal transmission capacity	High resolution, clear and natural sound	Audiophiles in pursuit of sound quality
OFC (oxygen-free copper)	High-purity, oxide-free copper	Well-balanced, relatively inexpensive and high performance	A wide range of levels from beginners to intermediates
Silver	Lower electrical resistance than copper	A sound with a sense of speed and a smooth high range	Those who prefer clear sounds such as rock and jazz

Check the cable structure (shield)

The structure of the "shield" that protects the signal from external noise is also important.

• Multi-layer shielding: A structure that combines braided shielding and aluminum foil shielding to strengthen noise prevention. Excellent quietness of the sound field.

• Twisted pair (stranded wire): Twisting two conductors together has the effect of canceling out noise interference.

Connector (plug) quality and plating

The quality of the connector that connects the signal is also directly related to sound quality.

• Gold plating: Resistant to oxidation and maintains stable contact resistance. Used in many high-end cables.

• Rhodium plating: Harder and more durable than gold. It tends to produce a clearer sound.

• Robust construction: Make sure the plug and cable connections are sturdy and easy to plug and unplug.

Cable length

If the cable is too long, it will be susceptible to signal attenuation and noise, so the basic rule is to choose the minimum necessary length .

💡 Note: Ideally, a cable less than 1m long would be ideal, but this can be difficult depending on the placement of your equipment. When choosing a longer cable, it's recommended to choose a model with better shielding.

A thorough explanation of the "differences" in sound quality

Let's settle the question, "Do cables really make a difference in sound?" The answer is that RCA cables make a big difference in sound quality.

1. Resolution (Detail)

The higher the quality of the cable, the more sound information it can capture, allowing you to clearly hear even the most subtle sounds.

• Cheap cables: The sound tends to become clumpy and finer sounds tend to be masked.

• High-quality cable: The breathiness of vocals, the reverberation of instruments, and the spaciousness of space are clearly reproduced.

2. S/N ratio (quietness)

A cable with high shielding performance prevents external noise from entering and improves the quietness of the sound field.

• The quieter the background, the more the music stands out in comparison, making it sound more dynamic.

3. Tonal balance (sound tendencies)

Depending on the material and structure of the cable, the tone balance will differ, such as the volume of the low frequencies, the thickness of the mid frequencies, and the extension of the high frequencies .

• Copper wire: Tends to be neutral and well-balanced.

• Silver wire: High frequencies are emphasized, giving a sense of speed and sharpness.

About the plug

Just as important as the cable is the plug .

The plug is the entrance and exit point for signals between the device and the cable, so if there is poor contact or noise interference here, the performance of the entire cable will be ruined.

• The importance of structure:

  • Housing (outside): Made of highly rigid metal to suppress vibrations, or special resin to suppress unnecessary resonance.

  • Center pin and ground: To transmit signals accurately, the ideal structure is one with a large contact area and the ability to firmly hold the device terminals (such as a collet chuck).

• Sound quality trends due to plating:

  • Gold-plated (standard): Resistant to oxidation, excellent long-term reliability. Neutral and stable sound quality.

  • Rhodium plating: Extremely hard and tends to stabilize the contact resistance. This tends to sharpen the sound contours and tighten the sound image .

  • Silver plating: High conductivity but prone to oxidation. Found in models that emphasize speed and high-frequency extension .

• Points to note:

  • Poor quality at the joints between the cable and plug (soldering or crimping) can cause signal distortion or disconnections. Choosing a product that has been carefully finished by hand by a professional will ensure high reliability.

Features of the plugs we use

MOGAMI series

Also, The plug grips very well, resulting in high sound quality and being resistant to vibrations.

ONKODO series

ONKODO RP-205Gu Tellurium Copper High Conductivity Non-Magnetic RCA Plug

This is a non-magnetic, high-quality RCA plug made of tellurium copper. We have used highly conductive tellurium copper for the contact pins and have paid utmost attention to sound quality with a non-magnetic plating finish.

ONKODO RP-305Gp

The material used is phosphor bronze, which allows for high sound quality while keeping the price low. This high-quality model is made of solid wood and uses the standard soldering method to attach the conductor wires.

[Carefully Selected] Recommended RCA Cables

Taking into account the key points for selection, we will introduce some particularly recommended RCA cables, from cost-effective models to high-end models.

There are single pieces available, but this time we will introduce a pair of two.

MOGAMI 2534 RCA Cable (MOGAMI 7551) Set of 2

Features: The studio-standard 4-core structure makes it highly resistant to noise. The sound quality is flat, faithful to the original, clear, and powerful.
The "MOGAMI 7551" plug has the characteristic of reducing sound distortion and bringing out the cable's tone more naturally.

recommendation: Classical and jazz music require little coloration and faithful reproduction of the original sound, and the thickness of the mid-low range makes it ideal for rock and pop music.

Cable : MOGAMI 2534
plug : MOGAMI 7551

price: From 7,000 yen

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MOGAMI 2497 RCA Cables - A Mogami Masterpiece! Set of 2

Features: Its characteristic impedance is designed to be 75 ohms, making it highly versatile and suitable for use not only with analog audio, but also as a high-frequency cable and digital coaxial cable . The "MOGAMI 7553" plug has the characteristic of reducing sound distortion and bringing out the cable's tone more naturally.

recommendation: Its flat and natural sound quality makes it ideal for applications where you want to convey the source sound as it is, regardless of the genre.

Cable : MOGAMI 2497
plug : MOGAMI 7553

price: From 7,000 yen

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MOGAMI 2511 RCA Cables: A miniature version of the classic! Set of 2

Features: This is a scaled-down version of the "Meihin 2497." It uses a NEGLEX OFC conductor and foamed PE insulation, achieving excellent cost performance and ease of handling despite its low price. It offers well-balanced sound quality and excellent versatility. "MOGAMI 7551" plug It reduces sound distortion and brings out the cable's natural tone.

recommendation: The sound is faithful to the original and has little coloration, making it suitable for any genre. It is particularly suitable for monitoring purposes, as well as for delicate expression in classical, jazz, and vocals, where resolution is important.

Cable : MOGAMI 2511
plug : MOGAMI 7551

price: From 6,900 yen

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ONKODO 88760 RCA 2-Pair Cable

Features: The aluminum wrap shield provides high noise resistance, producing a clear , extremely flat sound quality. It delivers perfect sound and is ideal for wide-range digital sound sources.

recommendation: It is versatile enough to be used in any genre, but its high resolution is particularly effective when reproducing the delicate expression of classical music and playing digital sound sources such as high-resolution audio.

Cable : BELDEN 88760
plug : ONKODO RP-305Gp

price: From 6,780 yen

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For those with a taste for luxury

FURUTECH FA-13S α-Conductor Solid Wire RCA Cable with Non-Magnetic Plug, 2 Pairs

Features: This ultra-high-resolution cable boasts the world's highest resolution. It features extremely flat, uncolored sound quality, accurately transmitting even the most minute signals, and pursuing the utmost in sound clarity and detail.

recommendation: Ideal for genres that emphasize delicate expression and a wide sound field, such as classical and jazz. Due to its faithfulness to the original sound, it is also suitable for high-end audio and mastering environments.

cable : MOGAMI 2803
plug : MOGAMI 7551

price: From 13,100 yen

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Summary: The perfect choice for your audio system!

RCA cables are the "unsung heroes" that determine the sound quality of the entire system.

• First try the OFC cable and enjoy the change in sound.

• If you are looking for even better sound quality, choose a model that features high-purity copper and a shielded structure .

• Keep the length to a minimum .

Find the perfect cable to suit your listening environment and sound preferences. Your journey to choose the right cable will surely enrich your audio life.

>>Click here for our RCA cables