Maximum low-level line length?

jdgonko · 11th February 2008, 06:06 AM

Hi. I have an EMU 1820m box connected to my 'audio PC' and I would need to run 12-16 foot cables from that box to my power amplifiers. Even using excellent quality low-level carrying cable, would a deterioration of the sound be noticeable?

My other option is to move the power amplifiers much closer to where I have the PC and all other input device control.

Any thoughts on this?

I'm assuming that long speaker cables (of proper AWG too) are not a problem (I've done that before). But, I worry about long low-level cables losing their more delicate signal.

Thanks!
Joe

TheMG · 11th February 2008, 11:53 PM

Generally not a problem with decent well-shielded cables.

The most common issue is a ground loop that can occur if there's a potential difference on the grounds of the source device and amplifier, this occurs especially when they are connected on different circuits. That's were balanced lines come in, balanced lines are not as sensitive to ground loops.

However for 12-16 feet in a home situation I don't think you'll run into any issues.

jdgonko · 12th February 2008, 03:07 AM

That is great news. I will have balanced TRS or XLR interconnects at my disposal and definitely will use good monster cable shielded cabling. The chain would be from the 1820m box to a DCX2496 and then to the amplifiers. I hope it will sound extremely good.

Thanks!
Joe

11th February 2008, 06:06 AM	#1
jdgonko diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN	Maximum low-level line length? Hi. I have an EMU 1820m box connected to my 'audio PC' and I would need to run 12-16 foot cables from that box to my power amplifiers. Even using excellent quality low-level carrying cable, would a deterioration of the sound be noticeable? My other option is to move the power amplifiers much closer to where I have the PC and all other input device control. Any thoughts on this? I'm assuming that long speaker cables (of proper AWG too) are not a problem (I've done that before). But, I worry about long low-level cables losing their more delicate signal. Thanks! Joe

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11th February 2008, 11:53 PM	#2
TheMG diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2008	Generally not a problem with decent well-shielded cables. The most common issue is a ground loop that can occur if there's a potential difference on the grounds of the source device and amplifier, this occurs especially when they are connected on different circuits. That's were balanced lines come in, balanced lines are not as sensitive to ground loops. However for 12-16 feet in a home situation I don't think you'll run into any issues.

12th February 2008, 03:07 AM	#3
jdgonko diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN	That is great news. I will have balanced TRS or XLR interconnects at my disposal and definitely will use good monster cable shielded cabling. The chain would be from the 1820m box to a DCX2496 and then to the amplifiers. I hope it will sound extremely good. Thanks! Joe

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