Cable Snakes Poll

[bpassman]

When using separate components, which method do you prefer for connecting your gear?


Krud, I didn't see there was a Interconnect section, sry for the wrong area.

 

[Speedskater]

I use a XLR snake from my active crossover to the 4 amps plus sub amp. Then active buffers to convert the balanced interconnects to the amps unbalanced inputs.

 

[markw]

I prefer unbalanced cables for home use. They work just fine for this purpose, are easy to manipulate, and there is no sound degradation.

Now, while either will work for short lengths, like those in a home environment, XLR cables are mandatory for long lengths and low level signals, like running microphone lines from the front of the church to the sound box in the back

 

[3db]

Single because my run lengths are short and my environment is EMI noise free or free enough so that the lines aren't picking up any EMI.

 

[Swerd]

I prefer unbalanced cables for home use. They work just fine for this purpose, are easy to manipulate, and there is no sound degradation.

Now, while either will work for short lengths, like those in a home environment, XLR cables are mandatory for long lengths and low level signals, like running microphone lines from the front of the church to the sound box in the back

Single because my run lengths are short and my environment is EMI noise free or free enough so that the lines aren't picking up any EMI.

Like markw and 3db, I also exclusively use unbalanced cables with RCA terminals.

I'd like to be able to say I chose unbalanced cables after carefully examining them for performance and technical merit. But the truth is I've never owned any gear that gives me the option of using balanced interconnects. You might say I'm cheap and I wouldn't argue with that! But I'd also answer that I've never seen a home environment that really makes using balanced interconnects necessary.

 

[KenM10759]

Heathens! Luddites!



None of that XLR stuff for me either.

Yet. If I hit the lottery and have a system capable of demonstrating the difference, in a new house with a lowered noise floor...maybe.