Effects of cable length on Hi-Fi systems

In the world of audiophilia, sound quality is a top priority. Hi-fi enthusiasts devote significant time and resources in the search for the best components to achieve flawless sound reproduction. One of the elements often discussed, but sometimes overlooked, is cable length. The effects of Hi-Fi cable length (which, let's remember, does not sound) can significantly affect the quality of the signal transmitted by a system's components. In principle, the shorter the cable the better, however, there are cases when this is not the case and sometimes it is better to focus on the quality of the cable rather than its length. This article will explore how and why cable length can affect Hi-Fi systems, examining both power and INTERCONNECT and speaker cables.

Before delving into the effects of cable length, it is important to understand some basics. Cables, regardless of their use, have resistance, capacitance and inductance. These three parameters affect the quality of the transmitted audio signal. Resistance opposes the flow of electric current, capacitance can cause losses INTERCONNECT at high frequencies, and inductance can cause variations in signal behavior.

Power cords are crucial in providing stable and clean electrical power to Hi-Fi components. Although you might not think that the length of the power cord has much impact, it can actually affect sound quality. Cables that are too long can introduce noise and interference, which can degrade the quality of the power supply. This noise can infiltrate audio component circuits, resulting in less clear and defined sound.
In addition, the resistance of power cords increases with length. Higher resistance can cause a voltage drop, reducing the efficiency of the power supply. Therefore, keeping power cords as short as possible is generally recommended to minimize these issues. However, if the power cables are very short, it means that the distance between the power source and the power stages is small, so interference can penetrate the devices by bypassing the cable. It is very important to have shielded cables and connectors.

Cables INTERCONNECT transmit audio between different components of the Hi-Fi system, such as the CD player and amplifier. The length of these cables can affect the quality of the transmitted signal. Longer cables tend to have higher capacitance, which can cause INTERCONNECT losses at high frequencies, reducing sound quality.
In addition, longer cables INTERCONNECT are more susceptible to picking up electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). These interferences can introduce unwanted noise into the audio signal, compromising the purity of sound. Using high-quality shielded cables and keeping the length to the minimum necessary can help mitigate these effects. The quality of connectors is also very important. In some cases, digital connections do not digest cables that are too short, and while rare as an event, it is still worth considering when the digital connection gives problems under a meter in length.

Speaker cables are critical for carrying the amplified signal from the amplifier to the speakers. Again, the length of the cable plays a significant role. Longer cables have greater resistance, which can affect the strength of the signal reaching the acoustic speakers. This can result in lower efficiency and signal attenuation, particularly at high frequencies.
In addition, the inductance of speaker cables increases with length, which can alter the frequency response of the system, especially at higher frequencies. Therefore, to maintain optimal sound quality, it is advisable to use Speaker cables that are as short as possible and of adequate quality.

The quality of cable materials plays a crucial role in determining the impact of cable length on Hi-Fi systems. Cables made from high-quality materials, such as MARC copper Ricable, tend to have lower resistance and better conductivity, thus reducing the negative effects of length. In addition, the use of advanced shielding techniques can help minimize external interference while maintaining signal purity.

Although the effects of the length of a Hi-Fi cable can affect sound quality, it is important to consider the practical context. In home Hi-Fi systems, it is often necessary to strike a balance between ideal cable length and the physical arrangement of components. For example, it may be necessary to use longer cables to reach remotely placed acoustic speakers. In such cases, opting for high-quality, properly shielded cables can help mitigate negative effects.
As mentioned earlier, there is a downside: in fact, the distance between the equipment (and the distance of the equipment from the power source) severely limits the possibility of electromagnetic pollution that can let interference into the audio stream due to proximity. Sometimes it is much better to have good spacing between electronics and consequently longer cables than the other way around.
To give you a yardstick, we leave you with a few tips and some practical lengths:

• if by necessity I have to decide between having longer INTERCONNECT cable or speaker cable, it is always better to have the speaker cable because it is less prone to interference;
• if I have the possibility, it is better to use the wall outlet rather than a multisocket, because wall outlets are naturally shielded by concrete; otherwise, get a well-shielded multisocket;
• if I have to pull very long cables for home cinema speakers, install a dedicated conduit in the wall where the cable is not in direct contact with other cables.

The recommended lengths, in conclusion, are:

• Cables INTERCONNECT: 1-2 meters
• Power cables: 1-2.5 meters
• Speaker cables: 2-3 meters

In conclusion, the effects of the length of a Hi-Fi cable can have a significant impact; therefore, it is something to be weighed well. It makes no sense to have unnecessary meters of cable in the system, but neither does it make sense to develop the system thinking that the length of the cable should be the absolute shortest, because even then, as we have seen, there are drawbacks.
Ultimately, the quest for perfect sound is a personal journey for every audiophile. Understanding how cable length affects Hi-Fi systems is an important step toward optimizing one's listening experience. Our advice is always the usual: if you have doubts or concerns, it is best to ask those who, like us, build cables and understand the right mediation point between length and need. We conclude the article by inviting you, as usual, to consult our catalog.