Home Theatre Wiring Questions

[WaynePflughaupt]

Yeah, Bill certainly has a point. Another option might be to use twist-on F connectors. They get a bad rap sometimes, but I’ve had good luck with them in static installations where the cable won’t be messed with once it’s in place. You could run RG-59, use twist-on F’s at both ends, then use some F-to-RCA converters for the connections to the receiver and sub. Your local Radio Shack will have both.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[BMXTRIX]

K, now we are really off topic. Let me try and bring it back to the topic. i got the binding posts from monprice. Can someone tell me how difficult (or not so difficult) making a subwoofer cable is. As mentioned earlier, I am finishing my basement and I am running all speaker cable sbehind the wall. I want to have the sub cable go from where the TV/Receiver etc are going to be to the back of the room. What type of cable do I need to run and what is the correct way on installing RCA jacks on both ends.

Thanks a bunch in advance.

I would agree that if you want to do it custom, without buying a bunch of tools, then the twist on F-Connectors with F to RCA adatpers would be the way to go.

Otherwise, you would need RCA ends and a compression tool.

But, for a one time install and no tools on hand already, then I would more strongly recommend that you just get a pre-fab RCA to RCA cable from Monoprice that you can put in the wall.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023603&p_id=2683&seq=1&format=2

They have them in various lengths up to 100 feet.

At your subwoofer location use this...
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10426&cs_id=1042601&p_id=4133&seq=1&format=2

and this...
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=105&cp_id=10517&cs_id=1051703&p_id=6263&seq=1&format=2

Don't forget you need power at your subwoofer!

 

[bilgirami]

I would agree that if you want to do it custom, without buying a bunch of tools, then the twist on F-Connectors with F to RCA adatpers would be the way to go.

Otherwise, you would need RCA ends and a compression tool.

But, for a one time install and no tools on hand already, then I would more strongly recommend that you just get a pre-fab RCA to RCA cable from Monoprice that you can put in the wall.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023603&p_id=2683&seq=1&format=2

They have them in various lengths up to 100 feet.

At your subwoofer location use this...
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10426&cs_id=1042601&p_id=4133&seq=1&format=2

and this...
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=105&cp_id=10517&cs_id=1051703&p_id=6263&seq=1&format=2

Don't forget you need power at your subwoofer!

Will there be any significant loss of quality between F-connector to RCA when I use an F-RCA convertor. I wa able to find them both at a local store. Actually my local store carries a coaxial cable in my required lengths that have preinstalled F-connectors on both ends. All I need is an F-RCA convertor but I am worried about loss in quality if I was to go this route. If you folks tell me that wont be the case, I will certainly go that route. They also carry RCA jacks (RCA in-RCA out) pre mounted on face plates. I think I will be all set, comments?

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

Will there be any significant loss of quality between F-connector to RCA when I use an F-RCA convertor.

It's just passing an electrical signal. There's not going to be a loss of anything for your application. That said, I think BMXTRIX's idea of using a pre-terminated cable is the best approach, if one is available in the length you need.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[BMXTRIX]

Will there be any significant loss of quality between F-connector to RCA when I use an F-RCA convertor. I wa able to find them both at a local store. Actually my local store carries a coaxial cable in my required lengths that have preinstalled F-connectors on both ends. All I need is an F-RCA convertor but I am worried about loss in quality if I was to go this route. If you folks tell me that wont be the case, I will certainly go that route. They also carry RCA jacks (RCA in-RCA out) pre mounted on face plates. I think I will be all set, comments?

A few comments:

1. You won't have audible loss in signal quality by going with the F to RCA adapter.

2. You do want to make sure that the cabling is rated for in-wall use.

3. You want to be sure the price you pay from you local store is actually LESS than what you are paying for the top shelf product from Monoprice which is some darn good stuff.

4. You still need the wall plate, so instead of adapting the F connector to a RCA connecter, then using a pass-thru, you should get this:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=091-1200
with this
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=261-400
and this...
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=261-110

You are good to go with a custom wall plate which properly takes the secure F-type connector on the in-wall side, but delivers the subwoofer friendly RCA connector on the room side.