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Do audio cables really matter for sound quality?

  • Sep 11, 2025
  • 4 min read

In the world of good audio, there is probably no topic that sparks more passionate debate than cables. Are they really important?


Can you really hear the difference between a regular wire and a dedicated audio cable?


Skeptics will say it's all just a marketing ploy. But real-world experience shows a different picture. It's not magic, it's simple physics.

A good cable doesn't add anything to the sound. Its job is much more difficult: to take away as little as possible from it on the way from one component to another and to protect it from all the interference that lurks in its path.


Is investing in quality audio cables really worth it?

Before we dive into the world of different cables, let's clear up the biggest myth:


Since it's just ones and zeros, a digital cable cannot affect the sound.


Isn't it? Although it's digital data, the key to perfect reproduction is the accuracy of the timing of that data. Timing errors, known as "jitter," can cause the D/A converter (DAC) to misinterpret the signal. And that sounds like a harsh, digital-sounding sound that lacks depth and becomes tiring to listen to for long periods of time.

The same applies to protection.


We live in a world filled with an invisible smog of radio frequency (RF) interference emitted by our Wi-Fi routers and cell phones.


A poorly shielded cable acts like an antenna, picking up these disturbances and adding them to the delicate audio signal as noise. And when the amplifier amplifies this noise, you hear it as a lack of detail and blurriness.


Cable guide

Imagine a music signal as a traveler who needs to get from point A to point B. Each cable is part of the path it must travel, and each part of the path has its own challenges.


  • Power cables

It all starts with electricity from the socket.

Each of your audio components needs clean, stable power for optimal performance. High-quality power cable acts as the first filter, reducing noise from the mains and providing your device with a solid foundation to work on. Especially with amplifiers that need a quick supply of power for musical highlights, a good power cable can bring a significant improvement in dynamics.



  • Signal (Interconnect) cables

Once a signal is created (whether in a turntable or a DAC), it becomes extremely sensitive. RCA cables and XLR cables carry this delicate analog signal between your source and your amplifier. Here, quality materials (e.g. high-purity copper or silver) and good shielding (shielding) are crucial to preserving all the fine details. XLR cables offer a symmetrical connection that is even more resistant to interference due to its design and is the standard in the professional world.



Digital cables

These cables transmit "ones and zeros," but the way they do it is crucial.

  • USB Cables: Crucial when connecting a computer or streamer to an external DAC. A good USB cable with solid conductors and good shielding reduces "jitter" and ensures that the DAC receives an intact data stream.

  • Optical and coaxial cables: Both are designed to carry digital audio signals, such as between a TV and an amplifier. Coaxial cable carries an electrical signal, while optical cable carries a light signal. The quality of the fibers and the polishing of the connectors in optical cable, and maintaining the exact impedance in coaxial cable, are key to error-free transmission.


  • HDMI cables

At home theater HDMI cable not only transmits high-definition images, but also high-definition audio, including Dolby Atmos. The latest formats (4K/120Hz, 8K) require high bandwidth (48Gbps), which is only provided by certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables, such as AudioQuest's 48 Series models.



  • Speaker cables

At the end of the path, the amplifier must send a strong signal to the speakers through the speaker cable . The conductor cross-section is especially important here, as it must be large enough to ensure unhindered power flow. The quality of the materials and geometry affect how accurately and controlled the amplifier will "grab" the speaker, which is most noticeable in the definition of the bass and clarity of the midrange.


  • Connectors (Bananas and Forks)

No matter how good the speaker cable is, contact with the component is crucial. Quality connectors, such as bananas or forks , provide a large and solid contact surface, prevent oxidation (which increases resistance), and ensure reliable signal transmission without loss.


Cables are part of the puzzle, not magic

Will cables fix a bad system? No.


But in a good system, bad cables will be the bottleneck that prevents your carefully selected components from showing what they are truly capable of. They are the icing on the cake, the final piece of the puzzle that allows you to hear what you deserve.

The best test is always your own ears. Come to our showroom , where you can hear the difference for yourself. You can also bring your own equipment and together we will find the right solution for your system, without myths and unnecessary hype.


 
 

How to improve sound with better speaker placement?

  • Aug 7, 2025
  • 4 min read

Before you start thinking about buying new equipment, take advantage of the full potential of the one you already have.

Optimal speaker placement

Proper speaker placement is the most effective and free upgrade to any audio system. Once you've chosen the right type of speakers for your space , it's time to position them so they can really shine.

We reveal five simple steps to optimize your setup and discover a new level of detail and spatiality in your music.


Five steps to superior sound

Step 1: Establishing a stereo triangle (the basis for the sound image)


This is the absolute foundation of any good setup. Start by placing your speakers and your main listening position in an equilateral triangle . This means that the distance between the left and right speakers should be approximately the same as the distance from each speaker to your ears. This geometry (also known as a 60-degree angle) allows the sound from both channels to meet harmoniously at the listener, creating a three-dimensional soundstage with clearly defined instruments in the space.


Once you have that baseline, the experimentation begins. Many manufacturers and audiophiles recommend trying to sit a little further back for an even more realistic and immersive soundstage. The rule of thumb is that your listening distance should be at least 1.2 times the distance between the speakers . This may result in an even wider and more "open" sound, so it's definitely worth trying both placements.



Step 2: Dancing with the back wall (bass volume and definition)

The distance of the speakers from the wall behind them directly affects the amount and quality of bass. The closer the speaker is to the wall, the more emphasis the bass will have. This can be helpful if you find the sound too thin, but it often leads to a flat and imprecise bass. Start by placing the speakers about a meter from the wall , then gradually move them back until you find a point where the bass is full but still defined and fast.


____________________________

But what if your space simply doesn't allow you to place your speakers that far from the wall?

Here comes the brilliant exception that proves the rule: the Swedish speakers Guru Audio . Their entire philosophy is designed exactly the opposite of most. Instead of fighting the wall, they use it to their advantage ; their unique design allows the sound to bounce off the wall and blend harmoniously with the direct sound, creating an extremely precise and musical bass without distortion. Models such as the Guru 8 or Guru Q10 are therefore the ideal solution for rooms where the speakers must be placed right next to the wall.


Guru 8 speaker
From€1,790.00€1,990.00
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Guru 12 speaker
From€2,990.00€3,290.00
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Guru 20 speaker
From€3,490.00€3,890.00
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Guru 28 speaker
From€4,490.00€4,990.00
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Guru Q10 speaker
€2,490.00
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____________________________


Step 3: The Art of "toe-in" (focus sharpness and image width)

"Toe-in" is the term for turning the speakers inward, towards the listening position. This directly affects the soundstage. Start with a setup where the speakers are pointed straight ahead. Then gradually turn them inward. A larger angle of rotation will create a narrower but more sharply focused soundstage, which is great for vocals. A smaller angle will create a wider and more airy soundstage.


There is no right answer here ; find the balance that works best for you and your music.


Step 4: Correct pitch (vertical straightness)

For the most natural sound reproduction, especially vocals, the tweeter of the speaker should be approximately at the height of your ears when you are sitting in the listening position. With freestanding speakers, this is usually already ensured. With bookshelf speakers, however, this is a key reason to use dedicated speaker stands , such as the Norstone Stylum . Placing it on a cabinet that is too low will result in a muffled sound and a poorer soundstage.


Step 5: Symmetry and first reflections (clarity and balance)

Try to ensure that the left and right speakers have as similar an acoustic environment as possible . If one speaker is in a corner and the other is in an open space, the sound image will be unbalanced. Also, try to limit the first reflections from smooth surfaces. A simple "mirror trick" can help: sit in the listening position and have an assistant slide a mirror along the side wall. The point of the first reflection is where you see the tweeter in the mirror, which is a good place to cover with a picture, bookshelf, or dedicated absorbers.


When you need the finishing touch

Once you have the basic setup in place, you can further enhance the sound with dedicated accessories. Speaker stands like the Norstone Stylum are more than just furniture ; their solid construction and sand-filling capability dampen vibrations and provide a stable base.

Norstone Stylum I speaker stands
€129.00
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Norstone Stylum II speaker stands
€139.00
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The ultimate improvement is provided by isolation feet and pads . Their task is to "decouple" or isolate the speaker or audio component from the substrate. This prevents the transmission of unwanted vibrations, which is directly reflected in improved midrange clarity and significantly more defined and accurate bass.


Your ears are your most important instrument.

Speaker placement is not an exact science, but a process of finding the optimal spot for your space and your personal taste.


Use these instructions as a starting point, but don't be afraid to experiment.

Move the speakers, listen, and trust your ears. The best setup is the one that sounds best to you.


If you want to hear how big a difference it can make, or if you need advice on choosing the right stands and accessories, we invite you to a demonstration in our showroom . Together, we will make sure your system sounds better than ever.


 
 

Guru Audio

  • Aug 1, 2025
  • 4 min read

Updated: Aug 12, 2025

Sound that breaks the rules and loves your walls


You buy new, high-end speakers, bring them home with excitement, place them in your living room... and the sound is disappointing. The space "eats" them, the bass echoes unpleasantly off the walls.


This is a frustration familiar to every audiophile, and a problem that most manufacturers solve with the instruction: "Place the speakers as far away from the walls as possible."

But what if there was a brand that turned that rule on its head? What if there were speakers that not only tolerated being close to a wall, but needed it to breathe at full power?

This is the story of Swedish brand Guru Audio , which was born not in a marketing department, but out of engineering tenacity and a love of music. Their motto is simple: sound should be great where people live, not just in the lab.



That's why every speaker, from idea to final product, is designed in Stockholm and manufactured under strict control in Europe, with real spaces and real listeners in mind.


A solution that seems to violate the laws of physics

The engineers at Guru Audio decided not to create speakers for ideal, acoustically treated rooms, but for the spaces people actually live in. Their solution is simple but ingenious: instead of fighting against sound reflections from walls, they incorporated them into the speaker design itself.

Place the Guru speaker right up against a wall and something happens that seems to defy logic. They use the reflection off the wall to amplify and extend the bass.



The result? From a surprisingly small enclosure, you get deep, precise, and punchy bass that would otherwise require significantly larger speakers.


Meet the Guru speaker family

The entire Guru speaker line follows this unique philosophy, but is also adapted to different needs and room sizes.


The successor to the legendary "Junior" model is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms . Don't let its small size fool you; thanks to its wall-mounted design, the Guru 8 reproduces bass down to 34 Hz , which is incredible for a speaker of its size. It is an extremely fast, rhythmic and musically communicative speaker that is the perfect entry point into the world of Guru sound.


The Guru 12 is a larger bookshelf speaker designed for medium-sized rooms . It uses a larger 125mm bass/midrange driver and a more advanced Helmholtz resonator enclosure design, allowing it to reach even deeper, down to an impressive 30Hz . The sound is fuller, more authoritative and offers even more detail, while maintaining its signature speed and precision.


The Q10 is a speaker with a different mission. Originally designed as a professional studio monitor , its goal is absolute sonic truth. It does not embellish the sound, but presents it exactly as it was recorded. It is the choice of audiophiles and music purists who want to hear every detail and flaw in the recording.


The Guru 20 was designed for true connoisseurs who seek the authority and sonic fullness of a freestanding speaker, but in a stylish and extremely compact form. Its slim body hides the same advanced driver units as the acclaimed bookshelf model Guru 12 , allowing it to maintain its recognizable speed and precision. The larger volume of the cabinet gives it the opportunity to add even greater depth to the sound image and extend the reproduction of bass tones down to an astonishing 28 Hz . It is an ideal solution for medium to large rooms , where its sophisticated appearance and powerful sound will become the centerpiece of your musical experience.


The Guru 28 is the pinnacle of the range and was created for uncompromising sound reproduction in the largest living spaces. In this model, engineers have combined the best of both worlds: the precision of a studio monitor with the power of a large floorstanding speaker. Its advanced design includes a renowned 102mm mineral fibre midrange driver, derived from the legendary Q10 studio model , ensuring exceptional clarity of vocals and instruments. For powerful and precise bass, two dedicated 110mm woofers are hidden in the back of the cabinet and, when placed close to the wall, create a deep sound foundation that reaches down to an astonishing 26Hz . The Guru 28 is a speaker for those who want to experience the full dynamic and frequency range of music without limits.


Standpoint stands

With bookshelf models like the Guru 8 , Guru 12 and Guru Q10 , proper placement is key. That's why Guru has developed the dedicated Standpoint stands . Their job is not just aesthetic; at 52 cm high, they place the speaker at the ideal listening height , and their robust construction made of solid oak and aluminum prevents the transfer of vibrations . They are an essential accessory for anyone who wants to get the most out of their Guru speaker.







Sound for people, not microphones

But the real magic happens when you sit down and listen.

Critics around the world describe them with words like "extremely enjoyable musical communicators" and "infectiously rhythmic."

Instead of a single ideal listening point where you have to sit still, Guru speakers create a wide sound field . This means that the entire family or group of friends can enjoy the same high-quality sound, not just one person.


Sound for your home, not the lab

Guru Audio is a brand for connoisseurs who appreciate smart, innovative solutions. For those who want top-notch sound but don't have the space or desire for large speakers in the middle of their living room. And above all, they are for those who believe that the essence of Hi-Fi is to forget about the equipment and simply enjoy the music.

If you recognize yourself in this description, we invite you to our showroom to experience for yourself how different music can sound when speakers work together with your space.


 
 
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