Subwoofer Cables vs RCA Cables

Subwoofer cables and RCA cables are used in the connection of various components in your audio and visual multimedia set up. Subwoofer cables are used specifically to provide a deeper base sound that is important for certain types of movies and television shows. The subwoofer is a speaker component that is used to accomplish this and is connected to the multimedia center. The RCA cables, which derive their name from the Radio Corporation of America are a series of red, green and blue wires that are commonly used with stereos and other components that are added to a multimedia or home theater center. These cables connect the audio, visual and other aspects of sound and sight for your home entertainment center. They are also used for video game consoles such as Playstation, Wii or X-box and are always found with any type of multimedia component that you purchase.

Purposes of RCA and Subwoofer Cables

Subwoofer cables and RCA cables serve to different functions with respect to your home entertainment system so this article is not as much a comparison of the 2 types of cables (as to which is preferable or better) but a discussion in very general terms about how RCA cables work and how subwoofer cables work.

Subwoofer Cables

Subwoofer cables are typically designed with a male end that is connected to a black plug. This cable can run from 6 feet to 100 feet and more in length. They are used to provide surround sound and other types of background sound that is embedded in a video or DVD presentation in which you are watching. Subwoofer cables can also be costly, running anywhere from $25 for a 6 foot length of cable to $125 and higher for 100 feet of cabling.

RCA Cables

RCA cables, which are also known as digital coaxial cables, are characterized by their multi-prong, multi-colored prongs. They are easy to hook up because most components have a color coded board that indicates which wire or prong is needed for the desired output. Typically, when using RCA cables, red is used for right analog composite video, white delivers the left analog composite video signal and blue provides a left surround video. Although RCA cables can provide some surround sound, they are an older delivery of video and audio that while still in use, are widely replaced by the newer subwoofer cables.

Choosing the Right Cable

If your home entertainment center component calls for the use of RCA cables, the color scheme on the back of the component will indicate this. If the component requires the use of subwoofer wires this too will be indicated by the type of component that is being used in the multimedia system. Either way you can ask more specific questions of a audio and visual technician who can provide you with the idea set-up for your home entertainment center, including the types of cable that work the best for the component being set up with the system.