Quick answer
A speaker cable carries the amplifier's output to your speakers with as little loss as possible. For most systems, the upgrade that matters most is moving from thin, generic wire to a properly sized, well terminated cable. Beyond that, the gains are smaller and depend on your system, so sort out your speakers, amplifier and room first. PRO FX now carries Profigold speaker cables, alongside Chord Company cables, for listeners who are ready for that next step.
What a speaker cable actually does
Your amplifier sends an electrical current to your speakers, and the cable is the road it travels on. A good cable adds as little resistance as possible, stays firmly connected at both ends, and holds up over the length of the run. It cannot add anything to the music. At best, it takes less away.
What matters when choosing one
Conductor thickness. Thicker conductors have less resistance. Thickness is shown either as a cross section in square millimetres or as a gauge (AWG), where a lower number means a thicker conductor.
Length. The longer the run, the more resistance, so longer runs need thicker cable. Keep runs as short as is practical, and keep the left and right runs the same length where you can.
Construction. How the conductors are made and insulated affects durability, flexibility and how well the cable resists corrosion over the years.
Terminations. Loose bare strands are a common cause of poor connection and occasional short circuits. Banana plugs or spade connectors give a firmer, tidier fit.
Fit for the system. A small desktop setup and a large floorstanding system do not need the same cable.
When an upgrade is worth it
You are still using thin wire that came free in a box, or the cheapest wire available.
You have long runs, for example across a room or to rear speakers, on thin cable.
Your current cable is frayed, corroded, or the ends are loose bare wire.
Your system is already well set up and you want to fine tune it.
You are building a new installation with cable going into walls or ceilings. Decide before the walls are closed, because replacing it later is expensive.
When it is not the right place to spend
Your speakers are badly positioned or the room is untreated. Fix those first.
The real weak link is the amplifier or the speakers.
You are expecting a dramatic transformation. Cable changes are usually subtle, and the first step up from basic wire is the most noticeable.
Where Profigold fits
Profigold is a recent addition to the PRO FX portfolio offering options for different systems and budgets. The right cable depends on your speakers, your amplifier, the length of the run and whether the cable will sit inside a wall. Tell us those four things and we will recommend something sensible, including when the answer is that you do not need to change anything yet.
Frequently asked questions
Do speaker cables make a difference? Yes, but mostly at the extremes. Moving from thin or damaged wire to a properly sized, well made cable is worthwhile. Beyond that, improvements are smaller and more system dependent.
How thick should my speaker cable be? It depends on the length of the run and your speakers. Longer runs need thicker cable. If you are unsure, send us the run length and speaker details and we will suggest a size.
Should I buy one long cable and cut it? Cut cables to the length you need and avoid coiling large amounts of spare cable. Left and right runs should match in lengths where possible.
Are speaker cables the same as the cable between source and amplifier? No. Speaker cables carry a current from the amplifier to the speakers. Interconnects carry a low level signal between components, and they have different design priorities.
Will upgrading my cables fix a harsh or boomy sound? Usually not. Harshness and boom are more often caused by room acoustics and speaker placement.
Choosing cables for your system
Talk to the PRO FX team and we will help you choose Profigold or Chord Company cables that suit your speakers, amplifier and room.