The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Unshielded Speaker Cable

Unshielded speaker cable, also known as bare wire or zip cord, is a type of speaker cable that does not have a shield around the conductors. This makes it more susceptible to interference and noise, but it is also more flexible and less expensive than shielded cable. In this article, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using unshielded speaker cable to help you decide if it is the right choice for your home audio system.

Benefits of Unshielded Speaker Cable

Flexibility: Unshielded speaker cable is very flexible, making it easy to run through walls, ceilings, and other tight spaces. This makes it a good choice for retrofitting existing homes or for running cables in tight spaces.

Low cost: Unshielded speaker cable is less expensive than shielded cable, making it a good choice for budget-minded audiophiles.

Durability: Unshielded speaker cable is more durable than shielded cable, making it less likely to be damaged during installation or use.

Drawbacks of Unshielded Speaker Cable

Susceptibility to interference: Unshielded speaker cable is more susceptible to interference and noise than shielded cable. This can be a problem if you have other electronic devices in your home, such as computers, TVs, or fluorescent lights.

Less expensive sound quality: Unshielded speaker cable can produce a less expensive sound quality than shielded cable. This is because the lack of a shield can allow noise and interference to enter the cable, which can degrade the sound quality.

Not suitable for long runs: Unshielded speaker cable is not suitable for long runs, as the lack of a shield can cause the signal to degrade over distance.

Unshielded speaker cable is a good choice for budget-minded audiophiles who are not concerned about interference or noise. It is also a good choice for retrofitting existing homes or for running cables in tight spaces. However, if you have other electronic devices in your home or if you are looking for the best possible sound quality, then you should consider using shielded speaker cable instead.