Anyone tried component video cable for audio use?

brents82 · 5th January 2010, 01:10 AM

Hi All,

I have a high end set of component video cables that I was wondering if I could use for audio use (20-20kHz)?

They were really expensive when I bought them, and I don't use them now for component video purposes, and was thinking of giving them a go with my 2-CH audio set up. I am worried about impedance etc not matching.

Anyone tried this? What was the sound like?

Thanks!
Brent

Ron E · 5th January 2010, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brents82

...was thinking of giving them a go with my 2-CH audio set up. I am worried about impedance etc not matching.

I am fairly sure you will find no difference. I have used regular cheap rca cables for component video and they did not work any differently than dedicated CV cables...which leads me to believe that the only thing special about component video cables is the colors on the ends and the cost...

Pano · 5th January 2010, 05:13 AM

As long as they are well shielded (one would hope) they should work just fine.
You don't have to worry about the impedance matching the way you do for video.

brents82 · 5th January 2010, 02:09 PM

OK, thanks guys I'll connect them up and see how they sound.

Thanks!

tvrgeek · 5th January 2010, 08:11 PM

"component video cables" are nothing other than 75 Ohm coax, if they are at all close to spec. Perfectly fine for audio as they balance the inductive and capacitive loads so as not to cause phase issues. If they don't mess up a Mhz, they won't mess up a Khz. I worry more about the "cheap". May not be soldered and may have a very poor braid percentage.

jleaman · 5th January 2010, 09:14 PM

this better not start another stupid audio cable debate thread!

Ron E · 6th January 2010, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jleaman

this better not start another stupid audio cable debate thread!

Well, when I compared my component video cables with regular RCA, they weren't broken in yet

wwenze · 6th January 2010, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvrgeek

If they don't mess up a Mhz, they won't mess up a Khz.

Love this quote.

jleaman · 6th January 2010, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron E

Well, when I compared my component video cables with regular RCA, they weren't broken in yet

Maybe its because of the different colors on the ends, probably sounds horrible because they arn't white or red on the ends. Guess youll have to go buy super high end ones from monster COUGH COUGH CRA9

wwenze · 6th January 2010, 03:02 AM

Just a thought that I've had for a long time... cables that are rated for up to 3GHz, if they can handle that amount of digital signal with accuracy, wouldn't they all sound the same when passing analogue signals @ say 96kHz?

So cables designed for audio sound different because they screw up the sound, like with ring conductors, gold plating, 2 silver 1 copper wire strands per bundle x 4 bundles etc?
Add: Unrequired ferrite chokes, over/undersized conductor for application, 24 conductors in god-knows-what braiding...

5th January 2010, 01:10 AM	#1
brents82 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Georgetown	Anyone tried component video cable for audio use? Hi All, I have a high end set of component video cables that I was wondering if I could use for audio use (20-20kHz)? They were really expensive when I bought them, and I don't use them now for component video purposes, and was thinking of giving them a go with my 2-CH audio set up. I am worried about impedance etc not matching. Anyone tried this? What was the sound like? Thanks! Brent

5th January 2010, 05:13 AM	#3
Pano diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: North Carolina Blog Entries: 4	As long as they are well shielded (one would hope) they should work just fine. You don't have to worry about the impedance matching the way you do for video. __________________ Take the Speaker Voltage Test!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
component video cable? same as RCA?	gychang	Parts	5	15th January 2008 11:59 AM
New in package Component Video Cable and Toslink Cable for sale cheap	jainbaby	Swap Meet	1	30th December 2007 05:18 PM
4 pin S-video to component video RCA	GUS	Digital Source	1	19th June 2004 01:05 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

5th January 2010, 02:09 PM	#4
brents82 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Georgetown	OK, thanks guys I'll connect them up and see how they sound. Thanks!

5th January 2010, 08:11 PM	#5
tvrgeek diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Md	"component video cables" are nothing other than 75 Ohm coax, if they are at all close to spec. Perfectly fine for audio as they balance the inductive and capacitive loads so as not to cause phase issues. If they don't mess up a Mhz, they won't mess up a Khz. I worry more about the "cheap". May not be soldered and may have a very poor braid percentage.

5th January 2010, 09:14 PM	#6
jleaman Banned Join Date: Apr 2002	this better not start another stupid audio cable debate thread!

6th January 2010, 03:02 AM	#10
wwenze diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2008	Just a thought that I've had for a long time... cables that are rated for up to 3GHz, if they can handle that amount of digital signal with accuracy, wouldn't they all sound the same when passing analogue signals @ say 96kHz? So cables designed for audio sound different because they screw up the sound, like with ring conductors, gold plating, 2 silver 1 copper wire strands per bundle x 4 bundles etc? Add: Unrequired ferrite chokes, over/undersized conductor for application, 24 conductors in god-knows-what braiding...

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)