Question(s) Of A Home Theater Novice

hackman55

I hate dedicating a whole thread to a single question, but maybe I can use it when more questions arise. Lord knows I never have a lack of dumb questions....

I don't have a wealth of experience setting up home audio systems, and know even less about sub setups. Could anyone tell me what the maximum recommended length of subwoofer cable is? Any input is appreciated.

ken brydson

Doesn't really matter IMO as long as it's a quality cable, well shielded, good connectors, etc. Unless you're going nuts and running it to your neighbors house or something 😉

txcoastal1

Assuming for LFE signal into your home theater system
Using a general good quality RCA type subwoofer cable I would recommend 20' or less.

I have done larger rooms using and RG6 keeping my parallel spacing 12" from electrical to avoid RF hum. You will still need to convert the RG6 connections (F-connectors) to RCA to both the sub and the receiver LFE

Explain your application and your question?

Welcome to club polk

Emlyn

The maximum length is whatever is needed to route the cable in a residential environment with unbalanced RCA or balanced XLR cable.

There are also options with some subwoofers to add a wireless transmitter.

hackman55

Appreciate the prompt responses. I may not have all that much experience in the subject, but am a long-time lurker here. This forum has always seemed to me to have a user base that is both knowledgeable and helpful.

I am getting a second subwoofer for the speaker system in my living room. The current sub sits next to the right front floorstander. My current plan is for the second sub to go on the opposite wall, which would put it just a couple feet to the right and a foot behind the mlp. That would have it around twelve feet from the current sub and front speakers, but would require a cable run of about thirty-two feet to account for it being routed along the walls(probably behind base boards).

The rg6 option is interesting. I wasn't aware you could use it but that would probably help, For my job, I've been running coax cable for years. Any certain type best for the application? I always have 75 ohm copper coated steel conducter Vextra and 75 ohm tri-shielded copper coated steel Perfect Flex rg6 if either of those would be suitable.

Clipdat

Does your pre/pro have dual sub outputs or are you planning on splitting the single sub out?

hackman55

Yamaha RX-V685 avr has two(non-discrete) sub outputs.

The new(to me) sub is actually a wireless model but the wireless adapter is missing. I've been assuming that using a cable would be easier than finding a replacement, considering the possible hassle and/or cost. Please correct me if this may not be the case.

Emlyn

Most cable makers will sell an RCA subwoofer cable up to 50 feet long. I have used them before without issues.

txcoastal1

You could by a wireless transmitter receiver for the signal

hackman55

Emlyn wrote: »

Most cable makers will sell an RCA subwoofer cable up to 50 feet long. I have used them before without issues.

That could be the easiest solution. Thanks a ton everyone, this has been very helpful. Quick, too.

Since I am having good luck with my queries, guess I better take advantage; I've read about phase settings on subwoofers but not confident I fully grasp the topic. Is this one of the situations where I will have to consider it? And are there many pitfalls or tips on integrating this second sub into the system?

kevhed72

Blue Jeans, Signal, and lower end AQ are good options for a quality longer run cable for a sub. I would avoid Monoprice and generic no name cables which are more likely to fail.

pitdogg2

Topanime reported