Newbie Audio/Video/HT question!

[Jammrock]

Originally posted by WyWyWyWy
But why would cables make that much difference?
They are just a bunch of copper together to transmit signal, and if they are pure and thick enough there shouldn't be too much signal lose at all, no?

And oh I said per meter not per foot :~ So it is likely I need to spend some more on cabling too : p

That's the million dollar quest, now isn't it? There are dozens upon dozens of explanations and theories as to why one cable is better than another. The basics are (whether they be true or not I will not argue either way):

1) Cheap cables don't block RF (Radio Frequency) and EMI (ElectroMagnetic Interference), which cause 'noise' in the signal, thus degrading the quality of the sound.

2) Cheap cable and high gauge (thin cables) don't have the bandwidth (to steal a computer term) to carry the complete signal.

3) When the entire signal is carried across one cable, the different frequencies interfere with each other and are out of synch.

4) Different quality of materials will produce a better sound. This is true to point. Regular copper used in 'lamp wire' cable corrodes fast and doesn't sound as good as OFC (Oxygen Free Copper). Going beyond that, silver is said to be the best audio conductor, but costs a small fortune to make the cables out of it.

There are lots more, go to any cable maker site and you can read their FAQs.

Look for 16 AWG (1.5 mm^2), 'stranded copper', OFC speaker cable, and you'll be more than happy with it on your Sony reciever, without hurting your pocketbook. Interconnects (the cable between components, like DVD and reciever) should be OFC as well, in a good size thickness, like 1 mm^2. If you can find an Audio Quest s-video cable for your DVD, you won't regret it.

Jammrock

[Gurm]

Your point #3 sound suspiciously like an ad for "time compensating" speaker cable - which we have debunked on here before.

- Gurm

[Jammrock]

Originally posted by Gurm
Your point #3 sound suspiciously like an ad for "time compensating" speaker cable - which we have debunked on here before.

- Gurm

I am well aware of that, but not what I meant. 3) was more of the 'multiple solid core' cable design. 'Skinning effect' is what you are talking about.

Jammrock

[thop]

Jammrock: sorry but that is all voodoo and even plain wrong. I even believe you that you think you hear a difference, but in reality you don't. However i don't want to wake you up from your paradise

[WyWyWyWy]

Thanks for the info but.... I lost the auction Max bid not high enough...

Anyway 16 AWG here I come...

[Jammrock]

Originally posted by thop
Jammrock: sorry but that is all voodoo and even plain wrong. I even believe you that you think you hear a difference, but in reality you don't. However i don't want to wake you up from your paradise

If saying that makes you feel happy, then I'll leave you to yours

Jammrock

[RichL]

Originally posted by WyWyWyWy
RichL: Lovely! They sell stuff very cheap I'm currently looking a Eltax and Mission... but Mission only has floorstandings? No rear no centre no sub?

I assume you're looking under 'Speakers', when for surround sound speakers you need to look under 'Home Cinema'.

I'm going for the Eltax HT2 rears (£80) and a Morduant Short 509 centre (£120). As the amp I'm getting is 6.1, I might get a cheap Gale or Eltax centre speaker for the rear centre channel. In a surround sound system the front centre is the one that does most of the work, which is why I'm going for the MS509. I already have a lovely set of Castle Trent bookshelf speakers for regular hi-fi L & R channels.

[WyWyWyWy]

By the way, I'm now using a stereo rack winamp skin to keep myself satisfied for a few hours :__(__

[nunchalnaomi]

Hi,
You might think of what connetions you'll need. I hook my md, dvd, and cd via optical or coaxl inputs. I got a yamaha that had enough inputs and it sounds great. Its not the best in the world, but I could afford it and some good speakers. ( jbl's) But instead, you might think of getting some good bookshelf speakers and just run sterio instead of 5.1 or 6.1 . That way you can bring them home and good speakers are worth it. I personally think the speakers or headphones will make more of a difference then the amp. Just my two cents worth Nunchal

[KvHagedorn]

This sort of discussion is fascinating.

[Maggi]

Originally posted by KvHagedorn
This sort of discussion is fascinating.

just stop biting your tongue and spit it out ...

[KvHagedorn]

Alright, here's a tidbit.. high end interconnect cables might help your signal quality from degrading if you have a source of radio emission nearby. Often, just being in a big city can adversely affect things. Otherwise, though, I recommend just getting a good quality cable with oxygen free copper. Some of the cheapies have a tendency to show some corrosion after as little as a year. I suggest Tributaries Alpha or Delta interconnects. They are quite decent, with OFC, and don't cost an arm and a leg.

This isn't to say that higher end cables might not be better, but once you have ensured clean transmission with OFC and reduced potential interference with shielding, you have done 99% of the work.

[Jammrock]

As I said, to a point, high end cables are better Especially for me, who lives in a humid climate with lots of EMI and RF problems

Jammrock

[K6-III]

I tend to prefer Tara Labs and Transparent cables...