25ft RCA Cable from Preamp to Amp - Bad Idea?

[thor098]

Hey guys,

I upgraded to a Parasound 1500a amp this weekend and the thing is huge. I need to find a different location for it. I have a place but it would require a 25 ft RCA cable.

Bad idea?

P.S. The Parasound amp is incredible. Wow!

[Kenneth Swauger]

Hello Thor,
That's going to depend upon some variables of the pre-amp, power amp and the connecting cables. You would need to know the output impedance of the pre-amp, the input impedance of the power amp and the characteristic impedance of the connecting cable. The lower the output impedance of the pre-amp the better for longer runs.
Regards, Ken

[Echosphere]

Congrats on the amp!

[thor098]

Just and FYI: I tried a Monster 20ft series 300 cable. I got it on sale for $12.00. There was a signifcant difference in the sound quality. I would describe it as the "punch" was gone. Everything was still there - it just wasn't the same "wow" factor that I experinced with a 6 ft cable. And believe me, I wanted to make it work.

[Echosphere]

Just and FYI: I tried a Monster 20ft series 300 cable. I got it on sale for $12.00. There was a signifcant difference in the sound quality. I would describe it as the "punch" was gone. Everything was still there - it just wasn't the same "wow" factor that I experinced with a 6 ft cable. And believe me, I wanted to make it work.

I know alot of people don't like the Monster stuff but in this I would surmise it's the length. Get the gear closer together if you can.

[Face]

I would give Frank at Signal Cable a call: http://signalcable.com/

[thor098]

Just an update: I returned my Monster Cable and tried a 24' Rocket Fish from BestBuy. This cable didn't work at all. I would get a signal and then I wouldn't. Then one side, then the other. I assume the signal was on the lowest end of the acceptable strength. I then took that back and took a chance on a cheep $13.00 (normal price) 20' cable from Radio Shack. Guess what - it works and I hear no loss in the sound. How strange is that?

[hearingimpared]

Just an update: I returned my Monster Cable and tried a 24' Rocket Fish from BestBuy. This cable didn't work at all. I would get a signal and then I wouldn't. Then one side, then the other. I assume the signal was on the lowest end of the acceptable strength. I then took that back and took a chance on a cheep $13.00 (normal price) 20' cable from Radio Shack. Guess what - it works and I hear no loss in the sound. How strange is that?

Well that's good to hear.

It just goes to show that cables do make a difference.

I would like to add one more thing; despite the fact that the Rat Shack cables are working for you, I would still give Frank at Signal Cable a call and see what he recommends for your situation in-case down the line the cables you are using now fail . . . at least you'll know ahead of time what other options you have that will keep you rig running without having to worry or have to go on another search for a fix.

[thor098]

One final update. I ended up with cables from monoprice.com for $15.00. After listening close to the Radio Shack cables I decided there was a difference in the sound. It wasn't bad, just different - more high end, less low. I talked to Frank at signal cable and he reccommended a cable for $150. Probably a good cable, but I wanted to keep learning. I eventually learned about monoprice.com. I figured I couldn't lose for $15.00. They sound absolutely great. The lows are are as clear as I've heard them and the mids and the highs blend cleanly.

[hearingimpared]

One final update. I ended up with cables from monoprice.com for $15.00. After listening close to the Radio Shack cables I decided there was a difference in the sound. It wasn't bad, just different - more high end, less low. I talked to Frank at signal cable and he reccommended a cable for $150. Probably a good cable, but I wanted to keep learning. I eventually learned about monoprice.com. I figured I couldn't lose for $15.00. They sound absolutely great. The lows are are as clear as I've heard them and the mids and the highs blend cleanly.

When you called Frank did you tell him you are a member of this forum? He typically gives a 5% discount to us but I think if you would have told him your budjet he may have given you a bigger discount. Plus I believe he has a 30 money back guarantee.:)

[Face]

Ugg...Monoprice interconnects sounded like someone threw a blanket over my speakers.

[acmf74]

One final update. I ended up with cables from monoprice.com for $15.00. After listening close to the Radio Shack cables I decided there was a difference in the sound. It wasn't bad, just different - more high end, less low. I talked to Frank at signal cable and he reccommended a cable for $150. Probably a good cable, but I wanted to keep learning. I eventually learned about monoprice.com. I figured I couldn't lose for $15.00. They sound absolutely great. The lows are are as clear as I've heard them and the mids and the highs blend cleanly.

I'm using Monoprice for my digital audio cables from my Blu Ray, Cable box and sub-woofer and they all sound great.

[hearingimpared]

Ugg...Monoprice interconnects sounded like someone threw a blanket over my speakers.

I had the same experience but some swear by them.

[TNRabbit]

The manual for my Benchmark DAC-1 cautions against using unbalanced runs longer than 1,365 feet~