When it comes to audio cables, terms such as Coaxial Audio, jack, RCA, or TOSLINK often come up. However, they usually create more confusion than clarity. That is because they initially describe only the construction of cables or connectors, not specific types of audio cables. We untangle the cable confusion.
3 Basic Cable Terms
Jack
The size and pin assignment of jack plugs vary depending on the version – recognizable by the different number of plastic rings on the connector shaft. The cables are generally used to transmit analog mono and stereo signals from source devices to speakers or headphones. Almost everyone has plugged the 3.5 mm jack of their headphones into the corresponding output on a smartphone, notebook, or audio system at some point. However, the connection can also be used to transmit optical signals (via TOSLINK).
RCA
RCA connectors are also a widely used type of connector for audio cables. Unlike jack plugs, analog signals are transmitted via two RCA cables or a Y-RCA cable with two connectors. The plug for the right channel is red, while the one for the left channel is white or black. RCA connectors can also transmit digital signals. Both analog and digital RCA connectors are used in conjunction with coaxial cables.
Coaxial Cable
In the audio sector, RCA connectors connect cables with a coaxial architecture. “Coaxial” means that a cable consists of insulated inner and outer conductors. The analog or digital signal flows through the inner conductor. The decisive difference between coaxial cables for analog and digital signals is the so-called impedance (resistance). Digital signals require a resistance of 75 ohms. Analog coaxial cables, on the other hand, usually operate at 50 ohms.
Audio Cables & Accessories in the Teufel Shop
The Most Important Audio Cables at a Glance
3.5 mm Jack Cable
Jack cables – usually with 3.5 mm plugs – transmit analog mono or stereo signals in home audio applications. Jack cables can also carry microphone signals and other external signals. The corresponding inputs to the sound card are generally called Line-in, while the headphone sockets are called Line-out.
Analog Coaxial Cable (RCA)
These cables are primarily used to transmit analog stereo signals. It is also possible to wire a 5.1 system using an analog 5.1 RCA set. This can be useful, for example, if you want to connect a Blu-ray player to an older AV receiver without HDMI interfaces.
Digital Coaxial Cable
A digital coaxial cable can carry digital stereo and multichannel signals from the source device to the amplifier. It works in conjunction with the so-called SPDIF interface. One disadvantage: the transmission rate is not sufficient for high-resolution or uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby True HD.
TOSLINK
TOSLINK cables, like digital coaxial cables, are based on the SPDIF interface. However, the signal is transmitted not via electrical impulses but via light signals. This is why these audio cables differ from coaxial cables in both construction and connector type. The major advantage of optical transmission is that the signal is virtually resistant to interference.
XLR Cable
XLR cables are rarely found in home theater setups, but they are far more common in studio technology, for example with Studio- or podcast microphones. Analog signals are usually transmitted via a 3-pin connector.
HDMI
This audio/video interface is the gold standard in modern home theater. Its advantages include high bandwidth, reduced cable clutter, and low susceptibility to interference. Whether it can work completely without cables is explained in the article on Wireless HDMI.
You can also find detailed information on connecting speaker cables. You can find more information and tips on HDMI and Toslink in our tutorial:
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Conclusion: Understanding Audio Cables with Three Basic Terms
- While jack and RCA refer to connector types, coaxial refers to a specific cable construction.
- Coaxial cables with RCA connectors can transmit both analog and digital audio signals.
- Cables with jack plugs are used with portable devices (smartphones) and for the input and output of sound cards.
- Both optical TOSLINK cables and analog coaxial cables work in conjunction with the SPDIF interface.
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