Audio cables and adapters for connecting speakers, headphones, amplifiers, sound cards and monitors with analogue audio inputs. The range covers 3.5 mm and 2.5 mm jack leads, RCA cables and banana plug speaker cables from brands such as EQUIP, LogiLink, Qoltec and Manhattan. It suits home users, office setups and installers who need the right connector at the right length.
How to choose audio cables and adapters
Connector type. Match both ends to the ports you actually have. A 3.5 mm jack is the usual headphone and line socket on laptops, PCs and phones, while 2.5 mm is a smaller plug found on some headsets and compact devices. RCA (two plugs for left and right) is common on hi-fi amplifiers and TVs, and banana plugs are used on speaker terminals. Our range includes all of these.
Male or female ends. A male end is the plug, a female end is the socket. A male-to-male lead joins two devices, whereas a male-to-female cable works as an extension or adapter that gives you a socket where you need one. Both versions are in our range, so check which end each device needs before ordering.
Cable length. Lengths in our range run from a 0.2 m adapter lead to cables of 5 m, 10 m, 20 m and 25 m. Measure the route along the wall or desk rather than the straight distance, and add some slack. Analogue signals pick up interference more easily over long runs, so for lengths beyond a few metres a well-shielded cable is worth having.
Signal cable or speaker cable. A line-level cable with jack or RCA plugs carries a low-level signal between source and amplifier. A cable ending in banana plugs is made to carry amplifier output to passive speakers. They are not interchangeable, so pick the type that matches where in the audio chain you are connecting.
Audio cable brands we carry
- EQUIP: the largest group in this category, covering everyday audio leads and adapters for computers and AV equipment.
- StarTech.com: known for connectivity accessories aimed at IT professionals and office installations.
- Lindy: a company with German roots that specialises in AV and IT connection products.
- Kindermann: a German maker of presentation and conference room connection technology.
- ATEN: best known for KVM switches and professional AV signal management.
- Digitus: a brand of ASSMANN Electronic, best known for network and connection cabling.
Also in our range: LogiLink, Qoltec, Manhattan, Cablexpert, Delock and Good Connections.
Frequently asked questions about audio cables and adapters
What is the difference between a 3.5 mm and a 2.5 mm audio jack?
The difference is the plug diameter. A 3.5 mm jack is the standard size for headphones and line connections on most computers and phones, while a 2.5 mm plug is smaller and found on some headsets and specialist devices. They do not fit each other's sockets without an adapter.
How do I connect a 3.5 mm headphone output to RCA inputs?
Use a cable or adapter with a 3.5 mm plug on one end and two RCA plugs on the other. The 3.5 mm plug goes into the headphone or line output, and the two RCA plugs go into the left and right inputs of the amplifier or speakers. Set the volume low at first, because a headphone output can be loud at line level.
Can I use an RCA cable to connect speakers?
No, speakers that connect to an amplifier's speaker terminals need speaker cable, often fitted with banana plugs. RCA cables carry a low-level signal and are not built for amplifier output power. Powered speakers with RCA or jack inputs are the exception, since they have their own built-in amplifier.
How long can an analogue audio cable be?
Short runs of a few metres usually cause no audible problems. Longer cables, such as those of 10 m or more, are more exposed to interference and signal loss, so choose a shielded cable and keep it away from mains cables. Our range includes lengths up to 25 m for larger rooms and installations.
