The Cables that We Think Really Make a Difference

Audio cables are one of those things that enthusiasts love to argue about—either one is better than the other, or that no cable makes any audible difference at all. As a hi-fi retailer and technology integrator, we're here to tell you that cables do matter. We're also here to tell you that you don't always need the best cable for every speaker or interconnect, but if you've invested serious money in your audio gear, it makes no sense to hobble it with cheap cables. You wouldn't outfit your C8 Z06 Corvette with SUV tires, would you? We didn't think so. Here are our favorite home audio cable brands and why we like them.

SEE ALSO: Our Favorite Audiophile Headphones for Personal Listening Experiences

Mogami - The Professional Standard

When recording engineers need cables they can stake their reputation on, they reach for Mogami. This Japanese company brings professional studio quality to home audio through their speaker cables and interconnects.

Mogami's speaker cables utilize their proven quad-conductor design, borrowed from their legendary studio cables. Instead of typical two-conductor wire, these use four precision-matched conductors that can be configured for bi-wiring or wired in parallel for superior current delivery to your speakers.

Their interconnects showcase quad-star conductor geometry, which delivers a remarkable 10-20dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio over conventional twisted-pair designs. The spiral bare copper shield provides superior RFI and EMI rejection, invaluable protection for Salt Lake City homes dealing with interference from cell towers to wireless devices.

Mogami represents the most accessible entry point among serious high-performance cables, making professional-grade quality available without boutique pricing.

Kimber Kable - Time-Tested Innovation

Some cable designs follow trends, while others become industry standards. Kimber Kable's 8TC speaker cable, introduced in 1985, falls firmly in the latter category, still going strong after nearly four decades in countless high-end systems.

Kimber uses a unique braided conductor geometry for both speaker cables and interconnects. Instead of parallel runs or simple twists, their cables feature interwoven strands that naturally cancel noise—a technique originally developed for 1970s nightclub installations. The 8TC speaker cable uses sixteen individual VariStrand copper conductors in a distinctive braid pattern, while their Hero interconnects employ the same braided approach with four precision strands.

This topology creates higher capacitance and lower inductance than conventional designs, translating to exceptional timing and musicality. Despite not being their cheapest option, the Hero interconnect has become their best-selling one—proof that performance matters more than price points.

AudioQuest - A Scientific Approach to Signal Integrity

AudioQuest has spent over 40 years studying one fundamental question: how do you minimize signal degradation? Their answer involves solid conductors, high-purity metals, and specialized geometries across their comprehensive range of speaker cables, interconnects, and digital cables.

The award-winning Rocket 11 speaker cable perfectly showcases AudioQuest's philosophy. Semi-solid true-concentric conductors made from long-grain copper reduce interference while maintaining signal integrity. Unlike stranded cables that suffer from strand interaction, AudioQuest's solid-core approach eliminates potential distortion sources.

Their interconnects employ the same Perfect-Surface Copper technology, where surface imperfections that cause signal reflection are minimized through careful manufacturing. Digital cables receive equal attention—in this streaming-dominated era, clean digital transmission from sources to DACs has never been more critical.

AudioQuest's range spans from the accessible Rocket series to ultra-premium offerings, but the underlying engineering philosophy remains constant. Whether connecting turntables, streaming devices, or powering speakers, they've developed specific solutions for virtually every audio application.

Nordost - Norse Engineering Excellence

This Massachusetts-based company approaches cable design with Norse mythology naming and precision engineering in equal measure. Founded in 1991, Nordost's speaker cables and interconnects—named after figures from Norse mythology like Heimdall, Frey, and Tyr—reflect their attention to detail and performance.

One of the most interesting things that sets Nordost apart is its commitment to flat cable geometry in some lines. While most manufacturers stick with round cables, Nordost's intricate extrusion process creates ribbon-like speaker cables that reduce skin effect and eliminate strand interaction. Their interconnects benefit from the same flat design principles, optimizing conductor spacing for superior signal transfer. Of course, the flat cables are often easier to run and conceal in a complicated setup. 

The Norse 2 Heimdall 2 series represents their entry into high-performance territory. These cables feature Micro Mono-Filament FEP construction with solid-core oxygen-free copper conductors wrapped in 60-micron silver plating. Nordost's mechanically tuned lengths optimize performance based on conductor resonance analysis.

Yes, Nordost commands premium pricing, but its transparent, detailed presentation across speaker cables and interconnects has earned it devoted followers who consider them essential system components.

ICE Cabling - Custom Installation Quality

As custom integrators, we need quality cables that perform without issues behind walls and in challenging environments. That’s why we use ICE Cable Systems for those purposes. Founded in 2004, this American manufacturer specializes in premium low-voltage speaker wire and interconnect cables designed specifically for residential and commercial AV installations.

ICE's speaker cables feature oxygen-free copper conductors with installation-focused technologies like EZ Strip tissue for easier termination and Wet Slick jackets that slide effortlessly through conduits and wall cavities. Their tight-bend radius design makes cables easier to route behind hard-to-reach TVs and AV racks.

Plenum-rated options meet fire codes for air handling spaces, while direct burial cables handle outdoor applications. For Show & Tell's custom integration projects, ICE Cable Systems provides the reliability and performance needed when cables permanently disappear into walls.

Hopefully, we’ve convinced you that these intricately made cables do matter when it comes to the overall performance of your audio system. Want to see for yourself? Visit our Bountiful showroom, click the chatbox below, or reach out here to explore the possibilities!