Subwoofer Cable opinions

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Subwoofer Cable opinions

33coupe

1024 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 75

ID Verified

#148824 1-Jul-2014 21:30

I was just wondering if anyone was using a cheap $2 rca cable for their subwoofer, or if the shielded ones at $$$ are the only way to go?

Does anyone have any experience or advice using cheaper rca cables?

Cheers

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 136

#1078274 1-Jul-2014 21:37

Don't know about the price but quality is better. Years ago I used some thin cheap poor quality coax cables on my subwoofer and suffered heaps of hum. Changed to thicker higher quality and the hum disappeared.

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1078277 1-Jul-2014 21:39

totally depends on you.

first if your sub is > $1000 i suggest you spend the few dollars to get a shielded cable with the proper resistance (i think from memory 75 Ohm - please google)

if you sub is $50 (i won't call that a sub but that's another story) then don't bother

but i have tried both and haven't noticed any difference, but that is totally non scientific.

maybe someone else can shed more light.

33coupe

1024 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 75

ID Verified

#1078309 1-Jul-2014 22:10

Thanks for the replies. The sub is pretty low end, around $250.

Another factor is that I'm going to experiment with it as second sub (5.2). So I'm a bit reluctant to buy another sub cable in case I'm not happy with it / doesnt work out.

Dunnersfella

4100 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 887

#1078314 1-Jul-2014 22:15

To be fair, the characteristic impedance of the cable is of very little concern... instead, you should be looking for decent shielding. Especially if you're looking to run a cable for 3-4 meters, or even longer.
I've seen systems where people have used cheap cables and had a buzzing sub, as well as hum from systems where two cables have been joint (male to female connectors)... all of which has been fixed with a $60 off the shelf cable. Could they have gone cheaper? Maybe... but the buzzing of a sub is VERY annoying.

33coupe

1024 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 75

ID Verified

#1078325 1-Jul-2014 22:35

Thanks, that's what I have read.

As it would be 1.5-2m max (sorry I should have stated), I wasn't too sure if a quality cable would be needed.

I was going to try one sub on the other side of the tv first, then try the sub behind the listening position (I already have a 5m shielded cable).

If no one states otherwise, maybe I should stop being tight and try a cheap one first.

richms

29098 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10207

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1078326 1-Jul-2014 22:36

Subs still insist on using stupid unballanced RCA cables, and you are connecting something which is normally earthed into a whole lot of stuff that is usually earthed and on a different power circuit.

Not had the hum get solved with a fancier cable, but have chucked a cheap car audio isolator on the RCA cable to get rid of most hum.

Richard rich.ms

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

sheldonlendrum

Sheldon
120 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 28

Lifetime subscriber

#1088109 13-Jul-2014 16:30

richms: Subs still insist on using stupid unballanced RCA cables, and you are connecting something which is normally earthed into a whole lot of stuff that is usually earthed and on a different power circuit.

Not had the hum get solved with a fancier cable, but have chucked a cheap car audio isolator on the RCA cable to get rid of most hum.

I have a good sub, and a good quality shielded cable, but still have that hum, can give give me more detail on what you put on ? the Car Audio isolator ?

Sheldon Lendrum
@SheldonLendrum
http://www.inboxdesign.co.nz/

UFF Speedtest

richms

29098 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10207

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1088120 13-Jul-2014 17:08

It was a round thing from jaycar with 2 RCA plugs, and 2 RCA sockets made to eliminate groundloops in cars. Did the job nicely on the sub too.

Richard rich.ms

sheldonlendrum

Sheldon
120 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 28

Lifetime subscriber

#1088126 13-Jul-2014 17:26

richms: It was a round thing from jaycar with 2 RCA plugs, and 2 RCA sockets made to eliminate groundloops in cars. Did the job nicely on the sub too.

Does this look like it ? http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=AA3084

What did you hook those wires to ?

Sheldon Lendrum
@SheldonLendrum
http://www.inboxdesign.co.nz/

UFF Speedtest

richms

29098 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10207

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1088197 13-Jul-2014 19:07

Same brand, same principle. different product tho.

I didnt have to earth it at all to get any benifit from it. I think that will just be earthing the core of the transfromer or have a screen between the 2 windings to stop capacitivly coupled crap making it thru.

Richard rich.ms