Subwoofer Cable Vs. RCA: Which One Is Better?

Some users have no idea about the difference between the subwoofer cable vs. RCA. They are both able to connect the subwoofer to an amplifier or a receiver. 

The most significant difference is that the subwoofers can raise sound quality to a higher level. Meanwhile, RCAs don't offer enough shielding to do so. 

If you still need more information to distinguish these two cables, this article will help. Let's compare them side by side to figure out which one is better!

What Is An RCA Cable?

RCA cables were initially intended to carry audio signals between an amplifier and a phonograph. They have substantially improved recently and now allow the connection of AV signals from various home media systems.

The cables come with nearly every audiovisual gadget. Its connector's center contact has grounding contacts all around. This process, called "coaxial", aims to protect an interaction from interference.

The term "coaxial" refers to a design that secures a signal connection from electrical waves. 

These tools are popular when it comes to linking audio and visual elements of different quality.

You may come across two main kinds of these cables:

• Composite connection: Used to send pictures in mixed mode, which blends brightness and colors.

• Component connection: Used to divide colors into two different groups and separate brightness with three connections.

The wire carries audio signals between an amplifier and a phonograph (Link)

What Is A Subwoofer Cable?

RCA connectors work with most subwoofers. They can all broadcast signals. However, some companies have labeled an RCA cable as a "subwoofer" after adding advanced technologies.

The subwoofer cable is a more complicated product than a standard RCA wire. It necessitates a unique type of cable, which demands greater improvements in terms of conducting material and insulating coating.

These tools can connect an audio amplifier to a loudspeaker that emits low-frequency sounds. 

The system and its characteristics decide whether some wires or only one RCA cable are necessary for the connection.

There are three main kinds of cables:

• Split: Developed to function with woofers that have a stereo input. It guarantees that the two inputs get the identical signal, resulting in a 3 dB increase in system output.

• Regular mono: Used if the sub's input is a low-frequency effect (LFE). Although there are different ways to link a woofer, the LFE connection is the most popular one. 

• Stereo phone: Use two woofers on a stereo or surround amp. 

The wires can connect an audio amp to a speaker with low-frequency sounds (Link)

Difference Between Subwoofer Cable Vs. RCA

The two cables have similar functions. However, they differ primarily in their capacity to provide a high-quality link between the subwoofers and the receivers.

Function

Subwoofers can handle different media devices. You may use it to connect two other gadgets to produce a clear sound. 

On the other hand, the RCA links subwoofers to receivers with a sound signal provided by a connection to the standard right, left, and center channels. 

Sound quality

A subwoofer wire typically has the same wiring as a loudspeaker wire. Yet, it comes with extra shielding to eliminate hum and improve sound quality.

The construction of the wire is identical to that of an RCA line. However, the extra shielding can help to lessen the speaker's humming.

It's annoying to establish your complete speaker system just to experience a humming sound or screech originating from a faulty connection between the separate parts.

If you're using an RCA connection to link your sub to the receiver and you don't hear any noticeable hum, you probably don't need to replace it.

Otherwise, your RCA wired connection can not provide a crystal-clear audio transmission free of buzzing. Then, it may be time to upgrade to a more precisely built sub-wire.

We have compared the cables in two most important factors. Now, let's summarize their features with this comparison.

Which Option Is Better?

Although each option has its own outstanding features, the subwoofers still outweigh their competitors.

It's important to note that sub wires are intended to connect subwoofers to other devices, including amps and receivers.

As a result, they put them through their motions using boosted subwoofers to confirm that the audio signal travels flawlessly.

RCA cables, on the other hand, are versatile. They can handle some of the complexities of amplified subs, such as AC hum.

Additionally, you can optimize sub cables for performance expectations. They have sophisticated shielding, which ensures that low-frequency signals can travel without interruption.

Subwoofer cables, rather than RCA cables, are preferable for those seeking the highest sound quality regardless of interference from other audio equipment nearby.

The sub cables are a better way to go (Link)

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from cable users. We hope that you can benefit from the answers.

1. Can I utilize the RCA cables for the subwoofers?

Any standard RCA or sub cable should do the job. You can use a shielded sub cable if it's causing a hum. One tip of the sub cable should go into the Output on the bottom of the receiver.

2. What kind of cable can go with a subwoofer?

The sub output connector can handle RCA connectors to transmit video and audio data. Some older AVRs feature a direct connector, in which the sub's speaker wire goes directly to the AVR's sound port.

3. Are subwoofers and RCAs the same Thing?

RCA cables link subwoofers to receivers, with a cable hookup providing sound to the right, left, and center channels. 

The cabling of a sub cable is similar to that of a speaker wire, but it adds extra shielding to reduce loudspeaker hum and increase sound quality.

4. What makes a subwoofer cable special?

These cables are a type of audio wire that may dramatically increase sound quality. They contain copper core components. These parts also have a coating of a second network to help with weak signal transmission. 

All these functions improve the sound quality by making it sharper and more dynamic. The cables then help to achieve realistic audio reproduction.

Final Words

A subwoofer cable will undoubtedly function well with advanced technology. Yet, you may discover that an RCA wire can deliver an identical sound quality that will satisfy you.

Many experts can give guidance and insight before you start your research. As a result, you may always receive professional assistance for problems that are specific to your circumstance.

Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you need any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!