Sub woofer lead

[Bullett]

Emperors new clothes question.

I'm in the process of wall mounting my home cinema system. (Denon 1910 into B&W M1's and a 608SW) so a reasonable system but not like some of you guys have got.

I've been using a basic rca connector as a temporary solution which works fine. Should I get a dedicated lead and if so why? Been googling and found lots of people saying they are great but no-one says why.

It's going through the wall so I may have to buy a kit as the plugs won't go through the gap I have. Would it be much different if I used plugs with the speaker cable I have (QED micro oxtgen free stuff).

[url|This sort of thing]http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/dynamic/eshop_products.set/ref/2456/qed-vandamme-ultra-compact-custom-subwoofer-cables/display.html[/url] is the type of spec and price I was looking at.

[TonyRPH]

Any decent quality RCA connector will do.

I had the misfortune to buy a (really) cheap one a few years back, and it caused the woofer to hum, due to inadequate screening of the cable.

If you're one of those 'audiophile' types, then by all means spend a huge sum of money on cable that won't sound any different. (particularly at bass frequencies)

<ducks for flames and leaves the thread>

Edited by TonyRPH on Monday 30th August 16:38

[Bullett]

Thanks, so making myself up a lead with the good speaker cable and some nice RCA's will be fine?
I couldn't see how it would make a big difference but wanted some sensible realistic advice that you don't on some of the more errr obsessive audio forums.

[rhinochopig]

I have this http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/dynamic/eshop_p... Approx £20-25 depending on length.

Wanted something shielded as it runs next to power cables, but didn't want to spend silly money.

Anyway very pleased with it. I have some of their shielded speaker cable too. Seems to work well to my ears and they get some pretty good reviews by those with better ears than me.

[TonyRPH]

Bullett said:

Thanks, so making myself up a lead with the good speaker cable and some nice RCA's will be fine?
I couldn't see how it would make a big difference but wanted some sensible realistic advice that you don't on some of the more errr obsessive audio forums.

No.

You need shielded cable.

Something like this

Speaker cable is not shielded. If you are using shielded cable for speaker cable - well you shouldn't be!

Not unless is some uber expensive exotic stuff.

ETA: I'm assuming you're taking a low level audio feed from your amp to the sub.

If you are taking a feed from your speaker output, then speaker cable is fine!

Edited by TonyRPH on Monday 30th August 21:56

[Atomic Gibbon]

OP,
Don't use speaker cable, it'll be terrible. The reason coax is used is that the signals are small, and ned to be shielded from outside interference so you do't get aerial effects, or worse that horrid 60hz hum you get if you put el-cheapo (the freebie) RCA leads near power cables.

You should quite easily be able to get a reasonable coax lead without an end on, and fit an end yourself. QED used to do these in the form of screw on "ends" and spools of cable. If QED do, then loads of others will as well. Don't spend the earth (not being an arse, but your system won't "need" more than a 30-40 quid lead for a 3-5m run), then enjoy your new install =)

Over the years, many people have tried to explain why some leads sound better than others. Most of it sounds like bks, and a vast amount is. However, having tried, sometimes by blind testing, leads make massive amounts of difference, especially the sub lead - despite whats posted above =)

[Bullett]

Ah ok, that makes sense. Shielded because it's a line level signal and outside influences are more likely to effect a smaller signal.

[Martin Keene]

I use an earlier version of this:

http://www.hificables.co.uk/11562/Qed-Performance-...

Very pleased with it.