Simple Explanation

Cables used to connect different audio components together, like your CD player to your preamplifier.

Concise Technical Definition

Audio cables—typically at line level—used to carry signals between source components and amplifiers, preamps, or other devices.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like the wires that link appliances in a kitchen—each tool needs a connection to work with the others.

Industry Usage Summary

Interconnects include HDMI, RCA, optical (TOSLINK), coaxial, XLR, and other cables used to transmit analog or digital audio between components like streamers, CD players, receivers, DACs, and powered subs.

Engineering Shortcut

Line-level signal cables; not speaker wires.

Full Technical Explanation

Interconnects refer to audio cables designed to carry analog or digital signals between components in an audio system. These are typically line-level connections (not speaker-level) and come in many forms depending on the signal type: RCA and XLR for analog, coaxial and optical (TOSLINK) for digital, and HDMI for multichannel audio/video. Proper interconnects ensure clean signal transfer, minimal interference, and electrical compatibility between devices. High-quality interconnects may include shielding and impedance-matched design, but for most systems, function and reliability outweigh exotic materials or marketing claims.