Best RCA Cables 2020 for Perfect Car Audio Setup
May be the sound you are getting in your car is not what you expected yet the audio system looks great. So what could be the problem? Most probably, the cables that came with the car audio might need to be swapped with better RCA cables. Also, you might want to add an amplifier or subwoofer to your car for a better music experience. If this is the case, then you may have to invest in new RCA cables.
Basically, RCA cables are used to carry signals from the car audio player to the amp or subwoofer or from a car amp to the subwoofer and so on. Now that the market is full of different types of RCA cables, how would you know the best type to choose?
Well, we’ve got you covered. With this review, we’ve gathered the best RCA cables for car audio, thereby making it easier for you to choose. Read on for the best deals.
Top 8 Best RCA Cables Comparison Table
RCA Cable | Type of Connection | Type of Wire | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Better Cables RCA Cables [Overall best] | RCA to RCA | Silver + Copper | ||
RCA to RCA | Copper | |||
Hosa CMP-159 [Budget Friendly] | 3.5mm to RCA | Copper | ||
3.5mm to RCA | Copper | |||
3.5mm to RCA | Copper | |||
RCA to RCA | Copper | |||
RCA to RCA | Copper | |||
3.5mm to RCA | Copper |
How We Chose the Best RCA Cables for Use in Car Audio
Considering the fact that there’re dozens of RCA cables in the market, it becomes challenging to choose the best type for your car audio. We are aware of this challenge and that’s why we have come up with this review.
We chose the best RCA cables for use in car audio upon doing intensive research. We gathered reports from experts dealing with RCA cables for car music systems. We also reviewed findings from existing research done on different RCA cables.
In addition, we interviewed a good number of real users to find out the RCA cables they find best in their cars. From our thorough research and the reports we gathered, we were able to come up with a list of the 8 best RCA cables you would ever find for car audio.
The products reviewed here are only included on the basis of facts from experts, existing research and real users. Thus, from this review, you’ll rest assured that you’re investing in the best product.
1. Better Cables RCA Cables Overall Best
Better Cables boast of being a unique hybrid RCA cable made from a combination of both silver and copper. The hybrid delivers more efficient conductivity and reduced resistance. With no doubt, this unique hybrid makes Better Cables feature in this review. The hybrid eliminates the challenges associated with pure copper or silver RCA cables.
Features and Benefits of Better RCA Cables
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: If you really need an RCA cable for your car audio with high conductivity and minimal resistance, then you should add Best Cables RCA Cables in your shortlist. However, be ready to pay more for its quality features.
Why not check out this amazing Better Cables on amazon before it runs out of stock
2. Rockford Fosgate Twisted Pair
Rockford Fosgate is one of the leading manufacturers of car audio components. The manufacturer is not left behind when it comes to RCA cables. The Rockford Fosgate Twisted Pair is outstanding for delivering a highly clean audio signal. It’s designed to minimize noise in an audio signal, thereby delivering high quality sound.
Features and Benefits of Rockford Fosgate Twisted Pair
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: The Rockford Fosgate Twisted Pair is ideal for anyone who wants a lengthy RCA cable that delivers quality sound without the issues of noise. However, the cable is too lengthy for car audio setup where the amp or speakers are closely set together.
Looking for a lengthy RCA cable? Then checkout the Rockford Fosgate Twisted from the button below and enjoy its benefits.
3. Hosa CMP-159 - Best Budget
Hosa CMP-159 RCA cable is designed for quality and affordability. It’s actually one of the most readily available and affordable RCA cable without a compromise on the quality of sound it delivers. It’s built with hard work and high-quality, yet affordable material. Regardless of its affordability, it delivers high-quality audio signals.
Features and Benefits of Hosa CMP-159
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: The Hosa CMP-159 RCA cable is ideal for anyone looking for a quality, yet extremely affordable car audio RCA cable. However, it demands more care when handling and is not ideal for use in high traffic areas.
Grab this incredibly affordable Hosa CMP-159 RCA cable on Amazon while stocks last.
4. Mediabridge 3.5mm
Mediabridge 3.5mm is a single-male to two-male RCA adapter that is specially designed to connect mobile devices to a car audio system. It’s actually one of the best RCA cables for car audio that you can ever find. With this RCA cable, you can connect your portable device to your car audio receiver, amplifier or speakers. Thus, you can easily bring your mobile music to your car with this RCA cable.
Features and Benefits of Mediabridge 3.5mm Cables
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: Mediabridge 3.5mm RCA cable is ideal for anyone who wants to bring their mobile device music to their car and enjoy tight connections. However, remember that this cable can only get a signal from a 3.5mm jack.
Why not get this affordable Mediabridge 3.5mm on amazon right away and be part of other car owners enjoying its multiple benefits.
5. Audioquest Evergreen
The Audioquest Evergreen RCA cable has not been left behind by competing brands. This RCA cable stands out base a special type of air-filled insulation to keep the conductors protected from losing signals. This kind of shielding also ensures that the audio signals are not affected by external energy sources.
Features and Benefits of Audioquest Evergreen
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: The Audioquest Evergreen RCA cable is ideal for anyone who wants to eliminate the issue of noise in lower quality cables. It’s specially designed for quality sound but its tight fit is not ideal for frequent plugging and unplugging.
Why not check out more reviews for the Audioquest Evergreen RCA cable on amazon and get it right away!
6. KabelDirekt RCA Stereo Cable
KabelDirekt RCA cable stands out as a two channel cable that delivers quality audio signal for the right and left audio channels. It’s ideal for connecting signals from any car audio receiver to the speakers or amplifier. Moreover, it is designed for affordability.
Features and Benefits of KabelDirekt RCA Cable
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: If you are searching for a quality, yet affordable RCA cable that can connect your car audio receiver or stereo to a speaker or amp, then you should add the KabelDirekt RCA cable in your shortlist. However, the connectors may slip off easily in high traffic areas but are ideal for plugging in and out often without any issue.
Need a really affordable yet high-performance RCA cable? Then check out the KabelDirekt RCA cable right on amazon while stock lasts.
7. AmazonBasics
AmazonBasics RCA cable is built to connect either high or low frequencies. For instance, you can use it to connect to a low frequency car subwoofer or a high frequency car stereo. Since it comes with two male to two male connectors, its ideal for any HiFi car stereo with either left or right channels.
Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: Car owners looking for an RCA cable that can connect to both low and high frequencies should consider the AmazonBasics RCA cable. It fits just right into RCA ports but may not fit in extremely tight spots.
Why not visit amazon for a great deal on AmazonBasics RCA cable and enjoy its benefits.
8. UGREEN 3.5mm
Ugreen 3.5mm is specially built to connect mobile devices with 3.5mm jack support such as tablets, mobile phones, music players and laptops to a car audio player. You simply connect the Ugreen 3.5mm jack to your portable device and connect the RCA connectors into your car audio receiver or amplifier.
Key Highlights and Benefits of UGREEN 3.5mm
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: If you have tried other 3.5mm to RCA cables and failed to fit well in your mobile device, then you should try Ugreen 3.55mm to RCA cable. It fits snugly into any mobile device even if it has a thick protective cover. However, it may get damaged sooner if moved or twisted constantly.
Why look any further if you need an affordable 3.5mm to RCA cable? Grab this Ugreen 3.5mm from the button below.
Things to consider before buying the Best RCA Cables for car audio
Choosing the best RCA cables for your car audio is not a complicated process. It’s quite simple if you know what to look for in the cables. There are five key factors you’ll need to consider when choosing the ideal type in the market. Here, your key concern should be about ensuring that no noise is introduced in your audio system upon installing the RCA cables. Here’re are key factors you should consider when making your choice:
1. Type of Shielding Used
Generally, RCA cables consist of a conductor that carries signals from one car audio device to another. You will be using the cable alongside other electronic components and wires in your car. This means that the signal carried in the RCA cables will also run along other signals or electric energy passing through other wires. Such external signals can interfere with the audio signal carried in your car audio RCA cable such that the delivered signal may be distorted or noisy.
To prevent this from happening, the RCA cable should have effective shielding. Thus, you should consider choosing a cable that is shielded against noise and electromagnetic interferences. The shielding should also protect the cable from external radio frequencies.In case the shielding used is extremely thin, your signal will suffer some loss in energy or gain external noise. Thus, consider a cable with thicker shielding, or better double shielding. Avoid cutting corners when it comes to shielding.
2. The Sturdiness of Connectors
Both sides of RCA cables have connectors. Some have one male 3.5mm jack pin to two RCA and others have two male to two male RCA. Whichever connector configuration you want, you should consider connectors that are sturdy enough to last longer. Thicker RCA connectors are more ideal for they give a tight connection for a car head unit or mobile device to the car amplifier or subwoofer.
When comparing different RCA cables, consider the ones that tend to have thicker connectors for they would give better contact than thinner ones. Thinner connectors tend to loosen up and lose contact. Tighter contact allows for better conductivity, thereby the quality of signal delivered is higher. Also, a tighter connection reduces noise at the point of contact.
3. Type of Conductor Used
Different brands of RCA cables use different standards and types of conductors. However, most RCA cables are made using copper as the core conductor. Copper is more suitable for transferring audio signals.
Nevertheless, copper comes in different standards. Some RCA cables use copper in its standard form while others use specially treated copper or copper mixed with other metals such as silver. Specially treated copper, such as copper which is free of oxygen, proves to be a better conductor than standard copper.
Thus, consider RCA cables with specially treated copper conductors for enhanced conductivity.
4. Cost of the RCA Cable
It’s obviously good to consider the cost of RCA cables before making a purchase. However, never compromise quality of the cable over cost. You should not really overpay, but the cost should match with the quality of the cable.
Always go for a car audio RCA cable with the highest quality even if it means adding some few dollars. Thus, as you weigh your budget, consider the quality of what you are investing in to get the best deal.
5. Length of the RCA Cable
RCA cables for car audio come in different lengths. The cable you choose should have sufficient length based on your car audio system and speaker setup. Thus, before choosing an RCA cable, determine how far your car amp or subwoofer is from the audio receiver.
Final Verdict
Upon reading through this review, it’s clear that each and every RCA cable for car audio reviewed here comes with its own unique features. While some features are common between different RCA cables, each cable comes with an outstanding feature.
Also, these cables come with multiple benefits and some few shortcomings. Thus, each and every RCA cable reviewed here is worthy enough for consideration in your shortlist. If you need a cable to connect your mobile device to your car audio, there’re great choices listed here.
Also, if you need an RCA cable to connect your car audio to the car amp, you’ll also find great choices here. Most noteworthy, your choice should be based on overall quality of the cable by considering factors such as the type of shielding, type of conductor, cost, length and sturdiness of the connectors.
With these tips in mind, you will rest assured of getting the best RCA cables for car audio on, all at great prices.
