In this guide
Yes, you can use RCA cables for audio only — they are one of the most common ways to carry analog stereo audio (red/white) or digital S/PDIF audio (orange) between devices.
- Using red (right) and white or black (left) cables for analog stereo
- Using an orange 75Ω coaxial cable for digital S/PDIF audio
- Cable runs stay under 10 metres for analog signals
- Both devices have matching RCA audio inputs and outputs
- Cable shielding is too thin, picking up RFI or EMI noise
- Non-75Ω cable is used for digital S/PDIF, causing dropped audio packets
- You use a yellow composite video cable in place of a proper audio cable
- Cable runs are too long, degrading the analog signal
Analog Stereo RCA Audio (Red and White)
The most familiar RCA audio setup uses two cables: red for the right channel and white (or black) for the left channel. This analog stereo connection works with amplifiers, TVs, turntables, CD players, soundbars, and most home audio receivers. As long as both devices have matching RCA jacks and your cable run is under around 10 metres, signal quality is reliable.
Cable quality matters. Thin foil-shielded cables — often sold cheaply as video cables — can pick up radio frequency interference in audio use. For best results, choose cables with braided shielding and decent connector quality.
Digital Coaxial RCA Audio (Orange / S/PDIF)
A single orange RCA cable can carry digital audio in the S/PDIF format (IEC 60958-3), passing surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and DTS from a source to a receiver or soundbar. This is called digital coaxial audio and it needs a proper 75Ω impedance cable to work correctly — the same electrical specification used for video, but used here purely for audio.
Using a standard thin analog RCA cable for a long digital coaxial run can cause audio dropouts or no signal at all. Dedicated digital coaxial cables are inexpensive and worth using for this connection. Learn more about the RCA connector standard on Wikipedia.
Quick Setup Reference
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red + white analog stereo | Yes | Standard RCA cables | Keep runs under 10m |
| Orange digital coaxial S/PDIF | Yes | 75Ω coaxial RCA cable | Carries Dolby Digital / DTS |
| Yellow composite cable for audio | Poor | Proper audio cable instead | Impedance mismatch causes noise |
| Long analog run (over 10m) | Maybe | Balanced cable or active balun | Signal degrades over distance |
RCA vs Other Audio Connection Options
RCA is a purely analog or unbalanced digital format. If you are connecting modern devices without RCA ports, you may need a different approach entirely. For example, if your source uses USB-C, check whether USB-C supports audio and video output on your specific device, or see how USB-C connects to HDMI for combined audio and video in a single cable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not swap a yellow composite video RCA cable into an audio-only jack — it looks identical but the impedance matching is inconsistent
- Do not exceed 10 metres on unbalanced analog RCA without signal boosting
- Do not use a thin analog cable for digital coaxial S/PDIF — use a rated 75Ω cable
- Do not leave one channel disconnected in a stereo pair — you will only hear mono from one side
Bottom line: RCA cables are a proven, reliable choice for audio-only connections. Use red and white for analog stereo, orange 75Ω for digital S/PDIF, keep runs short, and choose cables with proper shielding — and RCA will serve you well for years.