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Willie Greer - July 5, 2021
The best subwoofer cable will ensure a stable connection and optimal bass sounds. Not only that, but you need it to be durable and well-shielded. How can you ensure your money is going to a product that won’t end up maximizing signal loss or break within just the first few days? Follow our audio experts’ subwoofer cable review to find out.
- Assembled in the USA
- Double braid copper shielding
- Rated CM
- Taversoe crimp RCA plugs
- Cold-fused gold plating
- Copper conductor
- 56-strand outer-shield
- Cotton jacket RFI shield
- Ideal for HiFi systems
- Corrosion-resistant 24K gold-plated
- Eliminates feedback
- AmazonBasics warranty
Reviews of the Best Subwoofer Cables
SVS SoundPath Premium RCA Subwoofer / Audio Cable
The engineering of the SVS SoundPath Subwoofer Cable is what impressed our team of experts. The cold-infused plating and the multi-strand high-purity copper center work together for the best bass audio relays. They are held by an aircraft-grade aluminum shell.
You will also notice that the exterior of the SVS Soundpath subwoofer cables is cotton-braided, making them very resistant to wear and tear. The braiding is also the 5th layer of protection of the RFI shield. The constant pulling and plugging in of the cable will not damage the exterior.
What We Like
- Engineered with care and precision
- Cold infused plating
- Multi-strand high-purity copper center
- Aircraft-grade aluminum shell
- Cotton braided RFI shielding
- Nominal impedance of 110 ohms
- Rejects RF and electromagnetic interference
What We Don't Like
- Can still damage with very rough use
- Pay has a popping noise when plugging in
Blue Jeans Cable LC-1
The Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 is assembled in the USA. It takes care of all the low-frequency signals without interference for crystal clear bass output. Thanks to the heavy double-braid bare copper shielding, the subwoofer cable will eliminate the hum you hear from other lesser products.
If you’re looking for an in-wall installation for your subwoofer setup, this audiophile subwoofer cable is an excellent choice as it is CM-rated. This rating is far superior to the CL2 or CL3 rating for durability and safety.
The connection to your sound system, stereo receivers, and other audio devices will be very secure with the taversoe crimp RCA plugs.
What We Like
- Assembled in the USA
- Double-braid bare copper shielding
- Excellent for in-wall installation
- Hooks up securely to your audio system
- Durable sub cable with CM rating
- Comes in a black and white jacket
- Works with Denon’s Audyssey Calibration System
What We Don't Like
- You may hear a hum if it isn’t plugged in all the way
- Only the 10-foot option
AmazonBasics Subwoofer Cable
AmazonBasics features many home necessities, and subwoofer cables for your sound systems are one of them. This best subwoofer cable is a 1 male to 2 male RCA audio cable that can handle the load for high-fidelity systems.
There are 2 RCA outputs and 1 RCA mono input for digital audio content and subwoofer bass. The metal connections are made with luxurious corrosion-resistant 24K gold with equally deluxe-looking colored connectors that make it easy to match the ports.
The AmazonBasics Subwoofer Cable will successfully eliminate noise, feedback, and signal loss for audio signals.
What We Like
- Offers a very secure connection for a home theater
- Optimizes signal transfer
- Strong signal transmission
- Great for passive or powered subwoofer
- Minimizes sound distortion
- Cable features 24K gold-plated RCA connectors
- 1-year warranty for this subwoofer audio cable
- 2 male to 2 male options available
- Affordable price
What We Don't Like
- May not relay 60Hz and below
- Touching the cable could drop out the audio
EMK Subwoofer Cable
These beautiful subwoofer cables from EMK have universal compatibility for devices from your CD player with analog signals to modern home theater devices. The signal transfer is optimized for induced low-frequency noise.
The premium sound quality is due to the polished metal molding and 24K gold-plated RCA connectors with split-tip center pins. These materials and construction also boost pressure handling and conductivity for the best subwoofer output compared to other cables.
The EMK Subwoofer Cable impressed our audio team with the dielectric insulation, 2 layers of foil shielding, and a copper-clad conductor that won’t exhibit any interference.
What We Like
- 18-month warranty for digital subwoofer cabl
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Longer lifespan than most subwoofer cables
- Boosts the audio signal
- Minimizes signal interference
- Exceptional materials and construction
- Can work with composite video interfaces
What We Don't Like
- Not very thick
- Not longer than 10 feet
Mediabridge ULTRA Series Subwoofer Cable
The Mediabridge Ultra Series Subwoofer Cable is an excellent match for audio components in your home theater. They are one of the best RCA cables not only for the fantastic sound quality but because they ensure low loss and have a split-tip center pin that is the best for high contact pressure.
The Mediabridge Ultra Series RCA cable is reliable for connecting subwoofers to the rest of your setup. It features dual shielding with 2 layers of foil, dielectric insulation, and maximum protection against EMI. The flexible PVC jacket allows for some rigidity but with enough give for easy handling.
What We Like
- Wide spectrum coaxial cable
- Produces low-loss, low-frequency signals
- Aluminum foil shielding
- Flexible PVC is excellent for hard to access ports
- Split-tip center
- Reliable RCA cable for strong subwoofer connection
What We Don't Like
- Best if kept straight and flat
- Very tight plug
Subwoofer Cables Buyer’s Guide
What should you look for in the best subwoofer cables or speaker cables? Is it just the durability of the RCA connectors, or is there more to it? Our audio engineers have outlined the essential features to consider when looking for an RCA cable.
Design
The first feature to consider is the design. Whether it’s an analog audio cable or one for digital content, the design will determine how well the RCA cable fits into your system. The type of subwoofer cable you should choose for your home system will depend on the type of sub you have. Do you need splitters for dual subwoofer outputs? If so, then you will need to purchase a splitter.
Material and Durability
The best subwoofer cable is one that may be subject to a lot of wear. This is when the material comes in. The material the cable features will decide the durability as well. No matter what consumers buy, our sound experts know whether a product can stand the test of time is vital for most.
The subwoofer cable needs to handle the constant pulling and plugging, which is why 24K gold-plated options for the connectors and split tips will provide a tight hold. PVC and heavy-duty rubber make excellent cable exteriors, like the Mediabridge subwoofer cable, because they are resistant to wear and tear.
Our audio team says finding the key between rigidity and flexibility for the coaxial cable might take time. You want the subwoofer cable to be bendable and easy to manage, especially if you intend on coiling or meandering the speaker wire through your setup.
Audio cables that are too rigid will not be simple to handle. On the other hand, our team cautions that RCA cables that are too flexible will easily bend and interfere with the audio quality.
The Mediabridge Ultra Series subwoofer cable is an excellent example of a pliable exterior but is also stiff enough to remain taut if necessary.
(Looking for the best material for your subs? Then, you can check our top wood ideal to use for subwoofer box here)
Thickness
Thickness can be a concern for many people as there is the impression that a thin subwoofer cable is not as sturdy. Although this is true to some extent, our sonic engineers still place importance on the materials used. Keep in mind that the thickness will also affect the workability of the subwoofer cable around obstacles.
In other words, a thinner cable is usually more pliable, while a thicker one is usually stiffer.
Length
Many consumers focus on the construction and materials of the best subwoofer cable that they forget about the length. Depending on how your room and sound system are being set up, people will need different cable lengths.
Our team has many options that have varying reaches, so it’s important to consider which is the best one for you.
Some of you may think that purchasing a longer cable just in case you require multi-channel duties, but our experts advise against that. You will be left with a ton of extra cable just coiling around the place, which could be a tripping hazard. Not to mention, it can be an eyesore.
Having lots of leftover cables can also get in the way of the placement and the overall setup of your entertainment room.
The electrical signals will also need to travel further through the RCA ports, which isn’t ideal for precise audio quality. It would be best to purchase the perfect length needed for your system.
Conductors
The conductors are usually located in the center of the subwoofer cable and are sometimes referred to as the core. It’s a contact point for the audio signal from the source device to your speakers.
Subpar subwoofer cables will usually transmit signal frequencies slower than well-made products. Copper conductors are preferred for speed, and reliability plus they are very lightweight. Our experts say durability is also a consideration for the conductors.
Look for corrosion-resistant subwoofer cables like the Mediabridge Ultra Series subwoofer cable, for example. Don’t think that all conductors made of copper are the same because some brands may use innovative methods to enhance the conductivity, such as oxygen-free copper.
Shielding
Shielding is more than crucial for the sound quality of the audio cable. Properly shielded subwoofer cables can prevent RF interference, radio frequency interference, and more.
Aluminum braiding is our top choice for subwoofer cable shielding, and the more layers it has, the better. The shielding also ties into the thickness of the cable because an audio cable that is too thin will usually have less shielding than a thicker one.
Sub cables can offer more than just one form of shielding, and some can provide many layers. Of course, if you want top-quality cables that can guarantee protection against any sort of signal tampering, choose one that has multiple layers of defense.
RCA vs Coaxial Cables
Is there a difference between RCA and coaxial cables? Let’s start by breaking down what RCA cables are. RCA cables have slowly become obsolete, making way for the far more efficient HDMI [1].
RCA types have separate cables for audio and video, while HDMI consolidates the two functions – hence why they are referred to as a one-cable connection. The term RCA refers to the RCA connectors and not the cable.
Coaxial cables are more common than RCA, and we use them for devices such as satellite receivers. They are affordable, easy to install and use, and can handle high data loads. That’s not to say there are no disadvantages because they are more susceptible to the constant humming sound.
Traditionally, an RCA wire lacks the shielding coaxial cables can offer, and they cannot handle the load the latter can. They may look the same outside, but the inner workings, such as the conductor, set them apart with coaxial cables as our team’s preferred and recommended option.
(Looking for the ideal way to synchronize your wired connections? Well, you can also check top-quality home theater power managers we listed here)
FAQ
Does a subwoofer need a special cable?
Yes, a subwoofer needs a special cable if you want to get the best sound. Frequently, manufacturers use RCA as subwoofer cables, but some may add special features like better shielding. The subwoofer cable you choose will depend on your subwoofer type and the rest of your system to determine.
Does a good subwoofer cable make a difference?
Yes, a good subwoofer cable will make a difference. The difference is anything but nominal. Better shielding, durability, the right length, solid conductors, and secure connectors will distinguish between precise bass and disappointing relays. For crystal clear bass without hums and buzzing, pick a good subwoofer cable.
What type of cable is used for subwoofer?
The type of cable you can use can be coaxial or RCA cable for the subwoofer. The type will depend on your subwoofer connections, but the two are often interchangeable. Picking a thick and sturdy cable for your home theater bass will make all the difference. We suggest looking for one that is adequately shielded with wear-resistant materials.
Our Top Pick For a Subwoofer Cable:
SVS Soundpath Subwoofer Cable
Our audio experts have chosen the SVS SoundPath as the best subwoofer cable on the market. It was no easy choice, but the sound quality, engineering, and easy handling are what won us over. The SVS SoundPath Subwoofer Cable comes with cold-infused gold plating, a copper conductor, and a heavy-duty exterior protecting against scuffing and shields from interference.
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