Speaker Cable Connections: Crimp or Solder, Which Sounds Better?
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- Issue Time
- Jul 25,2023
Summary
In speaker cable connections, there are two main methods: crimping and soldering.
Overview
In speaker cable connections, there are two main methods: crimping and soldering.
The purpose of both techniques is to ensure a solid electrical connection between the speaker cable and the terminal or connector.
Which of these two methods will sound better?
1. Crimping
Crimping is a technique that uses a crimping tool to securely fasten the bare speaker wire to metal terminals or connectors.
This process establishes a mechanical connection, ensuring a solid and reliable electrical contact.
Advantages of Crimping
Crimping is a technique that uses a crimping tool to securely fasten the bare speaker cable to metal terminals or connectors.
This process establishes a mechanical connection, ensuring a solid and reliable electrical contact.
Disadvantages
Easy to operate with a simple and straightforward process, suitable for various cable connections.
Crimping is less prone to oxidation and damage, providing lasting reliability.
Disadvantages
Prone to poor contacts and heat generation.
2. Soldering
Soldering requires the use of solder and a soldering iron to melt metal alloy onto the junction of the cable and the terminal, forming a permanent connection.
Soldering is a common electronic connection technique known for its stability and low resistance.
Advantages of Crimping
Soldering requires the use of solder and a soldering iron to melt metal alloy onto the junction of the cable and the terminal, forming a permanent connection.
Soldering is a common electronic connection technique known for its stability and low resistance.
Disadvantages
Sound can be somewhat stiff and less natural compared to crimping.
Some believe that for high-end audio equipment preferred by audiophiles, soldering is a better choice over crimping.
This is because crimping involves a loose connection between two metal interfaces, creating tiny air gaps (equivalent to capacitors) and oxidation layers (copper oxide acts as a semiconductor, equivalent to diodes), which introduce distortion due to different impedance at different signal frequencies.
Dose Crimping Speaker Sounds worse than Soldering Speaker?
We have conduct a comparison experiment.
First, we prepare two sets of speaker cables, one with the outer layer stripped, and the other treated with soldering.
Next, we set up a pair of wooden bookshelf speakers, one using crimping and the other using soldering.
After installation, we play the same song in sequence and observe their sound performance.
Finally, we connect and play the same test song via Bluetooth.
The test song is a famous Chinese melody called "Spring of the North."
We mainly compare the differences in sound between the two connection methods in terms of musical instruments and vocals.
We ensure consistent test conditions, except for the different wiring methods of the cable, everything else is kept the same.
Test Results
The crimped speaker exhibits a more natural, bright, and transparent sound. The soldered speaker, on the other hand, has a stiffer sound and noticeably less penetration.
Speaker Audio Cable
Horn Phase Test
Crimping Speaker
Soldering Speaker
Conclusion
Based on this test, under the same conditions, the sound performance of the crimped speaker is superior to the soldered one.
However, in real-world scenarios, manufacturers employ various techniques to minimize the differences in sound performance between crimping and soldering.
Therefore, regardless of the method chosen, ensuring proper cable termination and high-quality connection components are essential for achieving the best sound performance.
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