News
Down to the wire: Why audio enthusiasts are rediscovering the cable
When Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in 2016, Bluetooth® sales exploded and AirPods became the new status symbol. Wireless, it seemed, was the future.
But nearly a decade later, that future feels different. Years of glitchy connections, dead batteries, lost earbuds that are expensive to replace and constant charging have left many of us nostalgic for the simplicity of just plugging in.
For those who care about audio fidelity, the choice has always been clear - wired connections deliver uncompressed, high-fidelity sound without Bluetooth® limitations. There's no loss of audio data, no wireless interference, and no compromise on sound quality.
Wired earphones also offer zero perceptible latency (time lag) - the audio signal travels nearly instantaneously. This matters for gaming, watching videos, or simply wanting your music to sound exactly as the artist intended.
Beyond sound quality, wired earphones offer simplicity. They work the moment you plug them in - no pairing, no connection drops, no distortion. They never die during a long flight or commute because there's no battery to drain.
Fewer components also mean greater durability. Without batteries to degrade or electronics to malfunction, quality wired earphones can last a decade. And when you're not paying for the extra tech, you get far better sound quality for your money.
But the wired revival isn't just about the practical. Celebrities and fashion icons like Bella Hadid, Harry Styles, Emily Ratajkowski and Charli XCX have been spotted with white cords peeking from pockets or looped around luxury handbags. What once looked outdated, now seems on trend.
And what about health? Wireless earphones emit low-level radio frequency radiation which wired ones don’t. While regulatory bodies consider the levels to be safe, many people are concerned about potential risk. Also, as the technology is relatively new, we don’t yet know what the long-term impacts could be. Research into the possible health effects of RF radiation from technology is ongoing.
Then there’s privacy and security. Perhaps not a concern for everyone, but wireless devices can potentially be intercepted, exposing listening habits and personal data. Wired connections eliminate this risk.
If you want to move back to wired, or already have some favourite wired earphones, you’ll have noticed that most modern phones got rid of the headphone jack some years back, in favour of a slimmer phone with more room for larger batteries 5G antennas, and improved waterproofing.
The solution is to buy an adapter and there’s plenty of choice available for different budgets and uses. Dedicated digital-to-analog converters (DACs) can unlock even higher fidelity from your wired setup.
The wired versus wireless debate will probably continue in audio circles in the years to come. Wireless offers undeniable convenience and freedom of movement, and for jogging or going to the gym for example, wireless might make sense.
But for those moments when you want to truly hear your music fully - if sound quality, reliability and simplicity matter most - then perhaps it's time to rediscover the cable.
Flare® Studio Master
Winners of a Magnetic Magazine Editor's Choice Award, for the serious music lover who wants both wired precision and Bluetooth® freedom.
