BJC LC-2 and LC-1:

Subwoofer cables are essentially just special-purpose analog audio cables, and for most applications, we recommend our proprietary analog audio cable design, the LC-2 (or the nearly-identical version, the LC-1, which is rated for in-wall installation). LC-2 and LC-1 were designed with two principal objectives: (1) minimal capacitance, for flat response across the audio frequency range, and (2) heavy shielding -- because in analog unbalanced audio, there is no real defense from noise other than shielding.

Far and away the number-one problem with powered subwoofers is 60-cycle hum, and it's not surprising given that subwoofers are meant to deliver frequencies in that range. While no cable can solve all hum problems -- more about that in the article at the bottom of this page -- the heavy double-braid shielding on LC-2 or LC-1 is optimal for fighting hum. First, the shielding itself is, of course, a guard against low-frequency noise, though low-frequency fields are only partially responsive to shielding. Second, a great deal of hum in home audio systems is attributable to ground loops -- where the signal grounds on different devices are at different potentials. The extremely high conductivity of the double-braid shield, by keeping resistance between the grounds low, goes a long way to keeping those ground potentials close enough to prevent hum getting in.

The Connectors: Taversoe Crimp RCA Plugs

Connectors are a critical part of any audio cable, because if the cable isn't well-joined to the connectors, or if the connectors don't make firm electrical contact with the jacks, it doesn't much matter how good the cable is. Our LC-series cables are terminated with the Taversoe RCA plug, a high-quality RCA plug with an all-metal body and shell specifically designed with the perfect dimensions for use with LC-1 and LC-2. Its all-metal body, crimped tightly to the shield braid, completes the shielding assembly from cable end to cable end, to ensure that the cables do not become an entry point for noise. These plugs are gold-plated on all jack-contact surfaces, and employ a set of leaf-spring style grippers on the outer RCA ring which apply just the right amount of force to the jack to grip it firmly without overtightening.

While LC-2 and LC-1 are our primary recommendations, there are special circumstances which may call for something different:

Canare L-4.5CHD: for high-RFI situations

Every now and then, we have a customer who lives right next to a broadcast antenna, and for such people, RFI can be a huge problem. While many people believe, erroneously, that they live in high-RFI environments (those cell phones and wi-fi really do not generate the field strength some people imagine), people like this aren't in much doubt: they can hear the radio station while listening to other sources, because something in the signal chain is picking up and rectifying that RF. Long subwoofer cables are particularly vulnerable to this sort of noise intrusion. In such cases, a braid/foil combination shield is best, and Canare L-4.5CHD, a precision SDI cable primarily used for professional video, is perfect for such cases. It carries a 95% coverage tinned copper braid laid over a 100% coverage foil layer, and many customers have credited it with solving an RFI problem.

Canare L-2.5CHWS: for super-high flexibility

LC-2 is very flexible, but it's still a thick cable. Canare L-2.5CHWS is a much smaller cable, but still has a double-braid shield. It's ideal if you have to fit in small places (though if you've got to go through a hole, do remember that the RCA plugs may have to go through first!) or if you otherwise have need for extreme flexibility and compactness.

Belden 1505F: high flexibility

Belden 1505F is intermediate in size between L-4.5CHD and L-2.5CHWS, with a double-braid shield. It is usually available in a wider assortment of colors than L-2.5CHWS.

For Balanced Subwoofer Inputs: L-4E6S Star Quad XLR Cable

The performance tradeoff in XLR cables is usually between the high noise rejection of a star quad cable or the lower capacitance (hence less propensity for high-frequency rolloff) of a two-conductor cable. But in a subwoofer interconnect, where noise rejection can be extremely important and high frequencies are nowhere to be found, there's very little tradeoff: a star quad cable is ideal.

Canare L-4E6S:

Our recommended cable for balanced subwoofer connection is Canare L-4E6S; it's a star quad, it's well shielded, and it's very flexible and easy to route. We terminate these with Neutrik BXX-series XLRs (or, when needed, Neutrik 1/4" plugs).