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Audio Systems/Difference between speaker and audio cables

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Expert: - 9/8/2010


Question
Hi,
I was just wondering what the main differences were between speaker cables
and audio cables.
Thanks,
Tuck

Answer
Well, speaker cables are audio cables too!

By "audio cables"  I must assume you are thinking of coaxial cables that are used between cd or tape deck to amplifier.

The coaxial audio cable is designed to carry the low level audio signal from point to point. The voltage is low and the impedance is high and the power level is very small; only a few milliwatts.

Speaker wires carry the full power being delivered to the speaker system.  It is fairly low voltage and quite high current.  Power can be many watts.

Speaker wires most often have no connector mounted at the ends of the wire.

Audio cables generally have connectors installed by the factory although you can buy raw coaxial cables in bulk with no connectors.

Here are some examples:

http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=464416  

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Cleggsan

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Audio Design Engineer; systems, loudspeakers, cd/dvd players, etc. I am knowledgeable in all high end audio equipment and installations. MAKE SURE YOU GIVE A MAKE AND MODEL NUMBER AND CAR IF IT IS AN AUTO QUESTION. Note: I am getting some who ask good questions that take a lot of time to research but then the questioner fails to read the answer. Please don't ask questions unless you are seriously looking for an answer. If you find an answer to your question otherwise then let me know with your reply. Thank you.

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Have been associated with audio design, standards, testing and component systems for over 40 years.

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