Really Stupid Sub Cable Question

[benolium]

Sorry for sounding totally ignorant but here goes. I am getting a powered sub in a few days and want to be ready to hook it up when it comes. What's the difference in the "Sub Cable" and the "regular" cables that I use for the other audio equipment. The termials look the same. Are sub cables "thicker" or someting. Am I missing some important detail about sub cables? Why can't I use an extra monster cable that I have lying around?

 

[wilkenboy]

Its an RCA to RCA connection, no magic there to my understanding. Should be able to use what you have.

~Josh

 

[mtrycrafts]

Sorry for sounding totally ignorant but here goes. I am getting a powered sub in a few days and want to be ready to hook it up when it comes. What's the difference in the "Sub Cable" and the "regular" cables that I use for the other audio equipment. The termials look the same. Are sub cables "thicker" or someting. Am I missing some important detail about sub cables? Why can't I use an extra monster cable that I have lying around?

Yes, you can use that extra monster cable. Same stuff, except the name> The name is a marketing ploy only.

 

[markw]

It's in the comfort level.

Sorry for sounding totally ignorant but here goes. I am getting a powered sub in a few days and want to be ready to hook it up when it comes. What's the difference in the "Sub Cable" and the "regular" cables that I use for the other audio equipment. The termials look the same. Are sub cables "thicker" or someting. Am I missing some important detail about sub cables? Why can't I use an extra monster cable that I have lying around?

First off, that's not a stupid question. What with all the marketing hoopla that goes on in this hobby it takes a wise man to try to tread carefully in a field populated by the bovine species.

There's no valid differences between a regular interconnect and one labelled as an official, dyed in the wool, sanctioned subwoofer cable. Actually, a sub cable has an easier job than a regular interconnect since it only needs to pass a very small segment of the audio spectrum.

As long as it's well constructed and adequately shielded and the length you need, you're good to go. I'm doing well with inexpensive cables myself.

Here's my system: http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/1606.html

(warning - sarcasim mode follows)

But, if you are the insecure type thet needs the psychological reassurance that only buying an "official" cable will bring you, then you won't lose any performance either. Many, manyt people make good money off these kind of people. They also probably purchase meteor insurance as well.

 

[benolium]

Thanks all. With all the hype, snake oil, and marketing attempts it's tough to know what to make of it all when dealing with cables (speakers, filters, anmps..this could go on forever) I have all Accoustic Research cables in all my stuff, but now that I think of it, I never did get the specific cables that they market for each piece of equipment. I just got on Ebay last year and found the lenght that I needed and order a bunch. Yes, it is an RCA to an RCA connection for the sub too.

 

[Josuah]

While everything the previous posters have mentioned is correct, you may get unintended effects if, for example, you use a video cable with RCA terminators for your audio interconnect. The physical characteristics of the wire can in fact differ, although good quality cables should be completely interchangeable in most cases.

I actually had something weird happen running a video RCA interconnect for my center channel (it sounded a few dB quieter, the entire channel) which I only later figured out was because I was using a video cable. And I'm not a person that believes in cable differences, unless the cable was done poorly in the first place.

 

[Geno]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I heard that a live anaconda makes the best sub cable

 

[Tsunamii]

I used one from River Cable and love it