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Long interconnect cables

Hi All,

I am considering moving my equipment to the side of my listening room and retaining only the amplifiers between the speakers.

If I were to do this it would obviously mean running a longer than normal interconnect from the preamplifier to the monoblocks (maybe around 4 feet). I'd be interested to hear from others who have done this and whether it represents a compromise sound-wise or whether anything can be done to ensure that the sound is not affected.

Thanks

James
vicks7
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,484 posts
 
The best place for the amp is between the 2 speakers. The best place for the components is far away. I'm running 6 meters with no ill effects.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
XLR for long runs over RCA

I do not know the length threshold however

maybe someone else does
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Is there a certain distance above which it may affect the sound?
A generally applicable threshold can't be defined, because many system dependent variables are involved. IMO, though, 10 feet is unlikely to be a problem in most systems.

Relevant variables include the output impedance of the component driving the cable; the capacitance per unit length of the particular cable; whether the interface is balanced (xlr) or unbalanced (rca); the susceptibility of the particular components to ground loop issues (particularly for unbalanced interconnections); the resistance of the shield or other return conductor in the cable (particularly for unbalanced interconnections); the rfi/emi environment; and the synergy or lack thereof between the sonic effects of the cable and the overall sonic character of the system.

Regards,
-- Al
kennyt's avatar
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
I run 25 foot balanced to my front amps, not problem.
kbuss
9 posts
 
The are a variety of factors involved in your question. The single most important question is related to the output impedence of your preamp. In short, the lower the better. Long cables need current from source to drive the signal. The input impedence of your amps are also a factor, and there is a ratio between output Q of preamp to input Q of amp that is ideal. The damping factor of amp can also be a factor. Today, generally, 50 ohms is considered a low output Q. (Personally, I like lower still. There is no substitute for current or horsepower...) You should have no problem driving up to a 10 meter length of single ended (RCA) cable if the output of your preamp is in the 50 ohm range and the input of your amps are in 50 - 125K range. As a final thought, you will also want to keep the capacitance of the cable relatively low.
In this context, I'm driving a 7.5 M S/E cable effortlessly.
Hope this helps.
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