Top-tier Speaker Cables in 2025: Four Specialist Recommendations for Every Wallet Size
Choosing the right speaker cables is crucial to get the most out of your hi-fi system. Despite being less glamorous than other components, speaker wires significantly impact the final sound quality. After all, they're responsible for transmitting the audio signal from your amplifier to your speakers.
Don't underestimate these workhorses! Even low-quality speaker cables can degrade the sound, potentially making your system sound worse than it really is. Therefore, it's always a good idea to invest in the best cabling within your budget when building or upgrading your system. Aim for around 10% of your total system cost on speaker cables (along with the interconnect audio cables between your electronics).
So, let's dive into our top recommendations for the best speaker cables, as tested by our team of experts inside our state-of-the-art facilities.
Best Speaker Cables of 2023
1. Chord Company Rumour X
The Chord Company Rumour X has been our top pick for years, and the enhanced metallurgy in the latest version doesn't change that. This high-quality audiophile speaker cable offers improved clarity, tauter bass, refined top-end, and enhanced subtlety, ensuring every last bit of performance shines from your amplifier to your speakers.
2. Chord Company C-Screen
Providing excellent value for budget-conscious audiophiles, the Chord Company C-Screen is a solid starter cable for a modest hi-fi system. It is renowned for its cohesive sound and dynamic performance, making it an excellent all-rounder.
3. AudioQuest Rocket 11
Affordable and versatile, the AudioQuest Rocket 11 is a strong contender for your hi-fi system. It features semi-solid true-concentric conductors and long-grain copper to reduce interference and improve clarity. Its dynamic and detailed sound has earned it multiple awards from our team at “What Hi-Fi?” over the years.
4. AudioQuest Rocket 22
For a premium option, consider the AudioQuest Rocket 22. It builds upon the success of the Rocket 11, offering superior sound quality, especially in terms of scale, detail, and authority. It's a versatile choice, working well in a wide range of hi-fi systems.
How to Choose the Right Speaker Cables
1. Consult your speaker manufacturer
Contact the manufacturer of your speakers for specific recommendations on speaker cables that would suit your system best.
2. Consult your dealer
Speak to your local audio dealer; they may have valuable insights into speaker cables that work particularly well with your specific speaker models.
3. Consider cable lengths
Remember to account for cable lengths and the number of speakers if you're setting up a surround sound system. Additionally, consider cable termination; bare wires or banana plugs each have their advantages and disadvantages.
4. Assess your system needs
Allocate around 10% of your system's total cost for speaker cables, and factor in the costs of other cables such as analogue interconnects and digital optical or coaxial cables.
How we test speaker cables
We have been reviewing speaker cables for almost 50 years, and our extensive experience is put to good use in our state-of-the-art testing facilities. We use our knowledge from years of testing and comparison to provide reliable, independent, and trusted reviews of speaker cables. By testing products individually or in groups during our "What Hi-Fi?" Awards judging process, we ensure a balanced and objective evaluation of speaker cables compatibility with various systems.
As you can see from our recommendations, investing in high-quality speaker cables can make a significant improvement to your system's sound, even without breaking the bank. Try out some of our top choices, and enjoy the difference better cables can bring to your listening experience!
- The Chord Company Rumour X, having enhanced metallurgy, delivers improved clarity, tauter bass, refined top-end, and enhanced subtlety, making it the team's long-standing top pick for audiophile speaker cables.
- The Chord Company C-Screen, known for its cohesive sound and dynamic performance, offers excellent value for budget-conscious audiophiles setting up a modest hi-fi system.
- The AudioQuest Rocket 11, with semi-solid true-concentric conductors and long-grain copper, is a versatile and affordable choice for improving the clarity of various hi-fi systems, having earned multiple awards from experts.
- The AudioQuest Rocket 22, a premium option built on the success of the Rocket 11, offers superior sound quality, excelling in scale, detail, and authority, making it a versatile and high-performing choice for diverse hi-fi systems.
- When selecting speaker cables, audiophiles should consider consulting their speaker manufacturer or local audio dealer for recommendations tailored to their specific systems.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts looking to invest in a hi-fi system must allocate around 10% of their total system cost for speaker cables, taking into account the costs of other cables like analogue interconnects and digital optical or coaxial cables.
