In the past I've used really high quality RCAs, but have recently read that they're not neccessary; just go with cheapies since they're such a small signal. Any thoughts? I'm doing an interior for a friend and we'd like to run the smallest possible RCAs under the carpet. An electric fuel pump and EFI will be used if that has any noise consideration for this application.
Replies (4)
UKinstaller on 11/7/2005 00:52:11
personally, i have used wal-mart RCA's after monster RCA's and can't tell a bit of difference. i think they're kind of a waste of money. i guess i wouldn't get the CHEAPEST ones, but i wouldn't spend more than $20 a set.
-UK
swez on 11/7/2005 08:54:14
Streetwires makes a good set of RCA lines that won't break the bank.
In home stereo wiring, noise rejection and a heavy gage jacket are generally not needed. However, in a car install, noise rejection and a sturdy jacket are most desirable.
Also, if you ever looked at the gage wire used for the center pin RCA's on cheaper home wire kits, the signal wire is sparse. (18-22 gage) That means high resistance on longer line runs and some degree of signal loss. The jackets don't have great shielding and poor insulation over them, can lead to abrasions and nick/cuts during an install.
On very short runs (from amp to amp), the cheaper patch cords are probably fine. But on your longer main signal lines from HU/EQ to amps, a few extra bucks may well be worth it. IMHO
Swez
ttocs on 11/7/2005 09:40:19
I have read that there is no difference but have experienced differently. I started off buying the cheapest crap I could find, just like everyone else. I eventually decided to upgrade the cables and found a big difference. The next time my buddy got in, he asked if I had a new amp. As they said, you don't need the best, but don't get the cheapest.
lessismorespl on 11/7/2005 13:37:03
There is a difference, but IMHO the difference varies depending on quality of equipment, preout voltage, etc....
I personally use Streetwires Zeronoise 6 RCA's. I have used Monster, Tsunami, Memphis, JL Audio, and several cheap brands; such as: Jensen, SWX, DB Link, etc...
I suggest a midgrade RCA to many of my customers. Streetwires, Stinger, RF, and Knu Konceptz all make decent RCA's that will not crunch your budget. The Zero Noise 1 & 2 are fairly priced, as are the midgrade Stinger RCA's. Once you get to a certain level of performance, there is not much difference, it5 is finding that level which can sometimes cause buying different RCA's, my closet has probably 20+ sets of 2 & 4 channel RCA's from previous installs. I use Streetwires b/c I have found them to be the most reliable and they just seem to perform better.
I suggest staying in a price range of $20-$40 per set.
less
Replies (4)
UKinstaller on 11/7/2005 00:52:11
personally, i have used wal-mart RCA's after monster RCA's and can't tell a bit of difference. i think they're kind of a waste of money. i guess i wouldn't get the CHEAPEST ones, but i wouldn't spend more than $20 a set.
-UK
swez on 11/7/2005 08:54:14
Streetwires makes a good set of RCA lines that won't break the bank.
In home stereo wiring, noise rejection and a heavy gage jacket are generally not needed. However, in a car install, noise rejection and a sturdy jacket are most desirable.
Also, if you ever looked at the gage wire used for the center pin RCA's on cheaper home wire kits, the signal wire is sparse. (18-22 gage) That means high resistance on longer line runs and some degree of signal loss. The jackets don't have great shielding and poor insulation over them, can lead to abrasions and nick/cuts during an install.
On very short runs (from amp to amp), the cheaper patch cords are probably fine. But on your longer main signal lines from HU/EQ to amps, a few extra bucks may well be worth it. IMHO
Swez
ttocs on 11/7/2005 09:40:19
I have read that there is no difference but have experienced differently. I started off buying the cheapest crap I could find, just like everyone else. I eventually decided to upgrade the cables and found a big difference. The next time my buddy got in, he asked if I had a new amp. As they said, you don't need the best, but don't get the cheapest.
lessismorespl on 11/7/2005 13:37:03
There is a difference, but IMHO the difference varies depending on quality of equipment, preout voltage, etc....
I personally use Streetwires Zeronoise 6 RCA's. I have used Monster, Tsunami, Memphis, JL Audio, and several cheap brands; such as: Jensen, SWX, DB Link, etc...
I suggest a midgrade RCA to many of my customers. Streetwires, Stinger, RF, and Knu Konceptz all make decent RCA's that will not crunch your budget. The Zero Noise 1 & 2 are fairly priced, as are the midgrade Stinger RCA's. Once you get to a certain level of performance, there is not much difference, it5 is finding that level which can sometimes cause buying different RCA's, my closet has probably 20+ sets of 2 & 4 channel RCA's from previous installs. I use Streetwires b/c I have found them to be the most reliable and they just seem to perform better.
I suggest staying in a price range of $20-$40 per set.
less
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