ninor

iTrader: (5)

I currently have Knukonceptz Karma SS 4-channel RCA cables for my front stage and I saw on other forums someone selling Ixos GT Series RCA cables for $20... those cables retail for about $60 but I can't find any reviews on those cables... would it be worth upgrading? Is the difference audible? How good are Knukonceptz Karma SS RCA cables?

350ZREDLINE

iTrader: (2)

Unless you are picking up some kind of noise (from power wires, etc) you wont notice a difference...

ninor

iTrader: (5)

That's what I thought too.. I am running signal cables under the center console and power wires under the door sills so I think I should be okay.

mattk

iTrader: (2)

This is debated in great detail in numerous audio magazines and graduate theses, and it still doesn't have a conclusion that satisfies everyone, so rest assured you won't be getting a comprehensive answer here or anywhere else. A typical article on an audio cable debate:

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/features/605cable/

That said, there certainly are differences between a $20 cable and a $60. They might have more shielding, they might have corrosion resistant connectors, they might have a more expensive method to connect the plugs, all sorts of things can differ. Are the differences audible? You're on your own for that.

Not that it carries any weight, but I typically opt for something in the $20+ range or so because they tend to be better constructed, less prone to corrosion, better shielded, and less prone to damage. Do they sound any better? I have no way to test that in a reliable and repeatable fashion, so I don't even try.

If you want to avoid noise, consider differential signal cables or higher preamp voltage, standard rules about running the signal cables apart from power cables, and a star ground.

350ZREDLINE

iTrader: (2)

agree with above post, but you also have the understand what you are paying for.. Monster cables cost alot more than similar quality KnuKonceptz for example...

Again, unless you want to spend money, there are better things to spend your money on, unless of course you notice a problem (noise, or corrosion).

adamtaylorpcb

iTrader: (7)

yeah, im running rca's that are like $125/set and im still getting noise even with the rca's run down the center console

ninor

iTrader: (5)

Good points guys. I think I'll just do the install and see if there are any problems with it and if so, I'll start looking for new RCA cables.

Adam... do you have 880PRS head unit? I know they are known for getting some noise problems... or do you know why you are having noise problems?

adamtaylorpcb

iTrader: (7)

nope, i have the F90-BT and it only happens when im using the ipod as a source... and the outputs are not balanced with the ipod as a source

KManZ

iTrader: (8)

Knukonceptz

/thread

Spike100

Expensive cables are the biggest rip-off the consumer encounters in any installation (A/V installations in your home or your car).

Cable-runs in a car are very short, and it’s foolish to pay more than what is needed. I never pay more than $5 to $10 for a terminated cable (i.e., a cable with connectors pre-installed), and that is the case even for HDMI cables under 2 meters. Of course, if you build your own cables and attach the RCA terminators, the cost is just a few cents per foot.

Paying $20 for a cable with RCA terminators for a car is spending way too much.

--Spike

adamtaylorpcb

iTrader: (7)

^^^^ agreed, even though mine cost $125/set i paid a whole $0.00 for both of them. figured why not use the expensive **** if its free