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If you’re a big fan of music, you probably already know this, but for those just starting, one bit of truth stands out: for the best sound, you’re going to need quality aux (auxiliary) cables. These simple and inexpensive 3.5 mm stereo plug-tipped cables are indispensable when using smartphones, MP3 players, laptops, TVs, and numerous other devices to listen to music in your home, car, and other locations.
Despite their simple appearance, there is quite a bit going on with your typical aux cable, and we advise know more about these before you purchase one, from durability and sound quality to specific elements such as connectors, grips, and cable casings.
Durability is a key issue with aux cables, particularly if you often take your cable on the road. The more durable the cable, the longer it will last and the better the sound clarity will be throughout its lifespan. Durability is such an important element that it’s measured in an aux cable’s bend lifespan, a way to determine how much flexion a cable can withstand before wear starts to become a problem. We will return to the issue of durability throughout this guide.
Another big consideration when shopping for an aux cable is an obvious one: how does the cable sound? Some of these offer higher quality, with clear sound and little noise interference. An aux cable should have the best sound quality not only when it’s being used, but also when it is idle (such as no crackling when you move the cable).
Aux cables exist in a wide array of lengths, and the length you need is largely going to be determined by its use. Hooking an MP3 player up to the aux port of your car is going to require a much shorter cable than hooking the same player into your home stereo system from across the living room.
When shopping for an aux cable, it’s a good idea to measure first to figure out what length of cable you need. Resist buying a longer cable “just in case,” because this will leave you with coils of cable to contend with until (or if) that “just in case” moment arrives. This is particularly true if you’re planning to use the cable on the move. Many sellers offer a variety of cable lengths to choose from. If one doesn’t have the length you need, move on to the next.
Connectors: The connectors at the end of the cable should be gold-plated. The majority of mid- to higher-priced aux cables offer gold-plated connectors, and for good reason. Gold plating helps to reduce wear and tear, making for more durable connectors that also resist corrosion and tarnish. They also offer better quality in the form of improved sound transmission and less interference.
Grips: The grips are next to the connectors. These are the parts you hold when you’re plugging in or unplugging the cable. While some are plastic, the best grips are some form of metal, often chrome-plated for strength. Grips also serve as caps that keep the inner components of the cable safe. If they screw on, check that the grips screw securely to the connectors and don’t loosen on their own.
Try to avoid grips that are too thick, because these can interfere with your ability to plug the cable into some devices, particularly those with thick cases. One way that some manufacturers solve this problem is by using step-down design, with a narrower area between the connector and the grip.
The cable itself is usually a wire wrapped in several layers of insulation covered by a jacket. Cables can vary considerably in thickness, which could be an issue if you’re trying to thread the cable into a tight space.
Wires: The wires are usually copper, and the higher the quality of copper used, the more durable the wire will be and the better the sound it will have. Tin-plating can help to reduce oxidation.
Insulation: Insulation can minimize signal loss and help to shield the wire from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI). It can also serve as a barrier to keep oxygen from the wire, which can lead to static electricity, yet another factor that can negatively affect the signal. Insulation can vary considerably in cables. Common insulating materials include braided copper, aluminum foil, and even foam, and you may find more than one type combined for dual shielding. You can often tell the quality of a cable simply by examining its insulation.
Jacket: Holding it all together and protecting the cable is the jacket. This casing is usually constructed from rubber or nylon. The best casing resists tangling, kinking, fraying, and splitting, and also results in a longer-lasting and more durable cable.
As mentioned above, the price range for aux cables is fairly narrow. They start at around $6 and go up to around $11. While you tend to find higher-quality cables at higher price points (as evidenced by the gold-plated connectors, greater durability, and cleaner sound), what you’re mainly paying more for is more cable. Simply put: except in rare cases, more expensive aux cables are longer. Also check any manufacturer’s warranty, which can vary from none to a limited lifetime warranty.
Q. What is the correct length of aux cable that I should be using in my car?
A. This will vary depending on your specific needs, but shorter is generally better in a situation such as this. Too long of a cable and you’re going to be swimming in coils of cable and constantly becoming entangled. A 3-foot cable should be more than enough for the majority of users and vehicles. If you think that the distance between your device and the aux input will be longer, bump the length up to 4 or 6 feet.
Q. Do longer cords have more issues with loss of sound quality than shorter cords?
A. The length of the cable should have no bearing on audio quality. The audio should sound the same at 4 feet as it does at 25 feet. As such, concentrate on buying the length of cable you need and don’t worry whether your decision will affect the sound quality. It won’t.
Q. Will these cables also charge a mobile phone or other device when you’re using it?
A. Aux cables are for audio only and won’t recharge something like a smartphone. For charging, you’ll need to use a USB cable of the proper size for your device.
