Shock-Wire© Automotive Wire & RCA cables

SO...Does it really mater what type of RCA cables you use? What is the difference and what are the up or down sides of knowing the difference?

It really comes down to the environment that you are installing the RCA cables into. If your cables are going to be ran next to or covered by other wires that carry audio signal, amplified or not then having quality RCA that can provide shielding is a MUST have. If your run is shorter then 3 feet almost any set RCA cables will do.

The issue with RCA cables comes from the Low Voltage they carry. Low voltage is susceptible to electric interference or static noise from other wires. There are a few ways to block out this type of noise.

• Twisted wires: twisted wire pairs help prevent EMI by utilizing the principles of electromagnetic field cancellation, balanced transmission, and susceptibility reduction. These properties make twisted pairs highly effective in maintaining signal integrity in environments with significant electromagnetic noise.
• Wire Shielding: RCA shielding is essential for reducing electromagnetic interference and maintaining high-quality signal transmission. By employing effective shielding materials and techniques, RCA cables can deliver superior performance. it can also help prevent ground loops.

SO do you need high end RCA cables. NO but it is beneficial to have when doing long runs.

What is the best wire to use for your car audio project and why?

Composition

CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum):

• Core: Aluminum.
• Coating: A thin layer of copper.
• The aluminum core is lightweight and less expensive, while the copper coating provides better conductivity compared to pure aluminum wire.

OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper):

• Material: Pure copper.
• Purity: Typically 99.95% to 99.99% pure copper, with minimal oxygen content (less than 0.001%).
• The high purity of copper enhances conductivity and reduces oxidation.

Performance

Electrical Conductivity:

• CCA: Has lower electrical conductivity compared to OFC. The aluminum core is less conductive than copper, and the copper cladding only partially compensates for this.
• OFC: Offers superior electrical conductivity due to its high copper content and purity. This makes it more efficient for carrying electrical signals and power.

Flexibility and Durability:

• CCA: More prone to breaking or bending under stress because aluminum is less flexible and more brittle than copper.
• OFC: More durable and flexible, able to withstand repeated bending and manipulation without damage.

Corrosion Resistance:

• CCA: More susceptible to corrosion, particularly if the copper cladding gets damaged, exposing the aluminum core to air and moisture.
• OFC: Highly resistant to corrosion due to its purity and the lack of oxygen, which reduces the chance of oxidation.

Applications

CCA:

• Often used in budget-friendly applications where cost is a significant factor.
• Common in some lower-end audio cables, speaker wires, and some networking cables.
• Suitable for applications where weight is a concern, such as in aviation and some automotive applications.

OFC:

• Preferred for high-quality audio and video cables, speaker wires, and high-performance networking cables.
• Used in applications where maximum conductivity and signal integrity are critical, such as in professional audio equipment, home theater systems, and high-speed data transmission.
• Favored in environments where durability and longevity are important, due to its superior resistance to corrosion and mechanical wear.

Cost

• CCA: Generally less expensive than OFC. The use of aluminum reduces material costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious applications.
• OFC: More expensive due to the high cost of pure copper and the manufacturing processes required to produce oxygen-free copper.