Is there a need to spend a lot on a sub cable?

[Mega2000]

I see monster cable going for over $60 and for the same length i can get a no name brand for $20

is there a need for spending $$$ on a "good" cable or is a cable a cable?

and I just bought a JBL Northridge E250P because I got a good deal(at least I think it was, under 2 bills) Is this a decent sub or did I just waste $200?

thanks

 

[crashguy]

Sorry, don't know anything about your sub, but I can tell you that good quality cables CAN make a difference. Note I said CAN, and not WILL. I had a powered sub hooked up via a cheapie cable, and had the power cord for the sub near it. The cheapie cable allowed 60 Hz AC line hum to be picked up through the cables, and the powered sub would emit a slight buzz. Switched to decent, not $60 MONSTER CABLE, but decent SHIELDED cables, no more buzz.

I would also like to throw in that the distance you plan to run the cables should also dictate what kind of quality you buy. Longer run = better cable needed, in my opinion.

 

[markw]

I see monster cable going for over $60 and for the same length i can get a no name brand for $20

is there a need for spending $$$ on a "good" cable or is a cable a cable?

In a word, no. All a subwoofer cable is is a shielded coaxial connector with RCA plugs on the ends. Ain't no special engineering magic needed to make an official subwoofer cable except maybe to put the word "Subwoofer" on the package and charge more. There is no difference at all between this and a standard interconnect, except maybe the length.

Quality of construction and sghielding are the most important issues here but this is also true of standard interconnects as well. If the no name looks solid, I'd go for it any day. Monstoe is a decent cable but it's no better than many lower priced cables. You're paying for their name, advertising and legal staff.

 

[Mega2000]

thanks for the responses.

does anyone have a link to a good place to get cables. sub, interconnecter and speaker.

I am going to be piecing together a complete new system and wanted to start with good cables. I do have a set of monster component cables that I got talked into buying when I got my TV.

 

[Francious70]

Cable can make a difference depending on build quality, connectors, kind of wire used. But as for brand making a difference, no. For coax cable use a twisted pair construction (Shielding is un-necissary) and a good connector. You can make your own for less than $20 if you can solder.

Paul

*EDIT* Check on this page about 3/4 the way down for some info on RCA cables http://www.bcae1.com/installationprimer.htm. Also here http://www.bcae1.com/rcacable.htm

 

[BMXTRIX]

I actually ran RG-6 coax inside my wall and terminated it with a RF connection then used a RF to RCA adapter with my sub and had no line noise at all. I also hooked it up using a Straight wire cable and could not tell the difference between the two cables.

One cost me about 5 bucks - the other listed at about 200 bucks in the store.

 

[tallman45]

Bluejeanscable can make you custom lengths (amazing fast shipping)

HSU has a 20ft delivered for $15

If you need it today BestBuy has AR brand at decent prices

 

[mitch57]

http://www.impactacoustics.com/. If you go to their site from this site you will also get a 20% discount just for being an audioholics reader. Good cables. Good people. Good prices.

 

[howie85]

I used Impact for my spkr cables with Audioholic discount price was too good to pass up.
I used Blue jean for interconnects based on info found here
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/2004productawards.html
If they are product of the year AND a good deal sweet.
And they were shipped fast.
Curt

 

[mtrycrafts]

thanks for the responses.

does anyone have a link to a good place to get cables. sub, interconnecter and speaker.

I am going to be piecing together a complete new system and wanted to start with good cables. I do have a set of monster component cables that I got talked into buying when I got my TV.

Why not try some spare cable TV RG6 type cable that can be had for real cheap. Sub cable is the least difficult to fit.

 

[Mega2000]

Why not try some spare cable TV RG6 type cable that can be had for real cheap. Sub cable is the least difficult to fit.

So i can just take some spare coax cable that i used for my cable TV and throw some RCA connectors on the end and call it good?

i like the sound of that. Especially since I want to have the sub at least 20ft away from my reciever

 

[BMXTRIX]

So i can just take some spare coax cable that i used for my cable TV and throw some RCA connectors on the end and call it good?

i like the sound of that. Especially since I want to have the sub at least 20ft away from my reciever

Yes - read what I posted several posts up - you get high quality at a realistic price point.

 

[mtrycrafts]

So i can just take some spare coax cable that i used for my cable TV and throw some RCA connectors on the end and call it good?

i like the sound of that. Especially since I want to have the sub at least 20ft away from my reciever

Yes. And, you can just get a plug adaptor from F type to RCA, no cutting, no DIY fuss with the cable, no worry that the shield is working or not.