FAQ Search Results
Does power cable length or gauge matter?
Yes. Longer cables or high-current components benefit from thicker conductors (e.g., 2.5mm² or 12AWG) to maintain low resistance and voltage stability.
Why is shielding important in analogue cables?
Shielding protects the signal from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, ensuring your audio remains clean and free from hum or buzz.
Do high-quality analogue interconnects make a noticeable difference?
Yes. Well-designed interconnects with quality materials and shielding can improve clarity, reduce noise, and deliver more natural sound reproduction.
What’s the difference between coaxial (S/PDIF) and AES/EBU digital audio cables?
Coaxial S/PDIF uses RCA or BNC connectors with 75-ohm impedance, while AES/EBU is balanced and uses XLR connectors with 110-ohm impedance. AES/EBU typically offers better noise rejection for professional and high-end systems.
Cable lengths please
The Audioquest NRG-X2 mains cable is available in 1 , 2 and 3 metre lengths
What’s the difference between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1?
HDMI 2.1 offers significantly higher bandwidth than HDMI 2.0 (48Gbps vs 18Gbps), supporting 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz, Dynamic HDR, and advanced gaming features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These upgrades provide smoother visuals and better sound when used with compatible devices.
Do I need an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for 4K/120Hz or 8K content?
Yes. Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are certified to handle the full 48Gbps bandwidth required for 4K/120Hz and 8K signals. They also ensure compatibility with features like eARC and Dynamic HDR for optimal performance.
How long can an HDMI cable be before signal loss occurs?
Passive HDMI cables typically work up to 5–7m without issues. For longer runs, use active HDMI or fibre optic HDMI cables, which maintain full 4K/8K signal integrity over extended distances.
Is HDMI backward compatible with older versions and DVI connections?
Yes. HDMI is backward compatible, meaning newer cables work with older HDMI devices. With adapters, HDMI can also connect to DVI, though DVI does not carry audio.
Can HDMI carry both high-resolution video and audio formats like Dolby Atmos?
Absolutely. HDMI transmits both digital video and multi-channel audio, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, through a single cable for a clean, high-fidelity connection.
Can digital audio cables transmit high-resolution formats?
Yes. Both coaxial and AES/EBU cables can handle 24-bit/192kHz audio, while optical cables may be limited to 24-bit/96kHz depending on the device.
What’s the difference between RCA and XLR analogue cables?
RCA cables carry unbalanced signals, while XLR cables carry balanced signals that reject noise and interference. XLR is preferred for longer runs and professional-grade audio systems.
What’s the benefit of using a true 75-ohm digital cable?
Using a true 75-ohm coaxial digital cable maintains impedance consistency and reduces signal reflections that can introduce jitter and distortion.
Are upgraded power cables better than the standard cables supplied with hi-fi equipment?
Standard power cables are designed to meet safety regulations at low cost, not to optimise audio performance. Upgraded power cables use higher-quality conductors, improved shielding, and better connectors to reduce interference and improve current delivery.
In resolving systems, this can result in clearer detail, improved dynamics, and a more stable soundstage. While the effect varies by system, power cables often become more beneficial as the overall quality of the equipment increases.
Does cable quality affect digital audio performance?
Yes, but not in the same way as analogue cables. High-quality digital cables minimise jitter and ensure stable signal transfer, preserving timing accuracy and reducing noise.
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