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
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
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.
No issues at all, especially if you run balanced cables (XLR connectors). I have done it that way for over 10 years and I am very pleased with the result. My room is set up the same way as what you are planning to do, front end audio gear in a cabinet along the side wall, speakers along the front wall with amps next to them, and 35 foot long balanced Interconnects used with no problems. Short speaker cables (4 footers.) Go for it I say. Balanced also lowers the noise floor (in my experience) and alleviates the potential for system hum, which is much more likely if you run long single ended I.C.'s with RCA plugs.