Precision Stereo Audio Cables from Blue Jeans Cable

component video - s-video - rgbhv - rf - composite - a/v - dvi & hdmi
digital audio - stereo audio - multichannel audio - balanced audio - subwoofer - speaker

Stereo Audio Cables

Stereo audio cables are at the heart of every audio/video setup. Not only are they needed for hooking regular audio components to one another, but they're also needed as an accompaniment to video-only cables like S-Video and Component. We offer these cables in a wide variety of lengths and will cut to custom lengths also.

The Cable: Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 Low Capacitance Audio Cable

The most important attributes of a line-level unbalanced audio cable are (1) shielding, and (2) capacitance. Heavy shielding protects audio signals from interference from outside sources. LC-1 Audio Cable uses a heavy double-braid shield, with one bare copper braid laid directly over another for extreme high coverage and high conductivity to ground; this is the identical shield configuration to Canare LV-77S, which tested best in our review of audio cable hum rejection characteristics (LC-1 hadn't been designed yet so wasn't tested at that time). By shrinking the center conductor to 25 AWG and foaming the polyethylene dielectric, we were able to get capacitance down to an extremely low 12.2 pF/ft, much better than LV-77S at 21 pF/ft. Capacitance can be important, particularly in long cable runs, because it contributes to rolloff of higher frequencies. The softer dielectric material and smaller center conductor, meanwhile, make the cable highly flexible and easy to route. LC-1 is built exclusively for Blue Jeans Cable by Belden, the world leader in communications cable, and is rated CM for in-wall installation in residential and commercial environments. For more information and specs on LC-1, read our "LC-1 Design Notes" article.

The Connectors: Canare RCAPs

Connectors are a critical part of any audio cable, because if the coax isn't well-joined to the connectors, or if the connectors don't make firm electrical contact with the jacks, it doesn't much matter how good the coax is. For excellent electrical performance and mechanical solidity and contact, there is no better RCA plug than the Canare RCAP. Its all-metal body, crimped tightly to the coax braid, completes the shielding assembly from cable end to cable end, to ensure that the cables do not become an entry point for noise. But it's at the point of contact with the equipment jacks that these connectors really shine. Instead of just adding gold plating to the original 1930's plug design, like so many manufacturers do, Canare has engineered these plugs to make tight, electrically and mechanically sound contact with the jacks by building in a unique system of inner spring contacts within the outer connector body--these "internal pressure contact fingers," partly visible in the closeup photo at right, grip the jack firmly without excessive tightness. And yes, the Canare RCAPs are gold-plated--not on the outside for show, but on the contact surfaces, where gold plating ensures a no-corrosion, highly-conductive contact. View Canare's description and specs for the RCAP plugs.

We hand-cut and terminate each of these cables ourselves, using Canare tooling, so we know they're done right and tested before they go out. We think you'll be impressed with their performance; but we also offer a complete, unconditional return privilege. If for any reason--or for no reason--you're not completely, utterly satisfied, just return the cables within 30 days and we'll refund your purchase price in full.

Other Alternatives:

Different Coaxes:

In addition to our standard LC-1/Canare RCAP configuration, we can supply audio cables in any of a number of different cable types, each matched with an appropriately-sized Canare RCAP plug. For a complete list of the cables we carry, click here.

Belden 1505F:

Belden 1505F is another excellent choice for analog audio; it is smaller in profile than LC-1 (.242 inch diameter versus .305), has double-braid shielding, and is higher in capacitance (17 pF/ft) but lower in price. View the technical specs for Belden 1505F.

Canare LV-61S:

Canare LV-61S is a somewhat more flexible, less heavily-shielded cable, popular primarily because of its high flexibility and lower price. Capacitance is higher than 1505F and shield effectiveness is lower, but the cable is economical and will perform well in most applications.

Belden 1694A Coax:

Belden 1694A is also a superb choice for analogue audio; its foil/braid shield, though slightly less effective at excluding low-frequency EMI than 1505F's double braid shield, provides better RFI rejection, so 1694A may provide better shielding performance if you are beset with RFI issues. 1694A is an RG-6 type solid-core coax, and so is somewhat thicker and stiffer than 1505F. View Belden's technical specs for 1694A.

A variety of other cable types are also available, each matched with an appropriately-sized Canare RCAP plug. For a complete list, click here to see all the cables we currently offer.

Multiple Cable Colours:

Our LC-1 cables are available in black or white, while Belden 1505F cables are available in eight different colours, and 1694A is available in ten different colours. The option box below for cable colour controls the colour of the cable jacket only; regardless of the cable colour choice, the strain relief boots on the cables will be coded red and white.

Techflex Braided Cable Jacket:

All of our cable sets above will be delivered as two separate cables of identical length. However, if you prefer cables which are grouped together in a common jacket, we also offer Techflex, a black plastic braided covering similar to a "finger trap," for audio cables up to 7 metres in length. Techflex adds approximately £2 per metre to the cost of any cable assembly.

Shipping:

All cables ship from the U.S. by International Priority Mail, with average delivery time of 6-10 business days, and may be subject to VAT and customs charges on receipt; for more detail, see our shipping/taxes and duties page.

To Order:

To see pricing, fill in your cable length in metres, select any applicable options, and the price will display to the right. To purchase, click "add to basket." For a list of prices of these cables in various lengths, see our stereo audio price table.