The Drawbacks of Using Coax Cables as Speaker Cables
Coax cables, while widely used in various applications such as television and radio broadcasting, have limitations that make them unsuitable for speaker cables in high-fidelity audio systems. In this article, we will explore the disadvantages of using coax cables for speaker connectivity, including their high cost, lower flexibility, and the impact on audio quality.
High Frequency Loss and Filter Effects
One significant disadvantage of using coax cables as speaker cables is the high frequency loss due to their inherent capacitance. Unlike conventional speaker cables, coax cables possess a higher capacitance. This increased capacitance can act as a low pass filter, attenuating higher frequencies. As a result, the audio signal passing through the coax cable will lose high-frequency details and clarity, leading to a less accurate and potentially dull sound.
Cost Factors
Familiarizing oneself with the cost differences between coax cables and regular speaker wires is crucial. Coax cables are typically more expensive than regular speaker wires. This is partly due to their construction, which involves additional materials and manufacturing processes. On the other hand, regular speaker wires are designed for basic audio transmission and do not require the same robustness and structure as coax cables.
Weight and Flexibility Issues
Coax cables are generally heavier and less flexible than regular speaker wires. This makes them more cumbersome to install and hide, which can be a significant problem in professional installations or home setups. Running and concealing coax cables can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive, which is often undesirable for cost-effective and efficient installations.
Current Carrying Capacity
Another consideration is the current-carrying capacity of coax cables. While coax cables are designed for signal transmission, they may not be capable of carrying the current required for high-power audio systems. Regular speaker cables, even when chosen from appliance cords, can often provide a sufficient current-carrying capacity. For example, a 12-gauge appliance cord is generally considered heavy enough for speaker use, especially for home audio systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while coax cables offer advantages in some applications, their use as speaker cables is often not recommended due to their high cost, reduced flexibility, and negative impact on high-frequency audio signals. Regular speaker wires, whether simple household cords or more specialized audio cables, are more suitable for ensuring clear and high-quality sound reproduction in audio systems.
Related Keywords
coax cables: Included within the article as a subject of comparison.
speaker cables: A central topic of the article, discussing the quality and functionality of cables used for audio system connectivity.
advantages: Presented in the article as part of the discussion on the unsuitability of coax cables for speaker applications.
disadvantages: The primary focus of the article, detailing the drawbacks of using coax cables in speaker installations.