Looking for the best turntable RCA cables for the price? We’ll help you make an informed decision.
RCA cables are most probably the last things that you think about when arranging audio setup.
Generally, changing these cables looks less critical than upgrading your speakers, phone cartridge, or even turntable mat, as these will improve sound quality more than a cable. At least people think so.
However, a low-quality RCA cable can deteriorate the audio signal of your turntable. Carrying a sound in a cable truly means a voltage, and if this voltage reaches unmodified to the speaker, it can translate the exact sound coming from the source. So you can’t ignore RCA cables trying to get excellent sound quality from your turntable.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at our list of the best RCA cables you can use with a turntable.
Best Turntable RCA Cables
| Image | Model | Length (feet) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosa CRA-203DJ (Top Pick) | 9.8 | Check Price |
 | Pangea Audio Premier SE (Close Runner-Up) | 4.1 | Check Price |
 | Amazon Basics (Yep, 100 feet) | 15+100 | Check Price |
 | Hosa CRA-206 | 19.7 | Check Price |
 | Technics 1200 1210 | 4 | Check Price |
 | AudioQuest Golden Gate | 3.28 | Check Price |
1. Hosa CRA-203DJ Dual RCA Turntable Cable (Editor’s Choice)
Hosa CRA dual RCA cable is made for connecting a turntable to an amplifier, phono preamp, or DJ mixer. This cable is adequate for turntables that need a ground wire. The brand is dedicated to providing superior quality products that can meet customers’ expectations through matchless value and customer service.
The RCA cable has soft center wire made of pliable copper. The soft stranded copper wire shield is wrapped around the center wire, and it does not have an additional mylar/foil shield. Therefore, the coverage of this RCA cable may not be 100%, but it is still very close. Once you install this cable, you can experience no hum, and the turntable works quietly.
2. Pangea Audio Premier SE Turntable Cable (Close Runner-Up)
Pangea’s turntable cable with high-end grounding safeguards signals from impulses or interferences. This superior quality RCA cable does this at an affordable cost. With advancements in cable design technology, it is now easy to construct RCA cables for turntables with less noise interference and interference from different audio channels.
The brand takes advantage of the latest high-quality materials in new and improved cable design. Pangea uses advanced insulators in SE cables. These cables have three layers of shielding that keep EMI and RFI noise at bay.
The three shielding layers are a braided copper shield which is silver plated, a mylar/aluminum shield, and a PE shield that is carbon-filled. The carbon-filled PE shield is the latest addition, and this protective layer does not affect the cable flexibility making a quieter cable.
Triple-layer shielding is far better than two-layer shielding as the middle layer offers the perfect pathway to remove electromagnetic noise and radio frequency which in turn maintains the signal purity.
The outer jacket of this SE cable is made of advanced thermoplastic rubber rather than a PVC cover. The rubber offers superb protection and allows maximum flexibility. All these versatile characteristics ensure that the signals are clear and crisp.
3. Hosa CRA-206 Dual RCA Cable
Hosa CRA dual RCA cables are made for hard-working audio professionals. The cable features molding of plastics, positive and high tolerance connections. Hosa cables are popular as these are high-quality cables available at an affordable price.
This cable has nickel-plated plugs that are durable and provide the efficient signal transfer. Oxygen-free copper conductors offer the enhanced signal clarity. OFC spiral shields are effective for eliminating radio frequency and electromagnetic interference.
These cables perform excellently and have superior durability. Hosa keeps an eye on audio cable design, which can be seen in the sound quality produced. These are high-quality and long-lasting cables. Get the Hosa CRA RCA cable and make your music experience extraordinary.
4. Amazon Basics RCA Cable
This RCA cable uses high-quality materials, making it durable. It is perfect to use in domestic as well as private settings for audio connections. In addition, you can use this cable with high-fidelity systems such as a turntable.
The unique thing about this RCA cable is its gold-plated connectors which make it long-lasting. You can hear clear and consistent audio because it cancels out all the noise.
The white and red color marks on cables make them super easy to use. The two outputs can be connected to either R or L input. There are three length options, i.e., 4, 8, and 15 feet, so that you can use these cables in different settings. The outer plastic jacket safeguards the wire and delivers undistorted high-quality signals.
5. Technics 1200 1210 Gold Tip RCA Cable
Technics has designed high-quality RCA cable that is made for interference rejection and low capacitance. This is a good choice when looking for superior quality and durable RCA cable for a turntable. In addition, this flexible cable is easy to flex, which is important if dealing with turns and tight spaces.
This cable has many features that are found only in expensive cables, such as built-in internal ground modification to remove the external ground wire. Also, heat shrink reinforced to avoid any damage when pulling out the plug.
Installation is easy as it is pre-soldered, so the actual soldering process takes only a few minutes for a turntable. Technics has a good reputation when it comes to music. The high-quality construction makes it durable. You can’t go wrong with these RCA cables.
6. AudioQuest Golden Gate RCA Cable
Audio Quest Golden Gate RCA cable uses advanced metal processing technology that safeguards the surface of wire at different stages of drawing and fabrication. In addition, the low-oxide high purity copper used in this cable is a low distortion conductor.
Over the past 30 years, the company is committed to using superior metals, which show significant performance improvement. The double-balanced asymmetrical geometry and gold-plated plugs are its unique features. So get this RCA cable and enjoy the clear sound with no additional burden on your pocket.
Solid conductors used in RCA cable help in achieving very clean sound. The shield eliminates magnetic and electrical interaction, which causes distortion and causes that harsh, dirty sound. Golden Gate makes use of air-filled foamed polyethylene insulation on conductors, which eliminates distortion.
7. AudioQuest Evergreen RCA Cable
Evergreen long-grain solid copper in this RCA cable allows clearer and smoother sound more than oxygen-free high conductivity copper. Solid material near a conductor is a part of an imperfect circuit. Circuit board and wire insulation materials absorb energy that is released as distortion. Foamed polyethylene insulation on conductors is effective because air does not absorb energy, and thus minimum signal distortion occurs.
Metal layer noise dissipation system ensures 100% shield coverage. In addition, asymmetrical double-balanced geometry offers lower ground impedance which is important for a dynamic and richer experience.
With evergreen cables, you can experience more smoothness and definition to the music. Moreover, these cables are directional, which also makes a vast difference. The small arrows on the cable point to the current direction and are designed so that arrows point from output to input. It is a small yet functional feature.
This RCA cable has an excellent build; they are neither too tight nor too loose. These exclusive features make Evergreen a perfect choice for RCA cable, and they are affordable too.
Are Expensive RCA Cables Better for Turntables?
It depends! Good quality RCA cables are the best bet. However, they may be expensive and add a burden to your pocket. On the other hand, a cheap and poor-quality cable may crackle and hum due to poor shielding.
High-quality RCA cables make a difference instead of changing speakers, turntables, or other electronics. In addition, buying premium quality cables means they will be long-lasting. So if you are moving a lot, then it is a must to have highly durable, high-quality RCA cables.
Does RCA Cable Length Affect Sound Quality of a Turntable?
Yes, RCA cable length affects the sound quality. Long RCA cable can tangle, which often deteriorates the sound quality. Moreover, the longer the wire, the higher the resistance, and the lesser the sound quality. So keep in mind to choose the appropriate length to get the minimum sound deterioration.
Do RCA Cables for Turntables Get Old?
RCA cables for turntables have exposed metal connections like the HDMI cables. The plug and the joint between the cable tubing are prone to wear and tear. Due to rust, the plug is not susceptible to signal degradation because it is a single electrical signal. However, it is always necessary to replace the rusty cables even when you do not experience much difference in audio quality.
So, The Best RCA Cable for Turntable Is…
Finding the best RCA cables for the turntable is of utmost importance because it dramatically impacts sound quality. RCA cable plated with premium quality gold, silver or copper is a good choice because their conductivities are better. The products listed above are high quality and can make a difference in sound output.
If you have a top-notch turntable but not getting quality sound, then try switching your RCA cables, as this is a simple and affordable way to get a clear and clean sound. Our favorite from the list is Hosa CRA-203DJ Dual RCA Turntable Cable as it works effectively, provides clear sound, and has high coverage.