Audio cables transmit sound signals between components of a home entertainment system. To get full surround-sound performance, the right cables must be utilized. Read this guide to learn the different types of audio formats, cable types and connector types that are available.
Audio Formats
Most CDs are formatted for stereo, which means there are two audio channels encoded on the disc.
DVDs are encoded with surround sound, which has six or more audio channels.
Surround sound formats include a number designation, such as 2.0 or 5.1, where the first number indicates the audio channels that correspond to directional speakers in that system. The second number indicates an additional low-frequency effects (LFE) channel for heavy bass sound typically produced by a subwoofer speaker.
To access a particular sound format, you’ll need three system components:
- An audio source, such as a DVD player or cable receiver that generates a signal in that format
- An appropriate speaker setup
- Interconnect audio cables designed to transmit the format between that audio source and the A/V receiver or TV.
DUAL-CHANNEL SOUND
Specific Formats
- Stereo
Standard Speaker Channels
- Left
- Right
Audio Cable Options
- RF coaxial cable
- Dual RCA cable
- HDMI cable
- Optical cable
- Coaxial cable
ANALOG SURROUND SOUND
Specific Formats
- Dolby® Pro Logic
- DTS Neo:6
Standard Speaker Channels
- Front left
- Front right
- Surround left
- Surround right
- Subwoofer
Audio Cable Options
- RF coaxial cable
- Dual RCA cable
- HDMI cable
- Optical cable
- Coaxial cable
DIGITAL 5.1 SURROUND SOUND
Specific Formats
- Dolby Digital
- DTS Digital Sound
Standard Speaker Channels
- Front left
- Front right
- Front center
- Surround left
- Surround right
- Subwoofer
Audio Cable Options
- Multichannel RCA cable
- HDMI cable
- Optical cable
- Coaxial cable
DIGITAL 6.1 SURROUND SOUND
Specific Formats
- Dolby Digital Surround EX
- DTS-ES Discrete
Standard Speaker Channels
- Front left
- Front right
- Front center
- Surround left
- Surround right
- Surround back
- Subwoofer
Audio Cable Options
- Multichannel RCA cable
- HDMI cable
- Optical cable
- Coaxial cable
DIGITAL 7.1+ SURROUND SOUND
Specific Formats
- Dolby Digital Plus
- Dolby True HD
- DTS-HD Master Audio
- DTS-HD
Standard Speaker Channels
- Front left
- Front right
- Front center
- Surround left
- Surround right
- Surround back 1
- Surround back 2
- Subwoofer
Audio Cable Options
- HDMI cable
Interconnect Cables
Interconnect cables connect devices using line-level signal, the highest-level signal before amplification. The two categories of interconnect cables are analog and digital. Analog cables transmit sound as a continually fluctuating electronic signal. Digital cables transmit sound as a series of 1s and 0s, the language of computers. For optimal sound conditions, it is best to use digital cables, especially if you have digital connections on your equipment.
There are four types of analog cable designs:
- Coaxial RF cable, which is the most basic type that can transmit a dual-channel stereo signal with an analog video signal
- Dual RCS cable, which is the standard audio option and comes with a white plug for the left speaker and a red plug for the right
- Multichannel RCA connection, which is the standard approach for transmitting multichannel music formats, DVD audio and super audio CD (SACD), and XLR cable, which is the mainstay of professional audio equipment and some high-end A/V receivers.
Digital audio cable is available in three types:
- Coaxial digital cable carries up to six audio channels, making it a good choice for 5:1 digital surround sound
- Optical cable transmits the digital audio signal as pulses of light, which ensures a perfect signal
- High-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable can deliver eight separate audio channels, along with a video signal and is the only cable that can handle 6:1 and 7:1 formats.
Terminal Designs and Connector Types
Audio receivers, amplifiers and other home entertainment electronics have terminals for connecting speaker cables. The most common connector types in use are spade lugs, banana plugs, pin connectors and stripped bare wire.
Spring clip terminals are the least complicated for connecting audio speakers. A simple clamping mechanism secures stripped wires and pin connectors of cables. Spring clip terminals are identified by the colors that correspond with the audio wires and cables: Red for the active (positive) wire or cable and black for inactive (negative). (Positive wires and cables can also be gold colored or have markings on the cable or wire insulation.)
Five-way binding posts are terminals that accept spade lugs, banana plugs, pin connectors and bare wire. Binding posts are commonly color-coded to correspond with the positive and negative cables and wires. Use a five-way binding post combined with pin connectors, spade lugs or banana plugs for the most secure connection.
Knowing the different types of audio cables helps when you are connecting home entertainment devices. Become familiar with the cable and connection formats for CD, DVD and BluRay players and stereo receivers. Download The Home Depot Mobile App to review and buy the different types of audio cables you’ll need.
