Loudspeaker cable connects an amplifier to a pair of passive loudspeakers and carries the amplified electrical signal that drives the speakers. Choosing a suitable cable does not need to be complicated, but factors such as cable length, conductor thickness and the connections on your equipment should be considered.

One of the most important considerations is the thickness, or gauge, of the cable. A thicker conductor has lower electrical resistance than a thinner one, which becomes increasingly important as the distance between the amplifier and loudspeaker increases. For short cable runs in a typical home hi-fi system, a reasonably substantial loudspeaker cable will usually be sufficient, while longer runs may benefit from thicker cable.

Copper is the most commonly used conductor material in loudspeaker cables because it combines good electrical conductivity with reasonable cost. Oxygen-free copper, often referred to as OFC, is widely used in hi-fi cables. Some cables use silver-plated copper or other conductor designs, although the use of more expensive materials does not automatically guarantee better sound.

Cable length should also be considered. Ideally, loudspeaker cables should be long enough to reach the speakers comfortably without being stretched or placed under tension. Excessively long cables are unnecessary and increase resistance, so it generally makes sense to use an appropriate length for the installation.

The impedance of the loudspeakers can influence cable choice. Lower-impedance speakers draw more current from the amplifier, making low cable resistance more important. A sufficiently thick cable is therefore particularly useful when connecting low-impedance loudspeakers or when using long cable runs.

Loudspeaker cables can be connected using bare wire, banana plugs or spade connectors depending on the terminals provided by the amplifier and speakers. Bare wire provides a simple connection, while banana plugs and spade connectors can make connecting and disconnecting equipment easier and provide a secure, tidy installation.

It is also important to maintain the correct polarity when connecting loudspeakers. The positive terminal on the amplifier should connect to the positive terminal on the speaker, with the negative terminals connected in the same way. Loudspeaker cable normally includes markings that make it easy to identify the two conductors.

For most hi-fi systems, the priority should be a well-made cable with adequate conductor thickness, suitable connectors and the correct length. There is little benefit in choosing a cable purely because it is expensive. A properly specified loudspeaker cable should provide a reliable, low-resistance connection between the amplifier and loudspeakers without unnecessarily complicating the system.