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Post by dust770 on Feb 27, 2014 23:43:13 GMT -5
So I have recently ordered two new subs. 2 PSA XS30's.(review to follow) And now have to connect all 3 of my subs. previously I have had y splitters all over the place to accomplish this and am looking at cleaning things up a bit. Also when I originally built my theater room I took some advice from a local audio shop and used RG6 cable through the walls to RCA wall plates on each end. This results in a 6ft subwoofer cable from my UMC-1 to the wall plate then a 44 foot run up the wall across the ceiling and back down the wall to the next wall plate. Then another 6ft RCA cable to a y splitter into the 1st subs line level left and right inputs. The I took a single RCA cable out of the left line level out to the left sub with a y splitter into the line level ins on that one and repeated the same process on the right out to the right sub. I would love to reduce this connector after connector after connector action. I would love to make my own cables and have the tools to do so but not sure where to start on that one. Ive also considered a splitter box but have yet to find anything but a single female to double male. Im really looking for more here. Any suggestions? Originally I had wanted to hide all cables but have decided a simpler connection would serve me better. Right off the bat I can change my initial run of almost 60ft down to 25ft by just running an RCA straight from the UMC-1 across the floor to my first sub. However, I would love to avoid using 3 y adapters once I get there. Any help is greatly appreciated. Dustin
note the 2 psa subs only have line level inputs no outs.
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Post by dust770 on Feb 28, 2014 1:18:52 GMT -5
What I should have mentioned in the previous post is what I would like to accomplish at the most basic point. I would like to either make or purchase 1 (25 ft) subwoofer cable with a Y end (male to male) which I could not find anywhere, only up to 15ft. And 2 (6 ft) subwoofer cables with Y ends, again (male to male) I tried blue Jeans cable but they don't make a Y cable just adapters (or I didn't know where to find them on their site) I would really love to make these so hoping some of you cable builders have some suggestions.
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Post by eclypse on Feb 28, 2014 2:42:23 GMT -5
Should email BJC and see if they can make you one if you cant find help.
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Post by dust770 on Feb 28, 2014 2:46:42 GMT -5
I sent one just a few minutes ago. Will post results. Till then any takers on how to make this cable? DIY is always more fun!
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Post by Boomzilla on Feb 28, 2014 8:12:06 GMT -5
A project box from Radio Shack & some jacks should allow as many "splits" as you want from one box.
Making cables is simple. I prefer parts-express.com wire & plugs to those from Radio Shack, usually.
If you have a balanced (XLR) subwoofer output on your controller, you might consider running three-conductor XLR cable instead of unbalanced RCAs for better noise rejection and then do a balanced to unbalanced converter at each sub.
That said, other than the potential for plugs to accidentally be pulled loose, there's really no reason not to persist with the Y splitters unless you're just motivated to make something fancier. If they work, they work.
Cordially - Boom
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Post by dust770 on Feb 28, 2014 12:59:32 GMT -5
That said, other than the potential for plugs to accidentally be pulled loose, there's really no reason not to persist with the Y splitters unless you're just motivated to make something fancier. If they work, they work. Cordially - Boom Unfortunately none of my subs have a balanced input. You also hit the nail on the head, I'm really just trying to spruce things up a bit and give myselfp a project. I was hoping it was as simple as buying a 4 conductor speaker wire, cutting it the necessary length. Then twisting a pair of the wires at one and for the ground and twisting a pair together for the conductor. Then soldering them to the appropriate location. Then separating it at the other end and repeating the same procedure split to two separate RCA ends. It seems from the videos I watched on YouTube and some of the DIY information I've looked up online that people do not recommend speaker wire as it could introduce hum. Other diyers disagree.
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Post by Boomzilla on Feb 28, 2014 15:50:38 GMT -5
Actually, it IS that simple. For interconnects, no hum problem.
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Post by dust770 on Feb 28, 2014 16:03:22 GMT -5
Actually, it IS that simple. For interconnects, no hum problem. Awesome! I will dive in, just a couple more questions if you don't mind? Do I need to use a specific solder? I've seen some mention 2% silver. And lastly, what gauge 4 conductor for a 25 ft run? As always thanks for any input Dustin
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Post by Boomzilla on Feb 28, 2014 16:23:23 GMT -5
Since the source and destination resistance are both in the thousands of ohms, the trivial resistance difference in silver vs. lead-tin solder doesn't matter at all. Just make sure you use "electronics" solder and not "plumbing or acid-core" solder. The latter two are the same and have acid in the core which is intended to clean the copper of water pipes before bonding. It works fine on thick copper pipes, but will eat your electronics if you use it there.
As to gauge, it doesn't much matter either. The signal current is so low that even fine wires carry signal fine. For a 25 foot run, I might consider 20 or 18 gauge, but that's probably serious overkill. Ask when you buy the plugs what the recommended gauge is (this assumes you're buying your parts from Parts-Express and not the kid at the local Radio Shack).
Use some fine emery cloth to buff the plug terminals before soldering - it helps the solder stick better.
Post photos of your finished work! We'd like to see.
Boom
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Post by dust770 on Feb 28, 2014 17:44:31 GMT -5
Thanks for all the info Boom, much appreciated!
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Post by Boomzilla on Feb 28, 2014 19:47:12 GMT -5
And worth every penny you paid for it! LOL
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