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RCA cables and connectors are generally acknowledged to offer high-quality audio signals. You’ll find them on most stereo systems. RCA connectors split the audio signal into two, effectively creating a right side and a left side.
You’re probably familiar with the dual plugs for audio, one is red, the other is white. They can be used for inputting signals or outputting them. Most sound systems will offer an audio in and an audio out option, both via RCA connector.
It should be noted that the color is irrelevant. It is merely an aid to ensure the right output is connected to the right input. Your cable will have some means of identification to ensure this is the case. If you don’t the signals will be confused and the sound won’t be right.
Despite huge advances in wireless technology, a wired connection remains the best way to connect devices and ensure the highest –quality signal possible.
However, there are still some devices that only have one audio output. For example, your phone outputs through one 3.5mm jack. It’s capable of replicating stereo sound but, in order to connect it to a stereo system you’ll want a speaker to RCA converter.
It is possible to connect with a single cable that has a 3.5mm jack on both ends. You’ll find your sound system has an audio in that this jack will fit into. But, you’ll only be using one channel of the sound system and you’re not going to enjoy the music as it should be.
Instead, a speaker to RCA converter will allow you to listen to your music through all the speakers attached to your stereo system. You can even add in an amplifier to boost the sound level.
Best Speaker To RCA Converters
Amazon Basics RCA Converter
The Amazon basics RCA adapter cable is available for less than $10 and is a surprisingly good choice to connect your two devices. It can be purchased in a variety of lengths, from 4ft long to 25ft, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. You should note 25ft is more than enough to dance around most rooms! It does allow you to have the two devices a good distance fro each other and still enjoy the high-quality sounds.
At one of the cable is a standard 3.5mm straight connector, the other end offers two male RCA connectors, color coded, one with a band of red, the other silver. The connectors are gold-plated and corrosion-resistant. They are also polished to improve conductivity and reduce signal loss. That’s an important consideration over a 25ft cable.
The cable is PVC providing protection against abrasions and bumps while remaining flexible enough to be clipped around corners.
It’s a simple, stylish, and effective offering which weighs less than 2 ounces and can be carried anywhere with you. That makes it a cost-effective choice if you need it in multiple locations.
Oldboytech RCA Speaker Cable
Oldboytech offers a pack of two RCA cables which look great. The cables are nylon braided to provide flexibility and increased strength. The braiding is grey and the connections silver, with a red band and a black band on the two male RCA connections. On the other end of the cable is a standard 3.5mm jack to plug into your phone or other device.
The cable is 6feet long and every cable is tested at the factory before being dispatched. In durability tests it is bent in excess of 1,000 times, ensuring it will withstand anything you can throw at it. It’s also tugged and twisted to make sure it’s durable.
The connectors are gold plated and the casings are aluminum alloy, this means it won’t corrode and will provide high-quality sounds for as long as you want to use it. There are 2 cables in every packet but you should note that this is an American company, offering American based support. The support is excellent but, if you’re not based in the states, you’ll need to be aware of the time difference.
It weighs just over two ounces and will work with any device you can think of.
Xscorpion Converter
The Xscorpion LC014.4R high to low 4-channel line output converter converts speaker wire (high level) to RCA outputs (low level) and is ideal for adding an aftermarket amplifier to an OEM system.
Two channels of speaker wire input are converted to four RCA outputs. Contacts are gold plated to provide excellent signal transfer.
The Xscorpion Pro is inserted after the head and before the processors or amplifiers. Adjustable gain control and noise eliminator are also provided.
Kicker Speaker Cable to RCA Adapter
This unit works with original equipment manufacturing (OEM) stereo equipment and takes up to 55 watts of input and outputs up to 8 volts. This small converter delivers superior audio response.
The line out converter converts a speaker-level signal to an RCA-level signal. It is perfect for monoblock amplifiers, which only run one audio channel to achieve better signal separation. You need two monoblock amplifiers to get stereo sound.
This wire uses Oxygen-free copper wire for superior quality signal. As a result, OFC doesn’t short out as often, is more durable, and is resistant to corrosion. It has a 20 – 20,000 Hz frequency response. The split pin RCA with OFC wire reduces unwanted noise, and the RCA outputs are color coded for easy installation.
Considerations When Choosing A Speaker To RCA Converter
It’s important to choose the right speaker to RCA converter. You only want to buy this device once and you need it to provide high-quality signals. That’s why it’s worth doing a little research before you buy.
- Reputation
The first stage is to check the reputation of the manufacturer and supplier. The better known they are the more likely it is to be a genuine product that will perform well.
However, even the best manufacturers can make mistakes. That’s why you should look at product reviews and go on social media to see what others think of the specific speaker to RCA converter.
You’re looking for mainly positive feedback although a few negatives are normal. This doesn’t just help to suggest the reviews are genuine, it also gives you the opportunity to assess how the manufacturer/supplier respond when things go wrong. That’s as important as the quality of the product.
- Price
RCA converters are not generally expensive so price shouldn’t be an issue. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look at the different prices to help you choose. The cheapest are not always the best quality. However, its also not the case that the most expensive are the best.
You’ll need to consider their reputation, your needs, and the price you’re willing to pay.
- Connectors
Gold-plated connectors are generally best for conductivity. You should focus on what material the connectors are made from as this will help to ensure the quality of the signal is maintained. As this directly translates into sound quality you want the best possible.
You should note that it’s not so much the connectivity tat give gold-plated connectors the advantage, it’s the fact that they won’t corrode, maintain the quality when other connectors start to corrode and distort the sounds.
Speaker to RCA Line Level Converters
Speaker to RCA converters allow you to connect your speaker wire directly to an RCA port, which can be helpful when you need to replace a worn or damaged RCA cable or if you want to install a new speaker system.
The speaker to RCA line level converter will convert the signal from your speakers into a low-level signal. By doing this, you can then plug your speakers into your aftermarket amp.
FAQ
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about speaker to RCA converters.
Is RCA Cable the Same As Speaker Wire?
No, RCA cables and speaker wires are two different types of cables. RCA cables connect audio/video components, while speaker wires connect speakers to amplifiers or receivers.
Speaker wire carries electrical power, and RCA does not. Instead, RCA connections carry a signal to powered speakers.
Can I Convert Speaker Wire to RCA?
Yes, you can convert a speaker wire to an RCA. You can do this with a speaker wire to RCA converter that maintains power balance. An adapter allows you to safely attach speaker wire to an RCA plug without worrying about power balance. The best adapters are solderless and will not change the audio quality of the output.
What Is a Speaker Converter?
A speaker converter is a device that converts speaker wire signals to RCA signals or vice versa. An RCA converter is an adapter that converts speaker wire signals into RCA signals. This conversion allows you to connect your speaker wire-based audio system to an RCA-based audio system, such as a home theater system.
When shopping for a speaker to RCA converter, it is crucial to keep in mind the specific needs of your audio system. Also, ensure the speaker to RCA converter you’re considering is compatible with the speaker wire or RCA input you’re using.
The frequency response of a speaker to RCA converter determines how accurately it reproduces sound. Look for a speaker to RCA converter with a flat frequency response of
The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measures how much noise the RCA to speaker wire converter adds to the signal. The higher the SNR, the better.
Pay attention to the converter’s quality, the RCA cable’s length, and the type of speaker wire compatible with the converter.
Using RCA inputs with a passive speaker requires a preamp to boost the signal. A passive speaker to RCA converter uses your speaker’s existing wire to connect to your RCA input.
Is Red RCA Left or Right?
RCA cable colors usually are white for the left channel and red for the right channel.
What Is the Difference Between Red and White RCA Cables?
The different colors of RCA cables signify which channel the cable is carrying. For example, red RCA cables typically carry the right channel, while white RCA cables usually carry the left channel.
Do RCA Cables Have Positive and Negative?
Each cable has a positive (inner) and negative (outer). RCA uses coaxial cables.
Do Powered Speakers Need an Amp?
No, powered speakers do not need an amp. Instead, they have a built-in amplifier that powers the speaker.
Do Powered Speakers Need a Receiver?
No, powered speakers do not need a receiver. Instead, they typically have a built-in amplifier and preamp.
How Do You Install an RCA Converter?
The installation will vary depending on the model of the RCA converter. Please consult the instruction manual for your specific device.
How Do I Connect My RCA to My Powered Speakers?
Connect the RCA cables to the speaker output of your audio source. Then, insert the other end of the RCA cables to the input of your speakers.
Are Gold-Plated RCA Cables Better?
There is no definitive answer as to whether gold-plated RCA cables are better. Some people believe that gold-plated cables provide a better connection, while others find no difference in performance.
Can You Use an RCA Speaker Cable With a Core Cable System?
You can use RCA speaker cables with a core speaker cable system. You should use an adapter that converts the RCA speaker cable to the correct connector for your core speaker cable system.
My Line Output Converter Has Four Speaker Wires and Two RCA Plugs, but Only One More Wire Comes Out. What Is This Wire?
The extra wire from the converter is for the ground connection.
My Power Cable Touched the Speaker’s Output and Now Is Not Working Unless I Wrap a Wire Around the RCA Output To Input; Then It Works Well; What Do I Need To Do?
If this problem occurs, you likely fused/burned out the ground connection to the RCA. You will need to get a repair done to see what happened inside the amp.
Closing Thoughts on Speaker To RCA Converters
The right RCA converter is a matter of personal choice. There are several good examples on this list that you can use. All you have to do is consider your personal situation and what type of RCA converter works best for you, perhaps you need the RCA to HDMI converter or a RGB to HDMI converter. There is no right or wrong answer, just the best solution for your needs.