Hello all,

Every once in a while I like to run a sort of "fun poll", so that everyone can discuss a certain topic.

This time its on interconnects (RCAs). Please vote in the poll above about which type you perfer. Please feel free to ask and answer questions about interconnects, or explain why you prefer one over another.

Thanks

 

I chose "more expensive" since there isn't a "more well-built" option. But basically, here's the breakdown.

I prefer the better RCA ends (Monster turbine design, for example) because they hold solidly over a longer period of time and will not break over a number of years. Cheap RCA ends tend to lose their gripping ability on the outer ring, and have a very weak connection from the wire to the center post causing the post to "fall out" of the RCA end over time. I also prefer gold plating to prevent corrosion, and allow for a more malleable material to mold itself to the female RCA connection on the amp or headunit.

The wiring is much more of a toss-up. I came close to voting "more expensive RCA ends only," but in my experiences, I have been able to get slightly crisper highs and smoother lows with the more expensive cabling. This was very slight however, and I doubt it makes much of a difference at all with cheap to midrange value speakers and amps. Length and placement of cable used probably has more of an impact than anything else.

 

if its a well built cable, i'll use it. i do not feel there's any difference between well built cables sound-wise, so if i can get a good deal (and usually that means making them myself), i'm more than happy. i cannot justify spending $100 on a set of interconnects

 

for my sub cable I made my own because I had a mono sub input on my alpine v12.

 

My vote goes for more expensive.....in my preference I tend to like monster cable..... i have it in my house and when i get my car audio stuff it will wire that up... i think the quality of the cable is better overall... you can really feel the diference when you hold and move the wire around.

my mantra does not include settling for less. i'll get what i want price regardless most of teh time.

 

I chose expensive also, but that's because there was no "middle ground".

I always say to spend $30 on a 2-channel RCA patch cable set. There are definately more expensive sets out there (over $100), but I believe a $30 set has enough quality materials to withstand any noise.

What I argue against is somebody spending $100's on a system, and then buying $10 RCA patch cables. That's just asking for a noisy system. If you're buying quality components, it doesn't make sense to put cheap RCA's on! That's like buying a Corvette and putting cheap tires on it- the car will only perform as well as the tires allow it.

I also think eBay is amazing for scoring decent patch cables for a good price. Most of the time, the only thing that changes about patch cables is the style or color. Streetwires may push a yellow color one year, and then push a blue color the next year. Ebay's full of the closeouts with people trying to get rid of last year's color! Sometimes for $30, you can get a set of patch cords that was worth $70 at retail.

Finally, one more bonus: If you buy decent quality patch cords, you'll never have to buy them again!

Tip- if you have mismatched color'd RCA patch cords, just take a black sharpie marker to the ends that people see. Instant "matching" RCA cords!

 

my points exactly... id rather save to get teh better item and buy one instead of getting a crap thing and repalce it... lol @ the vette analogy... alotta ppl do it too or pt 89octane in them... also "$100 system"? is that like all bazooka? $100 is one of teh two subs im getting and thats at a really cut price too.. $100 systems can be bought outa jc witney or wal mart

 

Actually I wrote $100's, meaning hundredS (plural). That's my fault for being lazy when typing

 

doh :lala: :lala:

 

i think it comes down to design. a quality twisted pair, double sheilded design will provide the best performance in most circumstances.

but - pricepoint can vary wildly for the same product. EG: I'm a Raptor dealer, and the Neon Blue series cables fit the description above perfectly. I sell a 20 foot version for $15 all day long.

However, I've seen similar Monster, Pheonix Gold, Stinger, etc cables with no additional features or quality sell for double and triple that.

its like anything else....you get what you pay for. to a POINT

bmoney