blessingx Posted October 20, 2008 Report Posted October 20, 2008 Any problem using a couple component video cables as analog ICs? And before I get slammed, yes I've tried it. Just curious if there was any technical reason(s) to avoid?
n_maher Posted October 20, 2008 Report Posted October 20, 2008 I know people who swear by it. I think the Blue Jeans LC-1 is essentially coaxial video cable, although I'm not 100% sure about that.
naamanf Posted October 20, 2008 Report Posted October 20, 2008 I think it would all depend on the characteristic impedance of the cable (75ohm I think for component) and the impedance of your source and amp/preamp. If you had a source with an unusually high impedance or a amp/preamp with a unusually low impedance it might make a difference depending on your actual ability to hear the attenuation/freq shift at the upper ends of the audio spectrum. But since you more than likely have properly made audio equipment and normal ears it should make any difference.
wavoman Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 Here's a secret: almost all RCA audio cables sold today are really 75-ohm terminated (the original spec says 50 ohms) 'cause it just doesn't matter for analog audio. Video and S/PDIF over coax-with-RCA should be 75 ohms, and that matters, so it's just plain easier for everyone in the world to have 75-ohm RCAs no matter what the actual use. So use your video cables for audio ... why not?
Pars Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 Except that there's no such thing as a 75-ohm RCA (connector)... But yeah, much of the coax used for ICs is probably 75 ohm coax.
Beefy Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 the audio cables i made measure a hell of a lot less than 75 ohms. whether it matters, i don't know. they sound fine, and were cheap. Series resistance of the signal and shield should be very low, but this is different from characteristic impedance. But the effects of it on sound quality are completely beyond my level of understanding...... In any case, I'll just keep buying BJC LC-1 and living in blissful ignorance.
Beefy Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 i'll take you word for it. [ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coaxial_cable]Wiki[/ame] [ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Characteristic_impedance]pedia[/ame]!
grawk Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 I love it when people use wikipedia as anything other than a comic book level reference
Beefy Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 I love it when people use wikipedia as anything other than a comic book level reference If there are any specific factual errors that you would like to point out in either of those Wiki articles, I'm all ears.
morphsci Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 Except that there's no such thing as a 75-ohm RCA (connector)...... I thought the Canare crimp-on RCAP connectors were a true 75-ohm connector?
n_maher Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 I love it when people use wikipedia as anything other than a comic book level reference You must read some pretty factually accurate comics, Dan. It's not always right, but it's not always wrong either. You just like to rail against it.
spritzer Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 The only true 75ohm RCA connector I know of is the WBT Nextgen line and only when used with the Nextgen sockets. BNC is much cheaper and easier to use though
Pars Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 I thought the Canare crimp-on RCAP connectors were a true 75-ohm connector? Marketing bullshit... IIRC they measure somewhere around 50 ohms from what I've read (somewhere???). If you have to use an RCA, those are what I would use though. DIYHiFi.org • View topic - Connecting CS841[2,4] directly to the line: why not? The jury is out on the WBT ones (haven't seen anyone measure these), but these have to be used with the matching WBT sockets.
grawk Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 Not always right and not always wrong...there's a ringing endorsement. Wikipedia is fine for a quick overview, but I'd use it as a reference as often as I use a paper encyclopedia.
Knuckledragger Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 Not always right and not always wrong...there's a ringing endorsement. Wikipedia is fine for a quick overview, but I'd use it as a reference as often as I use a paper encyclopedia. Yeahbut.... I can't use wikipedia pages to prop up my mattress when one of my bed's supports gave out, can I?
n_maher Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 Not always right and not always wrong...there's a ringing endorsement. Ok, my experience is that it's more right than wrong and fine for just about any internet based argument. What do you expect, original documented research? It's your favorite whipping boy, I get it.
Augsburger Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 Marketing bullshit... IIRC they measure somewhere around 50 ohms from what I've read (somewhere???). If you have to use an RCA, those are what I would use though. DIYHiFi.org • View topic - Connecting CS841[2,4] directly to the line: why not? The jury is out on the WBT ones (haven't seen anyone measure these), but these have to be used with the matching WBT sockets. So are you saying the only true 75 ohm rca connector is the WBT? Meaning every other person who uses SPDIF with a cable that isn't WBT is not getting a 75 ohm connection? I am having a hard time swallowing that, especially since my Canare crimp ons are cryo treated making them even better.
Pars Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 Yes, that's what I'm saying. And the WBT actually being 75 ohms isn't verified as far as I know. It is a physics thing... the distance between the center conductor and the shell that precludes RCAs from being 75 ohm without massive rework. Read the link or do some searches on diyhifi or diyaudio... while you are at it take a look at the SPDIF xmit/receive portions as well Oh wait, you said Cryo? That changes things
naamanf Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 Just change all your plugs to BNC and be done with it. And make sure they are cryo'ed.
Augsburger Posted October 22, 2008 Report Posted October 22, 2008 I hope you guys know I was joking about the cryo. I already use a BNC on one of my DACs and my next one will definitely positively must have one.
naamanf Posted October 22, 2008 Report Posted October 22, 2008 I hope you guys know I was joking about the cryo. Cryo is no laughing matter.
philodox Posted October 22, 2008 Report Posted October 22, 2008 Fine for a digital cable, but coax sounds like shit when carrying analog signals. No science to back that up, just what I've experienced. EDIT: Says the guy currently using cables made out of CAT6.
spritzer Posted October 22, 2008 Report Posted October 22, 2008 I'm looking at a Nextgen socket now and it could be 75ohm since the ground connection is only a thin silver film on the outside of the socket. I don't have a male WBT here to test it though...
Pars Posted October 22, 2008 Report Posted October 22, 2008 BNC is a far superior connector, so particularly given WBT's prices, why bother?
naamanf Posted October 22, 2008 Report Posted October 22, 2008 BNC is a far superior connector, so particularly given WBT's prices, why bother? Amphenol FTW Edit: But since the OT of this discussion is about using video cable for audio I don't think it really matters what connector you use.
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