Subwoofer Cable - simple?

[The Dali]

Hi there... I was setting up my system last night and realized that I didn't have a subwoofer RCA (single mono input) long enough for the entire run (it is about 25 feet from my amp) so I took a pair of RCA cables and hooked them together with a female/female connection. Is this ok? I want to eventually get a full single-run cable for the sub, but I thought this would work for a little while until I get out to the store. Sound ok? I figured that the sub cable is simply a single RCA cable, right?

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, it should work fine until you can get one.

 

[Cpt.America]

Should work just fine. When you are ready to get your long one, check out monoprice.com. You wont believe their prices.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Hooking two cables together is fine, just make sure your using the right type of cable for best results. You didn't specify which rca cabling you were using. Subwoofer cable is the same as a rca video cable but different from the audio cables. For best results use video cable (s) if you have some available.

Jack

 

[markw]

Huh?

Subwoofer cable is the same as a rca video cable but different from the audio cables.

How so? Subwoofer signals are still audio frequencies.

 

[bandphan]

Just run 75ohm(rg6) coaxial and termiate the ends with RCA tips. RG59 would also work for that length.

 

[jamie2112]

Hi there... I was setting up my system last night and realized that I didn't have a subwoofer RCA (single mono input) long enough for the entire run (it is about 25 feet from my amp) so I took a pair of RCA cables and hooked them together with a female/female connection. Is this ok? I want to eventually get a full single-run cable for the sub, but I thought this would work for a little while until I get out to the store. Sound ok? I figured that the sub cable is simply a single RCA cable, right?

www.bestdealcables.com has this which is what I have:http://www.bestdealcables.com/c-23-subwoofer-cables.aspx

 

[Alex2507]

Subwoofer cable is the same as a rca video cable but different from the audio cables.
Jack

How so? Subwoofer signals are still audio frequencies.

This supports Mark's statement:

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/subwoofer/index.htm

Having used barrel connectors in the past for exactly the same thing I can say that I couldn't measure any SPL difference with and without them. Nor did I hear any difference like hum or noise.

BJC is a respected source for info just as is AH.

 

[The Dali]

Hooking two cables together is fine, just make sure your using the right type of cable for best results. You didn't specify which rca cabling you were using. Subwoofer cable is the same as a rca video cable but different from the audio cables. For best results use video cable (s) if you have some available.

Jack

Woah.... ok, so I used RCA audio cable since I assumed it was audio-signal. I have long runs of video component cables that I could use - would that work better?

 

[Cpt.America]

Woah.... ok, so I used RCA audio cable since I assumed it was audio-signal. I have long runs of video component cables that I could use - would that work better?

Ignore his post... bad info spreading there.

 

[Jack Hammer]

How so? Subwoofer signals are still audio frequencies.

Unless something has changed and I missed it, subwoofer cables have genearally been made of 75 ohm coax, same as the video cables, whereas audio cables are generally two same sized wires.

Jack

 

[Jack Hammer]

This supports Mark's statement:

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/subwoofer/index.htm

Having used barrel connectors in the past for exactly the same thing I can say that I couldn't measure any SPL difference with and without them. Nor did I hear any difference like hum or noise.

BJC is a respected source for info just as is AH.

BJC is a great source of no BS info. The audio cables they recommend are specially designed by them with a 25ga center conducter to reduce interference. It's not the same as all audio cables.

If I'm confused I apologize, AIR in the past several discussions about sub cables ended with use video cable not audio for subs for best results.

Jack

 

[The Dali]

In theory that makes sense. Anyone know for sure?

Also, what is the (physical) difference between a composite video cable and a component cable? They seem the same to me (except for the obvious difference of 1 cable versus 3).

 

[Jack Hammer]

In theory that makes sense. Anyone know for sure?

Also, what is the (physical) difference between a composite video cable and a component cable? They seem the same to me (except for the obvious difference of 1 cable versus 3).

Mark and Alex know their stuff, I may be confusing this issue with a different one. Dali, consider my posts more of a highjack at this point and don't worry too much. I'm sure whatever you're using will be fine for now.

Basically I'm referring to using 75ohm cabling vs something with a different impedance. Guys what am I missing here?

Jack

 

[markw]

No, things haven't changed.

Unless something has changed and I missed it, subwoofer cables have genearally been made of 75 ohm coax, same as the video cables, whereas audio cables are generally two same sized wires.

Jack

Aside from some "esoteric" audio cables such as PBJ, whih is unshielded twisted pair, every audio interconnect I've seen has been of the standard coaxial construction. There may be rare exceptions or refugees from a dollar store, but the norm has been coaxial

In the olden days these could have ranged from anywhere between 50 to 110 ohms but for a long, long time they have somewhat stabilized at 75 ohms due to the universal availability of that stuff, thanks to the video market.

 

[Alex2507]

Mark and Alex know their stuff, I may be confusing this issue with a different one. Dali, consider my posts more of a highjack at this point and don't worry too much. I'm sure whatever you're using will be fine for now.

Basically I'm referring to using 75ohm cabling vs something with a different impedance. Guys what am I missing here?

Jack

Thanks for the vote of confidence. That's one of the nicest things I've ever heard.
I think I'm gonna cry.

Digital audio cable spec's out like video cable as can be seen here:

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/digital-audio/index.htm

BJC has a little library of articles here:

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/index.htm

I'm not a wire expert, believe me. Mark on the other hand just might be.
He may have invented copper.

 

[Jack Hammer]

I started another thread in the cables section about this. I'm obviously confusing something from a few years back. Sorry if I confused the OP and thanks for correcting me.

On another note:

To the member who sent me negative rep, if you've got an issue because I was off, fine, at least address the issue specifically in the rep you send or openly in the thread. Sending negative rep with "what?!" as the message doesn't tell me why you're sending it and makes me think you're an internet clown without the knowlege or maturity to back up anything you say. Extra respect if you're big enough to include your name.

Jack

 

[Alex2507]

I confess, it was bandphan.

 

[bandphan]

I confess, it was bandphan.

dont worry, i always sign then post that i did it so eveyone knows

 

[mtrycrafts]

Woah.... ok, so I used RCA audio cable since I assumed it was audio-signal. I have long runs of video component cables that I could use - would that work better?

Yes, it will work just great, so will cables with RCA connectors on them designated audio cables, or, your joined cables will work indefinitely if it is not an eye soar for you Hide it, then it won't be and no need to replace or agonize.