If you're setting up a hi-fi system, speaker cables can feel like a mystery. Do they really affect sound quality? Should left and right cables be the same length? And what’s the deal with banana plugs?
Let’s clear things up with practical advice — no myths, no audiophile fluff. We’ll point you in the right direction of some great cables too.
Why Cable Length (and Thickness) Matters
All speaker cables create resistance — it’s basic physics. The longer the run, the more resistance builds up, which can reduce the power reaching your speakers and subtly affect sound quality. The good news? In most home setups, this is easy to manage.
As a rule of thumb:
• Use thicker cable (lower gauge number) for longer runs
• Try to keep resistance below 5% of your speaker’s impedance
Do Speaker Cables Need to Be the Same Length?
Short answer: Not usually.
There’s a common belief that both cables must be identical lengths to preserve timing and phase. In reality, for most domestic systems, a small difference in length (say, 1–2 metres) has no audible effect.
That said:
• Use the same cable brand and type for left and right channels
• Some amplifiers (like Naim) do prefer equal lengths — check your manual
Connectors: Banana, Spade or Bare Wire?
Speaker connectors don’t have to be complicated.
• Banana plugs are quick to use and make a solid connection — great for regular setups
• Spade connectors are more secure but need matching binding posts
• Bare wire works fine too, but can fray over time and isn’t as tidy
The key is to use decent quality connectors and make sure your connections are tight and corrosion-free. That’s far more important than spending big on exotic materials.
Practical Tips for Choosing Cables
• Measure twice, cut once — plan your run before buying
• Keep runs short where possible
• Use the same gauge and type for both channels
• Don’t coil excess cable too tightly — it can cause interference
For most setups under 10–15 metres, any well-made cable will do the job as long as it’s thick enough and properly connected.
Long Cable Runs? Here’s What to Know
If your system needs very long cable runs — say, for a second zone or large cinema room — then cable quality becomes more important. Thicker cable (12-gauge or better) helps maintain fidelity, especially with power-hungry speakers.
Still, for most people with a standard stereo or 5.1 setup, there’s no need to overthink it.
Speaker Cable Suggestions
We've got many options for speakers cables at Peter Tyson. But here are our most popular sellers and what you'll expect from them. To make life simple we've suggested pre-terminated cables, so all of these can be plugged straight into your speakers and amp, no fiddle, no fuss. You can just plug these in as soon as you receive them.
• QED Reference Golden Anniversary XT - QED released these to celebrate their 50th anniversary and we continually find ourselves plugging them into demos of mid range systems as they are just consistently brilliant. They also look the business.
• QED XT40i Terminated Speaker Cable - A highly popular add on with a new amp, if you're looking at amplifiers like the Marantz 70s or Fell Amp, then a pair of these are a worthwhile splash to get the most out of your new setup.
• AudioQuest Rocket 22 Full-Range Speaker Cable with SureGrip 300 Connectors - Rocket cables come in a range thicknesses, lengths and shielding options ranging from £329 to over £1,000 for a pair. The 22s are a great mid range cable with great connectors that will compliment a quality hi-fi setup.
All of our suggestions come as pairs so if you're buying for a two speaker hi-fi, then any of these choices are likely going to be ideal for you.
In Summary
Speaker cables matter — but only up to a point. Focus on the basics:
• Good-quality cable in the right gauge
• Sensible lengths
• Proper connections
That’s all you need to enjoy great sound.
Need More Help?
Need help choosing cables or planning a setup? That’s what we’re here for, talk to us at Peter Tyson. We’ll help you match the right cable to your system and budget — no nonsense, just great advice.