Subwoofer cable questions?

**Lex** · 23 June 2007, 10:05 Saturday

I have heard some people say silver for their sub did increase the dB slightly, it can also optimize transmission so that it sounds a little crisper, cleaner when called upon. Silver can improve bass performance, so it's not just for highs.

As to splitter to plug both inputs? I used to hear that this was a + gain to plug both inputs, but I am not so sure this is true really... I mean 2 subs playing at same volume vs one is typically only a +3 dB gain, so how much are you realistically going to get varying inputs on 1 sub?

I have done splitters, but they are a pain, and I have to charge for it.

Doug
CAT

**DrJRapp** · 23 June 2007, 16:18 Saturday

While on the topic of subwoofer cables..I'd like to hear Doug's opinion on the use of a digital cable for a sub. I've been told by an installer that the two can be used interchangeably.

**Burke Strickland** · 23 June 2007, 16:46 Saturday

I'd like to hear Doug's opinion on the use of a digital cable for a sub. I've been told by an installer that the two can be used interchangeably.

I doubt that a digital cable could take the place of a sub. (Or vice versa.) ;>)

**Kal Rubinson** · 23 June 2007, 17:41 Saturday

I'd like to know what makes a sub cable a sub cable.

Kal

**Club1820** · 23 June 2007, 21:42 Saturday

Originally posted by Kal Rubinson

I'd like to know what makes a sub cable a sub cable.

Kal

Yes, so would I. What's the difference between a "normal" interconnect and one labeled/sold as for a sub?

**Alaric** · 23 June 2007, 22:12 Saturday

I'm gonna take a WAG and say impedance , and possibly metallurgic composition relating to frequency transmission.

**Kal Rubinson** · 24 June 2007, 11:39 Sunday

Originally posted by Alaric

I'm gonna take a WAG and say impedance , and possibly metallurgic composition relating to frequency transmission.

:roll:

Kal

**Nolan B** · 24 June 2007, 20:27 Sunday

I could be wrong but im pretty sure a 75 ohm Coax cable can be used for the following and there is nothing "different" about a cable which is "designed" for one or the other:

Component Video
Sub
Digital Coax
Interconnect between pre and pro
Composite video
The list goes on...

I think the only different is the way they are marketed. Doug?

**Victor** · 25 June 2007, 09:01 Monday

Originally posted by Alaric

I'm gonna take a WAG and say impedance , and possibly metallurgic composition relating to frequency transmission.

From a purely engineering perspective there is absolutely no way to design a cable that might be specifically designated for subwoofer applications.

**chrispy35** · 25 June 2007, 13:59 Monday

Originally posted by Kal Rubinson

I'd like to know what makes a sub cable a sub cable.

Kal

1 connector at each end instead of 2?? Oh yeah, the writing on the package as well.

**Lex** · 25 June 2007, 18:34 Monday

ok cable naysayers, no smart piffy comebacks from me on what is a sub cable. I call my sub cable a sub cable, because 1. I sell them individually, 2. We focus on the value side of analog pricing because a sub cable generally is not rocket science, it benefits from good shielding, and a durable cable because people tend to move them around more. End of story.

Does that mean you can't benefit from a higher quality cable, not necessarily. I do think a quality interconnect is a positive. At times, our sub cable has been half a pair of Blue Tigers in reality, but if you check, the pricing wasn't far off buying only one cable. A little yes, due to cost of doing business for a single cable rises some.

But I have never participated in voodoo marketing for subwoofer cables. It's just good quality cablenomics. (hey, new word, Copyright)

**Kal Rubinson** · 25 June 2007, 18:46 Monday

Originally posted by Lex

ok cable naysayers, no smart piffy comebacks from me on what is a sub cable. I call my sub cable a sub cable, because 1. I sell them individually, 2. We focus on the value side of analog pricing because a sub cable generally is not rocket science, it benefits from good shielding, and a durable cable because people tend to move them around more. End of story.

Does that mean you can't benefit from a higher quality cable, not necessarily. I do think a quality interconnect is a positive. At times, our sub cable has been half a pair of Blue Tigers in reality, but if you check, the pricing wasn't far off buying only one cable. A little yes, due to cost of doing business for a single cable rises some.

But I have never participated in voodoo marketing for subwoofer cables. It's just good quality cablenomics. (hey, new word, Copyright)

Thanks for the cogent and serious reply.

Kal

**nikos** · 25 June 2007, 18:58 Monday

Thanks for everyone's input especially Dougs!

One item not touched...

"My Rotel 1057 does not have a XLR... but the subwoofer does.
I have seen other manufacturers do a RCA to XLR cable, which If I understand correctly is not balanced...
Would there be a benefit from a RCA to XLR interconect cable?"

Anybody with experience on running a cable that has RCA on one end and XLR on the other? What is the benefit of the XLR to RCA if its not balanced? (not that I REALLY know the difference if it is balanced either

ops: )

Thanks again,

Nikos

**NonSense** · 26 June 2007, 14:45 Tuesday

I believe that a conversion from RCA to XLR requires a transformer, or some other impedance matching network.

Cardas used to sell an adaptor, but they were about $50/pr.

I don't see the advantage, unless this is your only option.

**Kal Rubinson** · 26 June 2007, 16:59 Tuesday

Originally posted by NonSense

I believe that a conversion from RCA to XLR requires a transformer, or some other impedance matching network.

Not necessarily. If you are using a typically very low impedance source into a 600ohm load and not using an impedance-specified 600ohm balanced connection all the way, there's probably no need. Just a physical adapter will do. Going from balanced to SE, you might argue that the source should see a balanced 600ohm load, so a transformer might be advantageous there.

Cardas used to sell an adaptor, but they were about $50/pr.

Yes, the Cardas adapters work fine, as do the Kubala-Sosna ones I had made. It's not magic.

Subwoofer cable questions?

Subwoofer cable questions?

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