What is RCA Cable?

If you enjoy music and home entertainment, you’ve probably heard about RCA Cables. These cables are one of the most common ways to connect audio and video devices. RCA Cables send quality sound and picture signals when using a Turntable, a DVD Player, or a Speaker System.

In this post from HD-Zone, we’ll explain what RCA Cables are, what devices they work with, and what to look for when buying a budget RCA Cable.

What is an RCA Cable?

An RCA Cable (short for Radio Corporation of America cable) is a type of analog cable used to carry audio or video signals. RCA Cables usually have two or three color-coded connectors on each end:

  • Red and White (or Black): These carry the right and left audio channels.
  • Yellow: This carries video signals (used for older TVs or DVD players).

The design is simple, and this is why RCA cables have been available for many years. Even with today's modern HDMI cables, RCA is still the most common cable for connecting Turntables, Amplifiers and Speakers.

RCA Compatible Devices

RCA Cables are universal and can be used for connecting many types of devices. They’re perfect for both the modern and old-school setup. Examples:

Turntables and DJ Equipment
Most DJ Equipment like Turntables and Mixers use RCA Output to send sound to Amplifiers or Powered Speakers. If you’re setting up a Vinyl Record Player, you’ll likely need a 2 RCA to 2 RCA Cable to connect it to your sound system.

Amplifiers and Speakers
RCA is commonly used to connect Amplifiers, Preamps, Receivers, Powered Speakers and Subwoofers. A high-quality RCA to RCA Cable ensures a strong and clean audio signal.

DVD and Blu-ray Players
Older players use RCA connections to send both audio and video to a TV or Receiver.

Game Consoles and TVs
Classic game consoles like the PlayStation 2 or Nintendo 64 use RCA for video output. Many older TVs also have RCA Input Ports.

What to look for in a Budget RCA Cable

When shopping for a budget RCA Cable, don’t just go for the cheapest option. Quality matters, even on a budget. Here’s what to check:

Build Quality
Look for RCA Cables with a strong outer jacket and secure connectors. A PVC Shell or durable rubber coating helps protect the internal wires from damage, bending, or wear over time. For the best connection, choose cables with gold plated connectors - they resist corrosion and ensure a cleaner, more reliable signal transfer, even after years of use.

Noise Protection
A good RCA Cable should have proper shielding to block electrical interference from nearby power cables or other electronic devices. This shielding helps reduce unwanted hum or static, giving you a cleaner and more accurate sound, especially when connecting sensitive audio sources like Turntables or Preamps.

Length
Choose a cable length that suits your setup. Too long a cable can cause signal loss and increase the chance of noise pickup, while a cable that’s too short can limit flexibility and placement. It’s best to keep the length as short as possible without restricting your equipment layout.

Connector Type
Make sure the connector type matches your device’s input and output ports. Most home audio setups use a 2 RCA to 2 RCA Cable for stereo sound. 

Recommended Budget RCA Cable

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable option, check out the UGREEN RCA to RCA | PVC Shell Non-Braided Wire available in our HD-Zone store.

  • Connector Type: 2 RCA To 2 RCA | Male to Male 
  • Connector Feature: Durable PVC Shell and Gold Plated Connectors
  • Compatible Devices: DJ Equipment, Turntables, Mixers, Amplifiers, Preamps, Receivers, Power Speakers, Subwoofers, DVD Players and TVs. 

The essential accessory for any home entertainment setup.

 

UGREEN RCA to RCA PVC Shell Non-Braided Wire 01

 

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