How long can you run a LFE cable....

avelanchefan

before you start to lose quality? I am buying a new house, and the only practicle place to put my sub is in the rear near the right rear speaker. To get the cable to it, I basically have to run the LFE cable through the attic. Would this be stupid?

Or would I be better off taking the carpet up, and running the LFE near the tack boards.

Either way it has to be in the rear. and the footage basically remains the same either way I do it.

jcaut

I'm not a cable expert, so keep that in mind...

I think the answer would depend on the quality of cable used. Using good cable---and I'm thinking this would probably be DIY--- I don't think 30-50ft would be a problem. I think shielding, and avoiding sources of interference would be more of a concern than signal-loss.

You say the footage is about the same going through the attic versus around the wall under the carpet: In my room, I think going around the wall would use less wire. Definitely go the shortest route. Try not to run parallel to electric wires, or near flourescent light fixtures, if you go through the attic.

Jason

BassHog

I don't know what the maximum is, but I do know that 50 ft is fine. I have 2 identical subs in my system. One is connected with a 50 ft cable and the other is connected with a 25 ft cable. There is no noticeable difference in the sound coming from each. By the way if you want some really good sub cables at a really good price, try bluejeanscable.com. They have standard lengths up to 60 ft and they can make custom lengths if you need it.

John K.

AF, it would be a bit unusual that no way could be found to locate the sub somewhere in front, which would at least allow using a less expensive shorter cable. However, if that's the case, then you don't have to be worried about any general loss of quality for any length that you'd be using. The losses of coaxial cable at the very low frequencies involved in analog audio are extremely low and over a thousand feet would be okay for a sub cable from that standpoint. As Jason pointed out, however, you should be especially aware on long runs of possible sources of interference near the sub cable. Although coaxial cables are pretty well shielded, in an extreme situation some hum could result in the sub.

avelanchefan

http://www.richmondamerican.com/Shop+and+Buy/Home+Detail.htm?mr=Tucson&pl=2129&cm=343

Head here. If you look at the virtual floor plan, then click on family room you will see why I am having problems.(It is the exact same setup as my house) And it has to be the Family room, the wife has plans for the living room. So I am stuck.

The reason I thought the attic thing was a bit better was because there was going to be issues running the sub cable up to the receiver through the built in entertainment center. That was my only issue. I am having a baby on the way, so lose wires in the future would be impraticle.

Emlyn

Originally posted by BassHog
By the way if you want some really good sub cables at a really good price, try bluejeanscable.com. They have standard lengths up to 60 ft and they can make custom lengths if you need it.

Agreed. The company uses broadcast quality coaxial cable which is designed to run hundreds of feet with very low video signal loss (video much harder to transmit than low frequency audio). A 60 foot run of Canare LV-77S cable would cost about $80 delivered. Ordered today, should be delivered on Saturday by priority mail. The attic would be the best way to run a cable.

Cabling for a room that size is not a problem, but that is a very difficult room to set a home theater in for a lot of other reasons. Lots of windows, glass doors, an open kitchen, Arizona sun, a fireplace in the way. You'll have your work cut out for you finding good placement. The living room doesn't look like much better an option if it was available. Good luck.

Come to think of it though, that garage would make a good home theater room.
Blue Jeans Cable Subwoofer Cables

wrxmy02

Use a 30ft Better Cable sounds better than a cheap 6 ft I tried for kicks.

dorokusai

Attic idea good, length idea good, just add a Y-Adapter at the end for a signal increase....no problem. The shorter the cable the better, but application specific is the working keyword here. Don't sweat the tiny particulars, the sub will function, I assure you.

Blue Jeans or Signal Cable, you won't find much measureable performance difference in one over the other.

I support, who supports the forum....and that is SC.

Signal Cable has a cooler name , and Frank gives a discount to Polk members, just FYI.