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Does sub cable also have to be high end?

After spending too too much on PowerSnakes, Bybee filters, Red Dawn II's, Golden Cross RCA's, etc -- I'm wondering if the quality of the sub cable also makes a difference, as it is just responsible for low frequency. My system is a hybrid combination of HT and 2 channel SACD stuff, some reasonably hi end. HT: Marantz 14EX (rear channels, surrounds), Aranov 9100 Mono Blocks (front channels for HT and 2 channel stereo) Red Dawn Rev II speaker cables. Pioneer DV-38 (HT DVD and DVD Audio): First Sound Reference II Passive Preamp and Sony SCD-1 for two channel. Kef Reference 4's in front (roll off at about 30), Kef Ref 2's in rear, Kef Bipolar surrounds and Kef 200 Centre for 7.1 channel THX-EX. Bybee filters, Power Conditioners, etc.

Sub to connect is Velodyne HGS 18. Please let me know what others have used to connect the big Velo in a high end HT system that is also used for 2 channel or DVD audio and if I need to spend $$$ on a long cable (unbalanced). Will be used 75% for HT and 25% for DVD-A (which to me, has not lived up to its promise and the reason for me buying SCD-1).
lornecherry
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Have not tried a new sub cable yet, but I found a big improvment replacing the stock power cord on my REL.
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
Hello Lornecherry. I bought the DH Labs BL-1 sub cable after checking with Wen-Li at AudioNet, and Robert Stein at the Cable Company. Like yourself I didn't feel the need to go overbord with a sub cable, but felt that some attention was necessary. No offense to those users of Monster Cable interconnects, but they can't hold their own when compared to many other affordable brands. Of, course they are usually better than stock cables. I have fairly high end cabling, and was worried that the DH-Labs wouldn't be enough, but those dealers assured me it would be fine, and they were right. XLO is known for making a very good sub cable as well, so perhaps you can start there, and compare the two on your sub. I got a more defined pitch and a tighter, slammier bass. Sugarbrie is right about replacing the stock power cord. You don't have to spend a lot. There are 3 or 4 reasonably priced ($40- $150) power cords that will do a great job, and make a significant difference. Good luck.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
I'm using subwoofer cables from BetterCables and am very pleased with their build quality and performance. They can be purchased in varying lengths (each of mine are 3 meters), and they sell for $30-40 each. Check out their Web site: www.bettercables.com
adsal7e18
250 posts
 
without any hesitation go directly to xlo cable for sub
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Thanks Bmpnyc. I saw the BL-1 subwoofer cable at an audio site, but forgot where. Audionet you say? I was wondering how it performed. Glad to hear it's working well in your system. For the last six months I too have been getting good results with DH Labs cables for bass. I have DH Labs Silver Pulse interconnect hooked to my sub. I think it has excellent tone and extension. Very tight.
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