rj6 coaxial cable to wire the input connections to the input/driver tubes?

[dannoto]

Guys,

Just curious.
Can I use regular rj6 shielded coaxial cable (the one used for TV cabling in your house) to wire the input connections to the input/driver tubes in a vacuum tube amp? Or any other vacuum tube project (e.g., phone preamp, etc).
Or do I need to use the "lighter" shielded cable used in these type of projects?

Any response is appreciated. Thanks,

 

[Eli Duttman]

You could, but you need stuff with a pure copper center conductor, not copper clad steel. Numerous versions of RJ6 are available. Is the stuff you are considering truly satisfactory?

IMO, you are better off using wire intended, from the start, for audio.

 

[DF96]

I just use cheap lapped screen audio cable for internal input wiring. Inside a metal chassis you might even be able to get away with twisted pair - many do this.

 

[RJM1]

Assuming you mean RG6 cable. Yes you can use it, but why? It's rather thick and hard to bend around corners.It's also around 20pF a foot which might be a consideration in high impedance tube circuits.

 

[HollowState]

RG6 is very big, stiff and awkward. I prefer to use RG179 coax. It's silver plated copper clad steel on the center, then Teflon™ and silver plated copper for the shield. It's thin, flexible and easy to work with. And it's low capacitance too for it's size. You can often find it in short lengths on eBay for pretty cheap. Plus it sounds good!

Yea, I use RG174 also but it's got a little more capacitance per foot.

 

[TheGimp]

I prefer RG-174A-U. Stranded center conductor, small and flexible.

https://www.pasternack.com/images/ProductPDF/RG174A-U.pdf

 

[dannoto]

Guys,

Thanks to all for the replies.

 

[Eli Duttman]

RG-174 has been mentioned. This source has stuff that seems to have copper, not copper clad steel, as the central conductor. Also, $20/100 ft. is reasonably attractive.