Dear DF91, I think you may have missed my 🙄"sarcastic"emoji.
Yes I'm very well aware of how proper coaxial cable operates. I'm not sure one could say the same about the send and return currents in plain screened cable, where no impedance matching takes place.
While a impedance matched transmission line system may often use a coax cable, there are other good uses for a coax cable.
There is absolutely no need for impedance matching in a short unbalanced audio connection. This is fortunate, as it would be difficult to achieve it if it were necessary. The send and return currents may be matched by physics or not, according to the context. The return current in the cable is less likely to be matched if a twisted pair is used, as the return conductor is then likely to have a higher impedance than a similar coaxial cable and higher than any parallel ground connection (e.g. via the mains supply).
Coax is a cable construction, not a cable application. It does not imply a frequency region or an impedance region. For short audio connections a simple lapped screen cable may be good enough; it will be better than twisted pair!
Coax is a cable construction, not a cable application. It does not imply a frequency region or an impedance region. For short audio connections a simple lapped screen cable may be good enough; it will be better than twisted pair!
Thanks for the replies all.
I tried to avoid the TP vs Coax debate as I've read enough on this site to determine that I want to use a coax cable for input wiring. FWIW I've used twisted pair in my previous build and if for nothing else, I wanted to try something new.
I was trying to get specific recommendations as there are quite a few that all look similar but differ by one characteristic or another.
I tried to avoid the TP vs Coax debate as I've read enough on this site to determine that I want to use a coax cable for input wiring. FWIW I've used twisted pair in my previous build and if for nothing else, I wanted to try something new.
I was trying to get specific recommendations as there are quite a few that all look similar but differ by one characteristic or another.
Wire is wire (for audio). You just need reasonable shielding. For short internal connections you don't even need particularly low capacitance. It needs to be cheap, flexible and easy to solder.
I tend to use mil-spec signal wires due to the availability of short off-cuts at work.
Like this stuff:
https://au.element14.com/raychem-te...3/shld-flex-cable-2cond-22awg-100m/dp/2778572
Not cheap to buy and the PTFE can be difficult to handle without proper strippers but it does the job nicely for me.
RG174 is a good option.
Wire is wire until it becomes an antenna 😉
Like this stuff:
https://au.element14.com/raychem-te...3/shld-flex-cable-2cond-22awg-100m/dp/2778572
Not cheap to buy and the PTFE can be difficult to handle without proper strippers but it does the job nicely for me.
RG174 is a good option.
Wire is wire until it becomes an antenna 😉
I agree.
Years ago I got some Belden 9961 which is easy to work with - easy to strip and solders very well. Stranded core and braided sheath. I just looked online for it and it seems to be uncommon nowadays - Alpha 3230 is listed as equivalent.
The problem with any of the 'rarer' cables is that it seems you need to buy more than you are likely to use inside amplifiers (100' and up).
I have a small bin of salvaged shielded cable from test gear and console hi fi and radio units, so I'm probably 'stocked for life'.
I'd probably resort to using chunks of old RCA interconnect cables if necessary - definitely not 'golden ears' stuff.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.