[Thorough Explanation] Is It Really "Lifelong"? What Is the Lifespan of an Audio Cable?

"Can audio and power cables bought once be used for a lifetime?" "I bought an expensive cable, but is there a replacement period?"

Have you ever had such questions while setting up your audio system or recording environment?

In conclusion, the idea of lifespan varies greatly depending on the type of cable and its intended use. While it is often thought that "it's fine as long as there is sound (as long as it's not disconnected)," in reality, degradation progresses invisibly internally, significantly affecting not only sound quality but also, at times, safety.

This time, from CABLECRAFT ONKODO's perspective, we will clearly explain the truth about the lifespan of power cables, line cables, and speaker cables, and how to maintain them to enjoy good sound safely for a long time!

1. Why does ONKODO explicitly state "power cables have a lifespan of 3 years"?

>>The image is from ONKODO 19364 Power Cable with Non-Plated Pure Copper Plugs (FURUTECH FI15ME-CU-FI15E-CU)

Actually, among our product lineup, power cables are the only ones for which a clear lifespan is specified on the product page and in the instruction manual.

Why is it that only power cables have a specified lifespan, while line cables and speaker cables do not?

This is due to "industry-wide recommendations" and "safety reasons unique to cables that handle electricity."

 

① Industry recommendations and the risk of "fire and electric shock"

Power cables are used to supply a large amount of electricity directly from the outlet to audio equipment. If degradation or damage occurs, it can not only degrade sound quality but also lead to serious accidents such as electric shock or fire.

Therefore, industry organizations (various organizations promoting electrical product safety), prioritizing safety, recommend stating the lifespan or replacement period for power cables.

At our company (ONKODO), out of a desire for our customers to enjoy music safely, we explicitly state the lifespan of power cables as "3 years."

Hearing "3 years" might surprise some, thinking, "Is it really that short?" However, there are strict reasons for this, prioritizing safety, and realistic circumstances related to ONKODO's assembly structure.

 

② Differences in structure between general cables and "ONKODO's power cables"

>>This image is from ZONOTONE Zonotone 6NPS-3.5 Meister Power Cable [FURUTECH FI-11-N1(R) Rhodium Plug]

General power cables that come with home appliances and computers are made with a "molded type" where the plug (the part that plugs into the outlet) is entirely solidified with plastic. This molded type is said to have a lifespan of approximately 10 years with general use.

In contrast, our ONKODO custom power cables are assembled by craftsmen by hand, using carefully selected high-quality parts to enhance sound quality. The construction itself is incomparably more "robust" than molded cables.

 

Why ONKODO does not make "molded cables"

You might wonder, "If they last 10 years, why doesn't ONKODO make molded cables too?" The reason ONKODO deliberately invests time and cost, and insists on manual assembly by craftsmen, is due to an unwavering philosophy toward sound quality and durability.

 

1. Because sound quality improving parts cannot be used: In integral molding, where plastic is solidified at high temperature and pressure, thick high-purity copper wires and delicate high-grade plugs, which are essential for sound quality, cannot be used. Hand assembly is indispensable for pursuing the highest sound quality.

2. To use it for a long time by repairing, rather than disposing of it: If a problem occurs inside an integral mold, it cannot be disassembled, and the only option is to dispose of it immediately if it breaks. With ONKODO's parts assembly system, you can use it for 5, 10 years or more by performing inspections and repairs.

3. To support custom orders down to the centimeter: This is to support custom orders tailored to each customer's system environment, which cannot be done with integral molding that mass-produces tens of thousands of units in a factory.

 

In other words, integral molding is a "disposable structure for cheap production," while ONKODO's hand-assembled structure is a "professional structure for pursuing the best sound and using it for a long time with care."

Despite this, why is the lifespan set to a short "3 years"?

Reason 1: Risk of loose screws

ONKODO's power cables use a structure where the internal wires of the plug are securely fixed with screws to ensure smooth electrical flow and high sound quality.

Since they are not encased in plastic, continuous vibrations from transportation, pulling during insertion and removal, and equipment vibrations over many years can cause the screws to gradually loosen. Loose screws can lead to poor contact, causing heat generation and fire.

 

【With inspection and maintenance, it lasts 10 years (ONKODO also accepts paid inspections and maintenance)】

But rest assured. The screw-fixed structure means, conversely, that it can be disassembled and inspected. If you perform regular inspections and maintenance, such as opening the plug and tightening the screws (re-tightening), it is designed to be safely used for about 10 years.

If you are "a little uneasy about disassembling and tightening the screws yourself..." or "want a professional to thoroughly check the condition," please feel free to contact ONKODO.
ONKODO offers a paid "inspection and maintenance service" for customers using our products. Our skilled craftsmen will carefully re-tighten the screws inside the plug and check the condition of the conductors and contacts, returning the product to you in a safe and perfect state. Please feel free to inquire.

 

Reason 2: High-end audio power strips have "tight fittings" (require force to insert)

Many people who enjoy audio use "high-end audio power strips" for their power connections. These audio strips are often designed with very tight outlets to ensure good electrical contact.

Forcibly inserting a power plug into a tight strip, or pulling it out forcefully, puts a strong load on the resin (plastic parts) that secures the metal blades (the two prongs that go into the outlet) inside the plug.

If this load is repeated many times, the invisible internal resin can gradually degrade, potentially cracking or getting damaged.

 

Summary of Power Cables: Protect "Safety" and "High Sound Quality" with Regular Inspections!

• Power cables have a clear lifespan: To prevent electrical accidents (electric shock, fire), a strict figure (3 years) is explicitly stated for safety reasons.

• Robust but requires maintenance: Due to the screw-fastened structure, screws may loosen with long-term use.

• Tips for long-term use: With regular "re-tightening" of screws and inspections, it is a robust design that can be used for about 10 years.
  

2. The lifespan of line and speaker cables is "decades"? "Sound changes" for listening purposes

>>The image is from ONKODO 9497 Speaker Cable with Banana Plugs, Set of 2

Line cables (XLR/RCA) and speaker cables do not carry high voltages like power cables, so they are less dangerous and can generally be used for decades as long as they are not disconnected.

However, "not broken" is not the same as "maintaining original sound quality." Long-term use inevitably leads to "sound changes."

 

Cause of sound change: "Rusting (oxidation) of internal conductors"

 

Inside cables used for many years, the conductor gradually oxidizes (rusts) due to moisture in the air and other factors. This changes the frequency characteristics of the electrical signal, resulting in the following trends:

• High frequencies are attenuated (poor attack)

• Low frequencies distort
  
  

"Degradation" or "Familiarity"? Interpreting the expression

In recording environments, it is judged as "sound degradation," but for home listening purposes, it is not necessarily a negative change.

• Negative expression: "High-frequency sound is weak, and the contours are blurred."

• Positive expression: "The harshness has been removed, making it less fatiguing to listen to for extended periods."

In this way, there are many cases where it is favorably evaluated as "the sound has settled in" or "the harshness has been removed," and depending on the compatibility with your audio equipment and the genre of music you listen to, it may even develop into a more pleasing sound.

3. In recording and professional use, "sound change = NO!" Guidelines for replacement

While sound changes can be enjoyed as a flavor for listening purposes, they are unacceptable in recording and mastering environments. Because original sounds must be monitored accurately, changes in sound quality directly impact the precision of the work.

Therefore, regular maintenance and periodic cable replacement are recommended in professional settings.

 

Guideline for replacement period

While it varies depending on the environment and type of cable, the guidelines for maintaining potential are as follows:

• Non-plated wire (OFC, pure copper, etc.): Replacement recommended approximately every 3 years

• Plated wire (silver plating, etc.): Approximately 4-5 years (depending on usage environment)

To maintain consistent and flat sound quality in a professional environment, refreshing the cables every 3 to 5 years is ideal.

4. Is "gold-plated plug = lifelong item" a misconception? The mechanism of gold plating rust

>>The image is from ONKODO BP-208BG 24K Gold Plated Banana Plug (Beryllium Copper)

Do you think "gold plating won't rust, so it's maintenance-free"?

Actually, while gold itself is highly corrosion-resistant and does not rust, "gold-plated plugs" can rust.

 

Reasons why gold-plated plugs degrade

1. Pinhole (microscopic hole): The surface of gold plating has tiny, invisible holes.

2. Corrosion of the underlying metal: The underlying nickel layer or the base copper alloy corrodes due to moisture and dust in the air, seeping through the pinholes in the gold plating and emerging as rust on the surface.

3. Wears away when polished: Gold is very soft, so if it is polished vigorously with metal polish, the gold plating itself will wear away, and its original sound quality characteristics will be lost.

4. Vulnerable to insertion and removal: Frequent insertion and removal can cause the gold plating to peel off due to friction.

Although gold plating is used for high sound quality, it can have disadvantages in long-term operation or harsh environments.

 

Why professionals sometimes choose "nickel plating"

Professional engineers working in demanding environments sometimes opt for "nickel-plated plugs" instead of gold-plated ones.

Nickel plating is characterized by its exceptionally high surface hardness compared to gold plating. It is resistant to scratches even when wiped roughly with a cloth, and the plating is less likely to peel off, offering overwhelming durability against frequent insertion/removal and harsh maintenance.

5. Summary: Enjoy the best sound for a long time with regular inspections and proper care!

The lifespan and care of audio cables can be summarized as follows:

1. Power cables: To prevent fire and electric shock, ONKODO's recommended lifespan is a strict "3 years" for safety. However, unlike disposable molded cables, ONKODO's power cables have a screw-fastened structure. With regular "re-tightening" of screws and inspections, they are designed to be robust and safely used for about 10 years.

2. Line and speaker cables (for listening): They can be used for decades as long as they are not disconnected, but the oxidation of internal conductors will gradually soften the high frequencies. Enjoying this as "the harshness has been removed and the sound has settled in" is one of the true pleasures of audio.

3. Line and speaker cables (for professional production environments): Sound changes (degradation) are unacceptable as they affect work precision! Regular replacement every "3-5 years" is a professional rule to maintain original performance.

4. Plug care and selection: Gold-plated plugs should be maintained gently with a soft cloth. For tough environments with frequent insertion and removal, choosing "nickel-plated" plugs, which are resistant to wear and easy to maintain, is a wise choice.

ONKODO's craftsmanship supports your audio life

At CABLECRAFT ONKODO, skilled craftsmen carefully solder and assemble each cable by hand, using world-class brand cables such as BELDEN, MOGAMI, CANARE, and ZONOTONE, along with carefully selected reliable plugs.

"I'd like to check the connection or condition of my cables."

"I want to discuss and decide on the best cable for my specific use (listening/recording)."

Please feel free to contact us anytime with questions about product selection or concerns about maintenance. ONKODO will fully support your ideal sound creation with an uncompromising cable.