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connectors in and between systems are vital. If
the connectors are not up to the task, the system as a
whole will underperform. The following are four
audio cables you should know about: |
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Speaker Cable |
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If you
unwittingly have an installer do long runs of cheap
speaker wire around the house you should not be
surprised when your audio signal quality is poor. Use
good speaker wire, and use properly shielded speaker
wire and make sure speaker wire going in the walls is
properly certified for that purpose. Standard speaker
wire is 12 or 14 gauge, which refers to the thickness of
the conductive material. |
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In Wall
Speaker Cable |
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Digital Coaxial |
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Digital audio connectors used primarily between CD
players/DVD players and amplification systems. |
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Component
Cables |
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Optical/Toslink |
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Digital audio connectors used primarily between CD
players/DVD players and amplification systems. |
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RCA |
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“Line
level” analog audio signal found on most audio
components. Usually in pairs, right and left, but
sometimes single, i.e., for a subwoofer. |
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RCA Cables |
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Surge
Protection and Power Conditioning |
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A
surge protector protects the microprocessors in
electronic components from the occasional surge of power
in a home. Power surges have many possible causes, both
in the home and outside. It is a good idea to use a
surge protector to protect your equipment.
Some
surge protectors also function as power conditioners. Among other things, power conditioners regulate the flow
of power to your equipment, which can improve sound and
prolong equipment life. This may be
particularly true on the East End of Long Island, where
the energy supply is not always smooth and many people
rely on occasional use of generators. |
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Power
Conditioner by Furman |
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Surge protection and power conditioning may
not get rid of certain hums and other annoyances.
Problematic high voltage, wiring configurations may be
to blame. Your A/V professional will be able to
help troubleshoot these and other issues that arise. |
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