Collection: Analog Cables

Analog cables are all the leads that carry an analog music signal: speaker cables, RCA/phono and XLR cables, turntable (phono) cables and headphone jack cables.

Why good analog cables?

The cable is the connection between your components – and the weakest link in the chain determines how much makes it through in the end. A good analog cable doesn't sound “better” than physically possible, but it ensures clean contact, sufficient cross-section and solid shielding, so nothing is lost and no interference creeps in. A cable can't turn a mediocre system into a good one – but a bad cable can hold a good one back.

What you'll find here

All the analog connections are here in one place: speaker cables (from our own HD ONE and HD TWO through ViaBlue to AudioQuest), RCA and XLR cables for connecting sources and amplifiers, shielded phono cables for the turntable, and jack cables for headphones and mobile sources. Everything is here, from Rega cable by the metre to high-end runs. We custom-make speaker cables to measure at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil – in the exact length, with the connectors that suit your system.

Who it's for – and straight talk

From the first stereo setup to a high-end chain: decent analog cables belong in every system. Honestly – the free black cable out of the box did its job, but it was never meant as the final solution.

Straight talk: Solid build quality, the right construction and matching connectors get you most of the way there. The premium for exotic materials only pays off in very high-resolution chains and for trained ears. If the foundation isn't there yet, your money is better spent on speakers or the source – we'll tell you that honestly.

Verdict: First choose the right cable type and cross-section for the job, then talk about material and tier. If you're unsure which cable belongs where in your system, we'll sort that out with you in two minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Which analog cable do I need for what?

Speaker cables connect the amplifier or power amp to the speakers. RCA and XLR connect sources to the amplifier, with XLR especially for long runs. Phono cables run from the turntable to the phono stage, and jack cables are used for headphones and mobile devices. Tell us your components, and we'll match them to the right runs.

RCA or XLR – which is better?

XLR transmits in balanced mode and is less sensitive to interference over long cable runs, but only works if both devices have XLR connectors. For typical living-room distances, RCA is usually plenty sonically. We look at your connectors and recommend the option that really makes sense in your setup.

Can you really hear expensive cables?

To some extent – but rarely as dramatically as some prices suggest. The biggest jump comes from switching from the bundled freebie cable to a properly built cable. Very expensive cables only pay off in high-resolution chains and for trained ears. We'll tell you honestly from what point the extra spend is worth it.

Why does a turntable need a special phono cable?

The phono signal is tiny and very susceptible to interference before the phono stage amplifies it. That's why phono cables are especially well shielded and usually come with a separate ground wire against hum. A normal RCA cable will do in a pinch, but a real phono/tonearm cable like the ViaBlue NF-S5 keeps the background noticeably quieter.

Do you make cables to measure?

Yes. We make speaker cables in the length you need with the right connectors – including our own HD ONE and HD TWO. That way you get exactly the length your room needs, without coiled-up excess behind the rack. Tell us the length, connectors and speakers, and we'll take care of the rest in Wädenswil.

Why buy analog cables from HD Zürisee?

Because we see cable, amplifier and speakers as one system and recommend the type and tier that suits your chain – not the most expensive one on the shelf. We make custom lengths in-house, our advice is honest, and we deliver throughout Switzerland with free shipping from CHF 190.