What Are The Best RCA Cables for Car Audio? (2022)
You may be asking which are the best RCA cables for car audio when hooking up your next subwoofer, and there are several options available online. RCA cables are an inexpensive component of car audio systems, and their quality correlates with the quality of car audio you get out of the rest of your equipment.
RCA cables also receive blame for interference in an audio system, and in some cases, this can be true; however even costly cables are often made from the same materials as the products on our list.
Quick Picks: Compare The Best RCA Cables for Car Audio (2022)
Page Contents
- KabelDirekt RCA Stereo Cable
- Amazon Basics 2-Male to 2-Male RCA Cable
- Rockford Fosgate Twisted Pair 3-Feet Signal Cable
- Old Boy Tech RCA Cable
- JSAUX RCA Cable
- Monoprice 1.5ft Premium RCA Plug
- InstallGear 12ft Shielded 2 Male to 2 Male 2-Channel RCA Cable
- Rockville Twisted Pair RCA Cable
- FosPower RCA Cable
- Cable Creation RCA Cable
- RCA Cables for Car Audio FAQ
- What Are RCA Cables?
- What Features Should I Look for In RCA Cables?
- Final Thoughts
KabelDirekt RCA Stereo Cable
KabelDirekt RCA cables are heavy duty and feature high-quality connectors that are gold plated.
Pros
- Comes in five different lengths
- Premium cable construction with an oxygen-free copper core
- Dual Male gold-plated connectors on each end
Cons
- Cables are bound but may split in two
The KabelDirekt cables are the perfect blend of high quality and price and are suitable for a wide variety of applications. Although these cables are heavy-duty and thicker, they are still flexible, which makes them easy to use in several different scenarios.
These cables come with a 36-month warranty from the manufacturer and offer clear audio for any stereo output. The cables are double shielded to prevent any oxidation of the copper core, and the gold-plated connectors are professional-level quality to ensure the best possible sound and protection from corrosion.
Amazon Basics 2-Male to 2-Male RCA Cable
The Amazon Basics cables come in three lengths and feature corrosion-resistant connectors that are gold plated.
Pros
- 24K gold plated connectors
- Your choice of three cable lengths and two connector options
- Color-coded ends
Cons
- Bulkier than other brands
The Amazon Basics cables have high-quality male connectors on either end, and you can choose whether you want one male to two male connectors or if you want two male connectors on each end as is most common.
This cable may be a bit bulkier than other brands, but its heavy-duty covering protects the cord with a double layer of shielding that runs the entire length. The connectors on the ends are also color-coded in red and white for easy setup, and these cables are an excellent choice for high fidelity systems in your home.
Rockford Fosgate Twisted Pair 3-Feet Signal Cable
The Rockford Fosgate cables feature a twisted design and connectors that are different from other brands on our list.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Color-coordinated connectors
- Comes in five different lengths
Cons
- Connectors are not gold plated
The Rockford Fosgate cables feature a unique twisted body that you can see through the sheathing. These cables feature a braided core composed of two differently colored wires, and the connectors are color-coded for easy assembly.
These cables are very basic and work best in situations where a highly durable RCA cable isn’t necessary. The cable on this item is suitably thin and has a covering that is robust enough for most applications, but the connectors are not gold plated, and this may pose an issue for some users.
Old Boy Tech RCA Cable
The Old Boy Tech cables feature more discreet color coding and a braided sheath for added durability and style.
![2 Pack RCA Cable, Oldboytech RCA to 3.5mm [6ft/1.8M, Hi-Fi Sound] Nylon-Braided RCA to AUX Audio...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/415Wzdx2DYL.jpg)
Pros
- Gold plated connectors that are corrosion resistant
- Double braided nylon sheathing for added durability
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Only comes in one length
The Old Boy Tech RCA cable is an inexpensive option with a, particularly flexible cable. This flexibility makes it easier to wind up excess cable, so it’s out of the way, and this package includes a pack of two cables that come with a lifetime warranty.
These cables have gold plated connectors, and the nylon braided cord helps to prevent tangles and protect the core. The core of this cable is made from lengths of copper in an oxygen-free environment to prevent oxidation that can degrade the sound quality. These cables are discreetly color-coded for easy assembly and designed to be pull-resistant.
JSAUX RCA Cable
The JSAUX cables feature a metal shell around the connectors and a braided sheath around the cable for added protection.
![JSAUX RCA Cable, [6.6ft/2M, Dual Shielded Gold-Plated] 3.5mm Male to 2RCA Male Stereo Audio Adapter...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41nM1zKs-QL.jpg)
Pros
- 24K gold plated connectors
- A metal shell around the connectors for protection
- Pure copper core
Cons
- Reversed color-coding on some of the cables
The JSAUX RCA cables feature a nylon braided sheath and a more flexible cable than some of the other brands on our list. These cables are also color-coordinated, and some buyers have reported that the coloring on the connectors is reversed, which has caused some issues with performance.
These cables have connectors plated in gold, and the core is made from copper in an oxygen-free environment for the best possible sound quality. These cables are available in four different lengths and three color options, including two shades of grey and red.
Monoprice 1.5ft Premium RCA Plug
The Monoprice RCA cable features two color-coded connectors and a rugged rubber coating for added durability.
Pros
- Color-coded connectors that are gold plated
- Inexpensive
- 22AWG conductor with shielding
Cons
- Not very flexible
- Not visually attractive compared to other brands
The Monoprice RCA cable is a basic cable that comes in a length of 1.5 feet. This cable has color-coded connectors that are gold plated and feature rubberized grips, but they aren’t very visually very appealing compared to the highly stylized connectors used on other cables.
This cable uses a 22AWG conductor, and the cable is shielded so that RFI or EMI interference can’t enter your audio system. This cable is perfect for when you need a short cable, but beware that it is on the stiff side and may not be suitable for all applications. Some buyers report that this cable does not stay securely plugged in due to the stiffness of the cable.
InstallGear 12ft Shielded 2 Male to 2 Male 2-Channel RCA Cable
The InstallGear RCA cable features a stylish blue jacket and comes in multiple lengths and configurations.
Pros
- Multiple connector combinations
- Twisted copper core
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Connectors could be snugger when plugged in
The InstallGear RCA cables are well shielded to prevent interference from affecting your audio quality, and the connectors are color-coded with a rubberized grip. These cables don’t come split as far down as other brands, and this might be a problem for individuals that need their connectors farther apart.
This cable is available with different connectors on end, including both male and female connectors. One issue with these cables is that some users found they didn’t fit snugly enough when plugged in, and the sound coming from their audio system rattled the cables out of their ports.
Rockville Twisted Pair RCA Cable
The Rockville Twisted Pair RCA cables have a unique appearance and come in multiple lengths.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- 100% copper core
- Color-coded connectors
Cons
- Color coding is not always accurate
The Rockville Twisted Pair RCA cables have a blue and white twist pattern along the jacket that helps to insulate the copper core and also protect the cable by adding durability. The connectors on these cables are also color-coordinated, but some buyers have noticed that the colors are not correct, and this can lead to some performance issues.
These cables are available in six different lengths and come in both two-channel and four channels. This product has a one-year warranty and features an oxygen-free 100% copper core for the best possible sound quality.
FosPower RCA Cable
The FosPower RCA cables feature 24K gold plated connectors, extra shielding, and a quality synthetic insulator for the best sound quality.
![FosPower (2 Pack) 2 RCA M/M Stereo Audio Cable [24K Gold Plated | Copper Core] 2RCA Male to 2RCA...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41546KQF2BL.jpg)
Pros
- Color-coded 24K gold plated connectors
- Shielding made from braided copper and aluminum foil
- Comes in multiple lengths
Cons
- Connectors could fit more snugly into their receiving ports
The RCA cables by FosPower feature extra layers to keep out interference and add durability to this product. The cable starts with a pure copper core shielded with aluminum foil and braided copper. This core is also insulated using Polyethylene foam, which helps prevent signal loss.
In addition to all of the insulation, the copper core also has a layer of tin that reduces oxidation and increases the durability of the wire. This cable has color-coordinated connectors, which can be split further by pulling on the cables, which are flexible and sturdy.
Cable Creation RCA Cable
Cable Creation RCA cables have color-coded connectors, and copper cores with zinc allow shell.
Pros
- Color-coordinated connectors
- Three lengths available
- High-quality oxygen-free copper core
Cons
- Connectors are a bit slick
The RCA cables offered by Cable Creation feature two sets of color-coordinated connectors that stay put in their ports thanks to accurate sizing. These connectors also feature solid construction that includes 24K gold plating on the surface.
These cables are very flexible despite several layers of insulation that consists of a pure copper core, a layer of zinc alloy, and a PVC jacket.
The flexible nature of this cable helps improve its durability and prevent tangles, and the connectors feature high-quality metal that doesn’t degrade over time. The one drawback of these cables is that the connectors have an exterior made from smooth plastic, and this can be slick when you are trying to grab them and unplug the cable.
RCA Cables for Car Audio FAQ
Read on for our list of frequently asked questions for more information bout RCA cables.
What Are RCA Cables?
RCA cables are the cables most commonly used for analog audio, and they feature red and white connectors that signify the right and left side of a stereo system. RCA cables are not used to transmit video but are useful for audio on devices such as TVs or CD players.
RCA cables may come bundled with other video cables, and their connectors are frequently gold plated to prevent corrosion. Most RCA cables will have a male connector on either end and are available in varying lengths to suit your needs.
The jacket or sheath of this cable is less important than the core materials which should include copper. A flexible cable is frequently preferred over a stiffer cable as the flexible one often weighs less, which puts less pressure on the ports and connectors.
What Features Should I Look for In RCA Cables?
When looking at RCA cables, you should first decide how much you want to spend for your particular setup as these cables can range in price, and there may be very little about them that is different from one another.
You’ll want to look for connectors with 24K gold plating as that material prevent corrosion, which is particularly crucial for areas with high humidity for any part of the year.
You’ll also want to look for a pure copper core that is oxygen-free, and at least one layer of insulation under the jacket to help keep out interference.
So, which are the best RCA cables for car audio? Some people swear that more expensive cables provide more exceptional sound quality, but this is not always the case. You’ll also want to get a cable that is the proper length for your needs as a cable that is too long or too short won’t work well.
Final Thoughts
The KabelDirekt RCA stereo cables are our number one pick on our list, and they come with many features that set them apart from the rest of the competition. If you’re asking what are the best cables for car audio, you’ll want to look at these cables that are both heavy-duty and flexible so they can fit anywhere.
These cables come bound as one cable, but they can easily pull apart to be two individual cables. Many users find them easy to split, and they also offer superior car audio quality, and secure connections thanks to the professional quality gold plated male connectors on each end.
This particular brand of cables also comes in five different lengths to suit every need, and they feature a double-layered covering for the copper core to ensure no oxidation takes place that may detract from the sound quality.
