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How far can audio cable be run?
2.5mm, 3.5mm (also called headphone cables), and ¼” audio cables have a maximum distance of 150′ on average. Off-the-shelf, standard audio cables will be rated with 150′ in mind. It is possible to go further by custom-making something using thicker cable than usual.
Do audio cables really matter?
So, Do Audio Cables Make a Difference? They certainly can, but it’s important to note that cables don’t “improve” your sound. Their purpose is to translate sound from the source as transparently as possible.
Why do I need a long cable for my audio system?
Virtually every audio or video system is a set compromises. Many times a compromise can be equipment location. Whether it be furniture restrictions, room layout, traffic path or objections from the non-audiophile co-habitants, we work around those limitations as best we can, and often than means longer cable runs.
Why are long runs important for sound quality?
When long runs (of either interconnects or speaker cables) are used, cable quality becomes extra important. Due to the additional signal losses longer runs impose, the better the cable is at “protecting” the signal, the better will be the sound.
Which is worse a long cable or a short cable?
Coupled with the simpler technology which powers these standards, they suffer greatly from signal loss over long lengths. Put simply, the farther you go with analogue, the worse it looks or sounds . Sure, you can run a 50 metre component video cable (if you could find one) but the quality of the image at the far end would be horrible.
What’s the average length of a speaker cable?
With speaker cables I like to stay under ten feet, and find eight feet to be the most popular and practical length. In a system where components are grouped closely together, one meter cables are the norm, but if the amplifiers are sited further away three to five meters isn’t uncommon.