There are several different setups for home theater systems, which makes it somewhat tricky to know what audio cables to use for the best audio performance.
It’s always recommended to use the very best digital connection that your system can handle. The better the signal, the better the sound. However, some devices still transmit analog signals as opposed to digital. Fortunately, you can still work with these using converters.
Here are some of the more common audio components and audio cables in use for home theaters.
Components of Home Theater Systems
Home theater systems usually consist of one or more audio sources such as CD, DVD and cable, and the receiver, which is the sound system. Audio cables are required to connect the two components.
Interconnecting audio cables offer either analog or digital transmission and overall, digital is considered the best for sound quality.
Types of Audio Cables
The most common audio cables are either coaxial, fiber optic, HDMI and Stereo RCA cables.
Features of Audio Cables
Coaxial cables can handle up to six audio channels, which makes them ideal for use with 5.1 surround sound systems. These cables work with CDs, DVDs, satellite receivers, digital cable boxes, and HDTV receivers.
Fiber Optic cables work the same as coaxial cables, but they transmit signals as pulses of light, which results in nearly perfect transmission and better performance.
Stereo RCA (Red and White) cables transmit analog signals for CDs, DVDs, satellite receivers, digital cable boxes, HDTV receivers, VCRs, and cassette.
HDMI cables include up to eight audio channels and video transmission and can be used with 6.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems.
Types of Home Theater Systems and the Most Common Cables Used
The type of audio cable used typically corresponds to the type of home theater audio setup you have.
- Dual Channel sound systems can use Coaxial, Stereo RCA, HDMI and Fiber Optic cables.
- Analog sound systems use Coaxial, Stereo RCA, HDMI and Fiber Optic cables.
- Digital 5.1 surround sound systems use Stereo RCA, HDMI, Coaxial and Fiber Optic cables.
- Digital 6.1 surround sound systems use Stereo RCA, HDMI, Coaxial and Fiber Optic cables.
- Digital 7.1 surround sound systems use HDMI cables only, due to their ability to support eight audio channels.
The Sky Is The Limit
As technology continues to evolve, there will be even higher quality signal transmitters and receivers in audio cables.
As the quality improves, audio cables will continue to improve right along with the technology. Shop today’s best home theater audio cables at PrimeCables.ca and tap into premium-grade audio signal transfer by your preference.
