Let’s review the best RCA cable for car audio to determine which features make them stand out.
Currently, RCA cables are typical on car audio systems to transmit sound signals from the head unit to the amplifier or speakers.
Most people identify them using their three trademark connector colors: red, white, and yellow.
Although they have a standard construction, these wires can have slight differences, which affect sound signal transmission. Read on to learn more about how to pick one.
Table of Contents
- What Are RCA Cables?
- Factors To Consider Before Buying RCA Cables for Car Audio
- Best RCA Cables for Car Audio
- Wrap Up
What Are RCA Cables?
RCA cables are interconnection wires used to transfer audio or video signals.
We’ll focus on audio because the cables transmit sound signals from the radio to the amplifier or speakers.
Therefore, they are integral in a car’s audio system because they determine the signal clarity and precision from source to destination.
In turn, this clarity and precision affects the sound quality coming from the speakers.
So, you should invest in quality RCA cables to enhance your vehicle’s sound system.
Here are some factors to consider before buying these cables to ensure you get the best signal transmission.
RCA cables plugged into a device
Factors To Consider Before Buying RCA Cables for Car Audio
Consider these factors to avoid interference and signal losses along the audio transmission line.
Conductor Material Quality
Most wires contain copper conductors because the material gives excellent conductivity, and RCA cables for car audio are no different.
However, plain copper is the second best for transmitting audio signals.
RCA cables with oxygen-free copper conductors give the best signal clarity and purity.
This electrolytically-refined version of copper contains less than 0.001% oxygen, making it highly conductive.
Oxygen affects the electrical properties of copper by reducing its conductivity, which can interfere with audio signal transmission.
Silver cables are also an option, but oxygen-free copper RCA cables are the best for this connection.
Connector Material Quality
The underlying connector material is usually copper or aluminum, but these corrode easily.
Therefore, these components must have a protective plating layer. And the typical ones are gold, silver, and nickel.
An RCA cable with gold-plated connectors
Gold is the best plating material because it is highly conductive and corrosion-resistant. But it is expensive.
Nickel is not as conductive as gold but has an affordability advantage. Silver falls somewhere in between the two in price and conductivity.
Although rare, some connectors have platinum plating, which is more durable than gold.
Shielding
RCA audio cable shielding reduces electrical noise interference to ensure the signal gets to the end with maximum purity.
Consider shields like spiral, tape, foil, and braid constructions to isolate the conductors from external noise.
Cable Length
The RCA audio cable should be the exact length that covers the distance from the head unit to the speakers or amplifier.
If it’s too short, it won’t give a proper connection. And if longer than necessary, it can introduce noise and signal losses, resulting in poor sound quality. Also, it will make the setup messy.
Flexibility and Durability
Flexible RCA cables are easier to route through the vehicle without cutting the conductor. Stiff cables might be less durable because you can cut the conductor or insulation during installation.
An RCA cable with thick insulation
Compatibility
RCA cables have standard connectors, so compatibility applies to the environmental conditions around the wire.
The cable should withstand vibrations or high temperatures if passing through a hot area.
Cost
Ultimately, the RCA audio cable for your vehicle must fit your budget. Factors like the conductor and connector material affect the product’s price, so compare the features and get the cable that gives you the best value for money that is within budget.
Best RCA Cables for Car Audio
Consider these options for your vehicle.
FosPower Stereo Audio Cables
Although costly, this cable has the features to match its price. To begin with, it has a tin-plated copper core that reduces conductor oxidation throughout the cable’s lifespan.
A polyethylene foam dielectric insulator envelopes this stranded copper core to reduce signal loss during transmission.
A dual-layer braided plus aluminum foil shielding wraps around the insulator to keep noise interference out, reducing EMI and RFI.
The last pieces of the puzzle are 24K gold-plated connectors, which reduce tarnishing and resist corrosion.
An RCA cable with gold-plated connectors
Perhaps the only downside is the cable lacks oxygen-free copper conductors. But the tin-plated copper cores are up to the task.
UGREEN RCA Stereo Audio Cable
UGREEN cables also feature 24K gold-plated connectors on either end to enhance signal transfer, reduce interference, and resist corrosion.
But the cable’s core is different. It contains oxygen-free copper to transmit signals in the purest form.
These tinned copper conductors feature inner PVC, metal shield, and outer PVC layers to reduce signal losses and block external radio and electromagnetic interference.
This multi-layered construction also enhances the cable’s durability.
The dual cable can withstand tangling, tugging, and twisting and has undergone a bend test to prove it. It has passed 10,000+ bend tests.
Rockford Fosgate Twisted Pair Signal Cable
This cable’s signature feature is the twisted pair design, which is highly effective at rejecting EMI and RFI noise interference.
Each channel alternates the positive and negative conductors in the twisted design, which virtually eliminates noise along the transmission line.
Another unique feature is the platinum-plated connector ends, which maximizes durability. These components have a 6-cut design and a split center pin for secure fitting.
The cable contains oxygen-free copper conductors to transmit high-quality audio signals, while a frosted outer shield makes it flexible and durable. A PVC jacket further increases the cable’s durability.
KabelDirekt RCA/Phono Cable
KabelDirekt’s interference-free cable features a double shielding design comprising an aluminum-Mylar foil and copper braid (tightly interwoven).
This design gets an additional performance boost from the cable’s gold-plated connectors, which give a secure fit and deliver crystal-clear signal transmission.
These plugs also have a break-proof metal sleeve to maximize durability.
High-quality RCA plugs
The cable has a 75-ohm impedance, meaning it can transmit analog or digital audio. Therefore, the cable is versatile enough to work in your car’s audio system, digital-to-analog converters, subwoofers, home cinemas, and more.
Skar Audio Twisted Pair RCA Cable
This RCA cable features audiophile-grade internal components that deliver the best audio quality to your car’s amplifier.
The multi-strand copper conductors are 99.99% oxygen-free, and each of the two channels in the cable features twisted-pair oxygen-free wires.
This combination gives you pure signal transmission with zero or minimal interference.
On the connector ends, locking tips secure the connection for optimal sound signal transmission.
These precision-machined, silver-plated ends also have red and white color bands for easy identification when wiring the head unit.
Silver-plated RCA cable connectors
The cable features a max flex jacket in a matte blue finish to make the wire flexible enough to channel through the vehicle without damage.
Wrap Up
RCA cables have come a long way from their first designs built for phonograph turntable-to-radio receiver connections. Current models have performance-enhancing features that make signal transmission pure and almost interference-free.
You can try the cables listed above or contact us for the most suitable ones at reasonable prices.
