Opinions on SVS's "Better Cables" brand?

dbaldus

I have recently experimented with some external amplifiers and have learned that the interconnects are very important.

My first question is how important is the interconnect that you use to go from the receiver to your subwoofer? Does it make a big difference if I use a standard RadioShack cable versus an Acoustic Research (Best Buy) cable versus a Signal Cable or something like that?

My second question is what everyone's opinions are on the "Better Cables" brand of interconnects sold by SVS with their subwoofers. I was considering purchasing one of the long (15 m) cables since it will only cost me $75, but was wondering if I should even do that since I already have a long Monster cable that will work just fine (as far as reaching from my receiver to my sub goes). I would consider something else like Signal or some other brand, but I have to have at least a 30 foot cable to reach the corner of my room at this point.

Let me hear your opinions! Thanks!

Early B.

dbaldus wrote: »

My first question is how important is the interconnect that you use to go from the receiver to your subwoofer?


My second question is what everyone's opinions are on the "Better Cables" brand...

Doesn't make much difference. Just buy a decent subwoofer cable (not Radio Shack brand).

"Better Cables" makes decent cables, but there's nothing particularly special about them.

Face

I bought a AR cable from Best Buy and I had trouble with the auto turn on feature. I then replaced it with a Monoprice cable and the problem went away, the gain went up. I wasn't so sure of the SQ though. I then picked up a Blue Jean's sub cable and SQ improved, but I hate the termination they use, the connector almost feels loose. Next time I order a cable from Signal or Goertz, I'll pick up another sub cable. So yes, cables do matter, even with subs.

Ricardo

Early B. wrote: »

Doesn't make much difference.

BLASPHEMY!!!!!!!

I bought a "Better Cable" when I got my SVS, and have no complaints.

Actually, for the subwoofer probably cables will make the least difference. Just make sure it's a good quality cable (well terminated, etc).

jakelm

The distance justifies the cable quality. Going a long distance, with a cheap cable, mV's will be lost, so volume will be turned up.

Sherardp

I use Signal Cable with my subs and am very happy with the results, Analog IIs on my amps and Cdp, again cables do matter.

m00npie

I started with the BetterCables brand and then tried AQ's Sub3 with the 36v DBS. I found no difference between the two. Cable lengths were about 25ft.

I'm not a cable doubter either. I stayed with the AQ cable since I have AQ for everything else.

beardog03

I got the Better Cables with my SVS....solid cable...

No complaints...


I use AQ Black Thunder sub cables for 2ch....both work well

dbaldus

Face wrote: »

I bought a AR cable from Best Buy and I had trouble with the auto turn on feature. I then replaced it with a Monoprice cable and the problem went away, the gain went up. I wasn't so sure of the SQ though. I then picked up a Blue Jean's sub cable and SQ improved, but I hate the termination they use, the connector almost feels loose. Next time I order a cable from Signal or Goertz, I'll pick up another sub cable. So yes, cables do matter, even with subs.

That's interesting... I have had problems with the auto turn-on feature of my subwoofer the entire time I have owned it, but just assumed that it was a problem due to the guy who owned it previously (he said he did some soldering). I have both an Acoustic Research cable (from Best Buy) and a Monster Standard Interconnect Junior cable that I got from the a friend who didn't want it (wonder why!).

Anyway, my other sub has no problem with auto-on working with either of the cables, but the sub I'm currently using doesn't work (the auto-on part, that is) with either the AR or the Monster. Maybe its time to check out a better quality cable!

dbaldus

Early B. wrote: »

Doesn't make much difference. Just buy a decent subwoofer cable (not Radio Shack brand).

"Better Cables" makes decent cables, but there's nothing particularly special about them.

I'm hoping I don't get thrown out of the forum for asking this, but is my Monster cable any better than a Radio Shack brand cable?

Face

It might be, or could be the same, just much more expensive.

jakelm

dbaldus wrote: »

I'm hoping I don't get thrown out of the forum for asking this, but is my Monster cable any better than a Radio Shack brand cable?

Yes they are.

dbaldus

So I'm seeing that I can get the Better Cables brand from SVS or the Signal Cables Analog I interconnects for approximately the same price. Which would be better - or should I really just shell out the extra $$ for the Analog II?

If so, why would you say Analog II versus Analog I just for the subwoofer?

Face

http://signalcable.com/subcable.html

dbaldus

Face wrote: »

http://signalcable.com/subcable.html

Hmmm... not sure how I missed those!

So, I'm sure you knew this question was coming, but which would be better, Signal Cable or Better Cable for my subwoofer cable? I can get the Better Cable for significantly cheaper, so as long as Signal won't blow BC out of the water, I'll probably go with that just to save some cash.

Anyone compared the two? I'm going to have to get at least a 30 foot cable or so for my current apartment, and with Signal Cable increasing by $3/foot, it adds up pretty quickly...

Strong Bad

I went with the Better Cables with my PC-Ultra. No complaints or issues at all. Was easier and more convenient to get it while purchasing the sub anyway. A one stop shop deal.


John

Lowell_M

I used quad shield RG9 SAT to the sub in my basement remodel and haven't regretted it a bit.

The RAT Shack cables are a little shaky in my opinion. I had a pair of "gold series" cables that were brand new out of the box and exhibited my newb-ness to H9 and DKG999 quite easily with the hum that they caused through the system.

Serendipity

Strong Bad wrote: »

I went with the Better Cables with my PC-Ultra. No complaints or issues at all. Was easier and more convenient to get it while purchasing the sub anyway. A one stop shop deal.


John

I might order them too from SVS if I do get one of their subs...

furball

I recommend cables from monoprice.com.

A cable is a cable. It is not supposed to add anything or subtract anything from the original signal. Any good old copper wire of sufficient gauge should do the job. You cannot sprinkle some magic fairy dust on some copper wires and suddenly make the whole music "come alive." This is just all hype generated by boutique cable manufacturers to squeeze money from people who love audio but don't know much about the physics behind audio.

$75 for a subwoofer cable? That's way too much. I don't think even Monster charges this much. I would go with monoprice for your cable needs. Their products are of good quality, and they are cheap. They are here to sell you quality cables, not to fleece you.

Face

furball, so what other cables have you tried?

furball

Monster, Acoustic Research, old Radio Shack brand, a couple of Monoprice cables, etc. Nothing fancy. And they are all of good quality. Except maybe the Monster has fancier jackets.

And they all "sound" the same. A cable is only supposed to transmit the signal unaltered. There is no magic fairy dust involved.

m00npie

here we go

Face

They all sound the same because they're all garbage.

wingnut4772

furball

If this is what you believe, then by all means let those boutique cable makers fleece you for all you are worth.

Face wrote: »

They all sound the same because they're all garbage.

DollarDave

Only 12 more posts and we should see a listing in the the FS thread.

Face

I tried Monoprice, Monster, and AR(the worst). They sound great if you like the sound of sheets draped over your speakers and lackluster bass.

m00npie

Face wrote: »

They sound great if you like the sound of sheets draped over your speakers and lackluster bass.

This is exactly how I felt when I heard those Tannoy's






kidding

Face

m00npie wrote: »

This is exactly how I felt when I heard those Tannoy's

You should have heard them before I picked up those fancy cables.

dbaldus

So I'm hearing that a lot of you have tried other sub cables that were good but decided to go with something else to keep all of the cables in your system the same brand.

...in case you're not getting the hint, does this mean that someone might have a nice spare cable they'd be willing to sell me? I'm looking for at least 25 feet in length - any "good" brand will do! Post here or PM me - I appreciate it!