Audio cables

Audio cables cover everything that carries sound between devices: 3.5 mm jack leads, RCA (phono) cables, XLR microphone cables, optical Toslink cables, splitters and adapters. They suit home users, musicians and AV installers. Our range includes Shiverpeaks, S-CONN, InLine, Delock and Hama, among others.

How to choose an audio cable

Connector type. Check the sockets on both devices before anything else. Headphones and phones usually use a 3.5 mm jack, hi-fi equipment commonly uses RCA, and stage and studio gear tends to use XLR or 6.3 mm jack connectors. If the ends differ, look for a cable with the right plugs on each side or a separate adapter.

Analogue or digital. Analogue cables (jack, RCA, XLR) carry the sound as an electrical signal. Optical Toslink cables carry digital audio as light, which makes them useful for connecting a TV, games console or CD player to a soundbar or receiver and keeps them free from electrical interference. Your device must have the matching output and input.

Balanced or unbalanced. Balanced connections, usually XLR or TRS jack, cancel out much of the interference picked up along the cable. They matter for microphones and for long runs in studios or on stage. For a short link between a laptop and desktop speakers, an ordinary unbalanced stereo cable is normally enough.

Length. Choose a length that reaches comfortably without tight bends or strain on the plugs. Longer unbalanced analogue cables are more prone to hum and noise, so avoid buying far more length than you need. Running audio cables away from mains cables also helps.

Build quality. Look at the shielding, the strain relief where the cable meets the plug and the plug material. Gold-plated contacts resist corrosion, which is useful for connections that stay in place for years. Stage cables that are plugged in and pulled out often benefit from sturdier plugs and a thicker, more flexible jacket.

Audio cable brands we carry

• Hama: a German accessories manufacturer, known for a broad line of everyday AV and audio connection cables and adapters for consumer electronics.
• Cordial: a German maker focused on professional audio cables, especially XLR microphone cables and instrument leads for stage and studio use.
• Kramer: known for professional AV signal distribution and switching, so its cables suit installations in meeting rooms and venues.
• Kindermann: a German specialist in presentation and conference AV technology, including switchers and extenders for boardroom setups.

Also in our range: Shiverpeaks, S-CONN, InLine, Delock, Wentronic, VivoLink, Microconnect and Lindy.

Audio cables FAQ

What is the difference between RCA and 3.5 mm audio cables?

RCA cables use two separate plugs, usually red and white, one for each stereo channel. A 3.5 mm cable carries both channels through a single small plug. Many cables combine the two, with a 3.5 mm plug at one end and two RCA plugs at the other, to connect a phone or computer to an amplifier.

Does a more expensive audio cable sound better?

Not necessarily. For short home connections, a correctly made cable with sound shielding and well-fitted plugs performs the same as most dearer alternatives. Higher prices make more sense for long runs, balanced connections or frequent use on stage, where durability and interference rejection count.

Which cable do I need to connect a TV to a soundbar?

It depends on the sockets. If both have an optical Toslink port, an optical cable is a simple option. If not, use HDMI ARC where available, or an analogue 3.5 mm or RCA cable. Check the manual for the soundbar and TV to see which inputs they support.

Can I use a microphone cable as an instrument cable?

Usually not. XLR microphone cables are balanced and carry a low-level signal, while instrument cables are normally unbalanced with 6.3 mm jack plugs and are built for high-impedance sources such as guitars. The plugs also differ. Use the cable type designed for the equipment you are connecting.