How to choose cables and wires for your home theater

When the home has a
home theater system , viewers can enjoy a high quality display. However, for this it is important not only to correctly install and configure, but also to carry out the initial connection. Even with high-quality equipment, poorly selected and poorly connected wires can not only reduce the quality of work, but also lead to inoperability of the system.

What cables and wires are needed in order to connect a home theater

To connect a home theater to a TV, you will need to buy and prepare acoustic and fiber optic cables. When connecting, it is necessary to provide a video signal and an audio track, while the quality must be of high quality. It is necessary to avoid situations when, during the broadcast, unexpected effects are superimposed on the display of the video image due to interference. Speaker cables of the following types can be used:

1. In symmetrical, there are two electrical and ground wires. One cable can have several of these sets of wires.
2. Parallel includes two electrical wires, additionally covered with a common sheath. Additional protection reduces the risk of mechanical damage. Parallel cable for connecting home theater speakers [/ caption]
3. A twisted cable has two twisted wires. This configuration can significantly reduce signal strength even when transmitting over long distances. This type of cable is used for connections via connectors. Acoustic cables for home theater – symmetrical, parallel [/ caption]
4. Coaxial cable has a special design. One of the electrical wires runs in the center. It is surrounded by a thick layer of insulation. Outside there is a conductive metal sheath. Outside there is another layer of insulation. Coaxial cord for home theater [/ caption]
5. Optical cable is usually made of fiberglass. For strength, a metal wire can be used as a reliable mechanical base. Such a conductor provides high signal quality and reliable protection against interference.

Optical cable for connecting TV and home theater [/ caption] Optical cable is produced in various versions depending on its purpose – for use inside buildings, in the form of a durable and protected cable. When using a fiber optic cable, it is connected to certain connectors. They can be identified by the type of connector and by the name, which may include “Optical” or “SPDif”. When choosing a metal cable, you should pay attention to the material from which it was made. The use of aluminum for this purpose is gradually becoming a thing of the past. If possible, it is better to choose wires made of copper. In this case, the best choice would be the use of oxygen-free copper. This material, unlike the usual version, does not oxidize even with prolonged use, but it costs more.
A high-quality cable is a guarantee of a high-quality picture and decent sound [/ caption] When choosing wires, you should pay attention to their color. This is not important for the signal flow quality, but it is important for the home theater to match the design of the viewing environment. You also need to remember that you can use special connectors to secure the wires. If there is a need for them, you need to take care of purchasing them in advance.
Cables can also be distinguished by their cross-section. They come in the following varieties:

1. Round ones are the most widespread.
2. Flat cables are similar in structure, but they have a flattened shape. Audio cable for home theater – round, flat, ribbon [/ caption]
3. Belt straps consist of thin mono-cores, pressed in the form of strips with a thickness not exceeding 1 mm.

Despite the differences in appearance, it is believed that their quality is at the same level. However, the difference in shape allows different laying methods to be used. For example, for a flat cable, the following method can be applied: The
flat cable can be easily hidden when installing a home theater [/ caption]

Connection diagram

When connecting a home theater, you must use the wires to connect the following components:

1. The TV screen is designed to show a video program. All the necessary equipment can be built into it – for receiving a signal from an antenna and for playing sound. However, in most cases we are talking about different devices.
2. An audio system is needed to obtain high-quality sound. Even if the TV has built-in speakers, the sound level of a dedicated audio system will be higher. It will include an amplifier, speakers and a subwoofer for reproducing low frequencies.

Schematic diagram of connecting a home theater with karaoke [/ caption] It is convenient to lay remote wires under the plinth, making bends from it in the right places.
Laying wires for home theater [/ caption] If possible, part of the wire can be hidden under the floor. In this case, the wires will be almost invisible.

Home theater speaker cable

When choosing a speaker cable, it is recommended to pay attention to those that have the greatest thickness. The thicker and shorter the conductor, the more high-quality sound is provided. It should be borne in mind that by placing the amplifier and speakers as close to each other as possible, it will be possible to increase the quality of the sound obtained. When installing the system, avoid creating areas where the cable is overstretched. Moreover, if it is possible to reduce its length, it must be done. When choosing a speaker cable, you need to take into account the power passing through it. For example, if it reaches 100 W, then the cross-sectional area should be 2-3 square meters. mm or more.
The speaker cable for home theater speakers should be chosen shorter and thicker [/ caption] Copper should be preferred as the material for speaker wires. This material is used in the following three varieties:

1. TPC corresponds to copper, which was obtained using rough cleaning methods. It is inexpensive material, but sometimes not suitable for high quality sound.
2. OFC stands for Oxygen Free Copper. Its use is well suited for mid-range loudspeakers.
3. PCOCC is the highest quality material produced by drawing pure copper melt. It is best suited for transmitting a quality signal.

PCOCC cable for home theater [/ caption]

In most cases copper wires are used for loudspeakers, but silver wires can be used for expensive systems, since noble metals have the best electrical characteristics, and silver is the most readily available.

You need to pay attention to what kind of material was used for insulation. Most often, plastisol, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyurethane are used for this purpose. The best insulation quality is provided by the use of Teflon. When using a stereo system, both cables must be the same length. This makes the sound more consistent. Choosing the right audio cable is very critical to sound quality. The following is about well-known manufacturers, whose products can become a guideline when choosing. TOP of the best cables for transmitting audio signals in home theaters

AudioQuest Rocket 11

This cable brand is considered one of the best. The product won the 2019 What Hi-Fi Magazine Award. Creates flexible, accurate and smooth sound. Works great with a variety of devices. There are markings that simplify the switching procedure.

Chord Company C-Screen

Having high quality, this cable belongs to the budget segment of products. When used, the sound sometimes feels warm and expressive, and in some cases the sound adds drive.

QED Reference XT40i

Owners of the QED Reference XT40i can enjoy the clearest audio for cables at this price point. The detail and good workmanship will allow you to get the joy of audio playback.

Chord Company Rumour X

Compared to budget models, this brand provides a cleaner and higher quality sound, but the price differs slightly from them. Ideal for mid-range to entry-level speaker owners to get the best possible sound quality.

Van den hul the clearwater

The use of this cable allows you to get powerful and clear sound. In addition to the acoustic features, attention is drawn to the fact that a soft sheath is used, which makes it possible to conveniently position the cable even in hard-to-reach places. When listening to music, the viewer will feel emotionality, complemented by coherence and balance in the sound.

Connecting the power wire

The power cable is the least likely to affect the sound quality. Its parameters are determined by the characteristics of the supply voltage. It should have a cross-sectional area for a home theater that corresponds to the required power of the equipment.

Video cable

When choosing a video cable, you must consider what connectors are available on the receiver and on the TV. The most common option is to use HDMI. If the required type of connector is not available, you must use the appropriate adapter.
HDMI connectors [/ caption]

Home theater speaker connection

The columns can be arranged according to different layouts:

1. The simplest is to use two speakers equidistant from the listener. This scheme is designated 2.0.
2. The DK uses not only two speakers, but also a subwoofer, which is designed for high-quality reproduction of low frequencies.
3. For scheme 3.1, a central column is additionally used. Now the speakers are located not only on the sides of the listener, but also directly in front of him.
4. Better sound quality can be achieved using a 5.1 stereo system. In this case, two columns are located in front of the right and left, and two more in the rear on the right and left, and one in front. The bass sound is provided by a subwoofer.
5. With the 6.1 arrangement, an additional center column is added, located at the back.
6. The highest quality sound is obtained when using 7.1. In this case, compared to 6.1, two rear surround speakers are used.

Home theater 7.1 – connection diagram [/ caption] In most cases, home theater uses simpler options. When choosing, you need to understand that an audio system consists of several elements: a signal source, an amplifier, audio cables, and a playback device. The quality level is determined by all these elements. In addition, the acoustic characteristics of the room affect the sound quality. TV speakers can be used to reproduce sound if they can provide suitable sound quality. Intermediate playback level can be obtained by using the soundbar. It is a compact acoustic panel. When used in small rooms, the use of this device is one of the most convenient solutions.They are installed on the wall next to the TV screen or located directly below it. When choosing the appropriate power, it is necessary to take into account the parameters of the room in which the home theater is installed. If the area of ​​the room does not exceed 20 sq. m, the optimal power is 60-80 W. For a larger area, choose a system from 100 watts. The wires must be such as to ensure the trouble-free operation of such systems. Usually it is enough that their cross section exceeds 2-3 sq. mm. For a larger area, choose a system from 100 watts. The wires must be such as to ensure the trouble-free operation of such systems. Usually it is enough that their cross section exceeds 2-3 sq. mm. For a larger area, choose a system from 100 watts. The wires must be such as to ensure the trouble-free operation of such systems. Usually it is enough that their cross section exceeds 2-3 sq. mm.
Kimber Kable – American-made cable for connecting a home theater to a TV [/ caption]

Optical cables

This type of communication is intended for the transmission of digital audio signals. It provides high sound quality and low attenuation, but is vulnerable to mechanical damage and requires careful handling.

Coaxial cables

They are used to transmit digital signals. Provide high quality work. The cable is resistant to pressure and kinks. How the coaxial cable works
[/ caption]

HDMI cable

HDMI cable is adapted for high-quality video and audio signal transmission. The disadvantage of such a cable is the deterioration of the transmission quality with an increase in its length.

AUX cable

AUX is used to work with analog audio signals. A player can be additionally connected with the line input. With the help of such a cable, sound is transmitted to an audio system for playback.
Audio cable for home theater [/ caption]

How to connect

To get high-quality sound, you need to accurately position the speakers and subwoofer. Location is carried out in accordance with the following rules:

1. The center speaker is placed next to or below the screen. In this case, it is necessary to ensure the shielding of the magnetic field from it and the connected wires. Otherwise, this speaker may become a source of noise.
2. Front speakers are placed on different sides of the TV. It is necessary that the distance to the screen is not less than 50 cm. These speakers transmit the bulk of the sound and for this they must have a sufficiently high quality.
3. Rear speakers can be positioned behind or to the sides of the viewer. Some people place their speakers in the direction of the nearest wall when installing, believing that the background sound reflected from it will work better.
4. The subwoofer can be located where it is more convenient. This is not critical for the quality of low frequency reproduction. It is only important to avoid its location in the corner of the room.

The home theater has a lot of components and all of them need to be connected with high-quality cables so that the sound and picture quality is also of high quality [/ caption] It is recommended to place the speaker at a height the viewer’s head or slightly higher.