Subwoofer cable

Polkitup2

For my subwoofer I currently use an RG-6 COAX cable running through the walls of my house which have RCA terminated outlets. Instead of using actual "subwoofer" cables at the RCA outlets to connect my sub and receiver, could I use a high quality component video cables?

gregure

I honestly don't know the answer to that question, but it doesn't make sense to me to use a cable meant for video signal for a heavy duty audio signal. Why not just try a nicer sub cable? Bettercables.com has a good one, also Signalcable.com, bluejeanscable.com or pick up an Audioquest sub cable from a local high-end dealer. Most of these aren't too expensive.

John K.

P2, there really isn't an "actual subwoofer cable", although some sellers label one of their cables as such. The connection to the subwoofer has about the easiest job in all of audio since it simply has to carry a low-level signal of about 20-100Hz. Any coaxial cable with an RCA plug on each end can do this and it doesn't have to be 75 ohms or any other specific impedance. As usual, it should have adequate shielding. Component video cables would be fine, of course, but might be a little more costly than necessary .

Willow

If you have one lying around yes use it, but don't go out and buy one.

PolkThug

I've recently seen RG59/6 used as sub cables in upper-end homes in my neighborhood.

goingganzo

i bult one out of canare cable it is great no sigonal loss and great sq.

Polkitup2

Thanks guys for the input. I tested connecting my sub the following three ways:

1) Sub directly to the receiver with a "subwoofer" cable (12 foot)

2) In wall RG6 terminated terminated at outlets with RCA connected to regular subwoofer cables at the reciever and sub(total length 70 feet)

3) In wall RG6 terminated terminated at outlets with RCA connected to Component Video cables at the reciever and sub(total length 58 feet)

They all sound the same.

kingtut

I also used a coax cable and connected the RCA jacks to both ends. It sounds the same as Monster Cable sub cable (which is way overpriced).:D

Toxis

One of the guys in my custom install department says he likes RG59 over RG6 because there is such a thing as having to MUCH bandwidth when running so little signal. Makes a good point but I've never tried it.