Need help connecting Onkyo SC885P prepro to XPA-3

[nitin_mehra20]

Hi All,

I need recommendation on what cable to buy to connect my pre-pro to the amp.

I have 3 speaker setup with 2 towers (Axiom M80) and 1 center (Axiom Vp150)

Can someone point me to the exact cables I should be buying?

Also do speakers ship with connecting cables or does one have to buy them separately?

Thanks!

 

[jostenmeat]

I recently bought these, and got the thinner cables as they were recommended if using the "techflex".

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/6channel/index.htm

I like the neatness offered by the techflex wrap, and I can't believe how I survived so long without color coding!

However, these cables aren't cheap. You could go with Monoprice and save quite a bit.

You will have to buy speaker wire, and definitely in this case I can't recommend Monoprice enough.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239

 

[nitin_mehra20]

I recently bought these, and got the thinner cables as they were recommended if using the "techflex".

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/6channel/index.htm

I like the neatness offered by the techflex wrap, and I can't believe how I survived so long without color coding!

However, these cables aren't cheap. You could go with Monoprice and save quite a bit.

You will have to buy speaker wire, and definitely in this case I can't recommend Monoprice enough.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239

The cable you mentioned are quite expensive Any recommendations on the monoprice shop?

Also what gauge will I require for speaker cables?

 

[Adam]

If it were me, I'd buy some Monoprice premium RCA cables to run from the pre-pro to the amp if I were buying new ones. Otherwise, I'd use any non-junk RCA cables that I had around.

In regards to speaker wire gauge, I'll point you towards my favorite site on that matter, linked here.

 

[nitin_mehra20]

If it were me, I'd buy some Monoprice premium RCA cables to run from the pre-pro to the amp if I were buying new ones. Otherwise, I'd use any non-junk RCA cables that I had around.

In regards to speaker wire gauge, I'll point you towards my favorite site on that matter, linked here.

should I go for balanced or non-balanced cables?

 

[Adam]

should I go for balanced or non-balanced cables?

Ahhh, I forgot about that option. I'm not experienced with the differences. Some people think that it doesn't matter for relatively short runs in people's homes (versus connections made for public performances), while others do think that it matters. There was at least one thread on here recently about that. If you do an advanced search on thread titles with the word "unbalanced", you'll see a number of discussions on the topic.

 

[Lordoftherings]

You just simply need 3 interconnect cables (RCA), if your runs are less than 6 feet or so.

A place like Blu-jeans cables or MonoPrice for your interconnects will only cost you very little and they are good.

If you have at home 3 interconnects of reasonable quality (roughly $20 each or so, maybe less), that will do just fine. Good double shielded cables are properly adequate.

Bob

 

[nitin_mehra20]

You just simply need 3 interconnect cables (RCA), if your runs are less than 6 feet or so.

A place like Blu-jeans cables or Mono Price for your interconnects will only cost you ver little and they are good.

Bob

Thank you all. Just placed my order at monoprice.com

 

[Biggiesized]

You could have gone balanced since both units support it.

 

[Lordoftherings]

You could have gone balanced since both units support it.

3 RCA interconnects (1 meter) = free (I already have a bunch of them).

3 XLR interconnects (1 meter) = $ ? (Don't have these).

Sound difference between RCA unbalanced and XLR balanced (1meter) = Mmmm...

Connection solidity = XLR perhaps.

Conclusion (for the 885 & XPA-3 that are not truly fully differential balanced) = more money for XLR interconnects and sound quality = same.
I will also add that many components measure better in their unbalanced (RCA) tests than the balanced (XLR) ones.

* Note: Balanced XLR are mainly advantageous for very long runs in professional recording studios, and when all the equipment is fully differential from inputs to outputs in the truer sense of truly implemented in more expensive gear that are truly designed in balanced differential circuitry.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[nitin_mehra20]

I had a question. How long should the interconnect cable be to connect between the pre/pro and the amp?

 

[Lordoftherings]

I had a question. How long should the interconnect cable be to connect between the pre/pro and the amp?

How far are they apart? Get roughly about 6 inches minimum extra for safety measure.
So if they are about 2 feet apart, get 1 meter interconnects.
If they are 5 feet apart, get 2 meters interconnects.
And if they are only a foot apart, get .5 meter interconnects.

And if they are 30 feet apart, get XLR balanced interconnects of 10 meters.

Bob

 

[nitin_mehra20]

How far are they apart? Get roughly about 6 inches minimum extra for safety measure.
So if they are about 2 feet apart, get 1 meter interconnects.
If they are 5 feet apart, get 2 meters interconnects.
And if they are only a foot apart, get .5 meter interconnects.

And if they are 30 feet apart, get XLR balanced interconnects of 10 meters.

Bob

These are the cables I got:

PREMIUM 2 RCA Plug/2 RCA Plug M/M 22AWG Cable - 12ft

PREMIUM 3FT Optical Toslink Cable w/ Metal Fancy Connector

High Speed HDMI 1.3a Category 2 Certified CL2 Rated (In-Wall Installation) Cable (24AWG) w/ Net Jacket - 8ft (Gold Plated Connectors)

PAIR OF High-Quality Copper Speaker Banana Plugs - Closed Screw Type [JX-74043]

12AWG CL2 Rated 2-Conductor Loud Speaker Cable - 50ft (For In-Wall Installation)

Are these too long?

 

[adk highlander]

These are the cables I got:

PREMIUM 2 RCA Plug/2 RCA Plug M/M 22AWG Cable - 12ft

PREMIUM 3FT Optical Toslink Cable w/ Metal Fancy Connector

High Speed HDMI 1.3a Category 2 Certified CL2 Rated (In-Wall Installation) Cable (24AWG) w/ Net Jacket - 8ft (Gold Plated Connectors)

PAIR OF High-Quality Copper Speaker Banana Plugs - Closed Screw Type [JX-74043]

12AWG CL2 Rated 2-Conductor Loud Speaker Cable - 50ft (For In-Wall Installation)

Are these too long?

The RCA's at 12 feet are long but if that is how far apart you gear is then that is what you need. I used XLR with mine more because I like the connectors better and they look cooler but I see no difference than when I was using a receiver as a prepro using RCA's.

Knowing Monoprice they have probably already shipped your stuff so if you want to go shorter or switch to XLR's you better call them quick.

 

[Lordoftherings]

If your Amp and Prepro are close together, get 1 meter interconnects (RCA) with a double shield protection, you only need 3 anyway, so that will be a very minimum expense for thicker cables with double shielded.

I use triple shielded for my two subs, but they are 3 and 5 meters away from my amp.

If you can get a good deal for XLR, go for it, but it is not necessay at all for such short runs. In your case, the main advantage is a better connection, no more.

12 feet is too long if your amp and pre/pro are only a foot or two apart.
It's always a good idea to only use the proper length of cable with no more than a foot or so extra (even 1/2 foot).

Bob

 

[nitin_mehra20]

If your Amp and Prepro are close together, get 1 meter interconnects (RCA) with a double shield protection, you only need 3 anyway, so that will be a very minimum expense for thicker cables with double shielded.

I use triple shielded for my two subs, but they are 3 and 5 meters away from my amp.

If you can get a good deal for XLR, go for it, but it is not necessay at all for such short runs. In your case, the main advantage is a better connection, no more.

12 feet is too long if your amp and pre/pro are only a foot or two apart.
It's always a good idea to only use the proper length of cable with no more than a foot or so extra (even 1/2 foot).

Bob

Hmm... I guess than I will return the RCA cable and get shorter versions instead. And yeah, my Amp and Pre-Pro will be quite close to each other.

Can you suggest a particular cable (With link if possible )

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hmm... I guess than I will return the RCA cable and get shorter versions instead. And yeah, my Amp and Pre-Pro will be quite close to each other.

Can you suggest a particular cable (With link if possible )

Very easy, just check Monoprice cables for 1 meter RCA (or even 1/2 meter if your two components are very close like you are suggesting) and check the specs for double shielding. Monoprice cables are the best place to shop for very good and affordable cables of any type for your components and speakers.
Also, Blue Jeans cables is another good place to check.

And for other good different brands, look at AudioQuest cables, UltraLink cables or Kimber Kable (TONIK, Cadence, TIMBRE, HERO...). The Kimber Kable TONIK interconnects are the most affordable and you can get the XLR type connectors.
But Kimber Kable is more money than the other brands mentioned here.

All these brands have also excellent interconnects at all price points, but you only need 3 very short ones with double shielding, so, they have some very affordable ones. Just get two pairs, if they don't come singles, and you'll have an extra one anyway. I use these three brands in my own setup. I also like WireWorld cables.

Links are easy, just Google the names mentioned. Any of these are all good, and if you spend roughly $40 for a pair, you can rest assure that they will be very good. And also look for discount for even more savings.

If I was you, I'll get some at Monoprice cables (double shielding) for the most affordable ones. Just get two pairs of 1/2 meter (or 1 meter) if your two components are very close of each other. RCA or XLR, it don't really matter.

Bob