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AFAIK, A Sub I/C is no different than any other I/C.
By ordering a Sub I/C, you get just one, as opposed to a pair.
Out of necessity, we run some 70 foot RG6 to subs in our 10,000 square foot retail stores and those bads boys just pump away!
I've tried a few different dedicated sub RCA to my home sub and have yet to notice any difference.
Hmmm...maybe I should try some RG6?
RG
One would think so, but there are a number of dedicated subwoofer interconnects.
How they would be different escapes me in that a full range interconnect should handle all frequencies wonderfully well.
They may not be different in specification, rather just in color coding. For instance, a digital coaxial cable works fine carrying composite video. For convenience and organization, the S/PDIF is coded orange, and the video cable yellow. I'm not sure if subwoofer cables are designed differently or not, but I suspect that the situation is analogous to the above.
I am thinking of interconnects such as Analysis Plus' "sub oval" and "super sub oval", both "specially designed for low-frequency signals."
Audioquest's "sub-a", "sub-3", "sub-x", "black thunder",etc., also are supposedly designed to transmit low-frequencies, as well as Tara Labs' sub interconnects, etc.
Blue Jeans Cable, Monster, and many other less expensive brands also describe cables that are different than "regular" interconnects.
A number of manufacturer's assert that shielding is particularly important in cables carrying low frequencies.
As an aside I find it interesting that even though sub interconnects are carrying line level signals they are often described as cables, not interconnects.
In what way are they different? And are those differences relevant?
And is shielding any less important in cables carrying full range signals which, of course, include low frequencies?
Oh. That's impressive.
Kal
Yep, just like any other of their other I/C's are! The ones sold in pairs are 'designed for low - AND - high frequency'.......It's a game of marketing semantics!
I'm not saying their 'might' not be some type of construction or material that is PROVEN to work better within the frequency of sub signals, but I need to ask 'Why'?
Why do we need some kind of
That sounds like a lot of blown smoke to me. Perhaps they are trying to prey on home theater newbies. I don't have a subwoofer, but, if I did, a "subwoofer interconnect" would be whatever reasonably competent RCA-terminated run of copper I have lying around.
Any company touting a cable that is "specially designed for low frequency signals" makes me doubt the quality of their stereo interconnects.
It appears that everyone is as skeptical and dubious as I.
Hi Elk,
I would just purchase good regular ICs. In my experience, yes, a good IC will affect the sound of the bass, esp cryod copper. Don't know if cryoing silver helps.
I think ICs labeled 'for subs' are just marketing hype.
Hope this helps.
I am not making a point of contention with your observations, as I agree whole heartedly with your post, but I am V curious to know if the higher quality cables you compared delivered better SQ in the fq range under 100Hz.
"I am not making a point of contention with your observations, as I agree whole heartedly with your post, but I am V curious to know if the higher quality cables you compared delivered better SQ in the fq range under 100Hz."
Hi WK,
I have not done alot of testing with other brands; basically just my own ICs and hear some at the store. Been awhile though.
Cryoing copper seems to help any copper Ic in my experience. I have personally noticed the bottom end tighten, (since we are talking about lower end). With my brand, of course same type wire/IC, one cryod and the other not.
I hope this answered your questions WK.
Steve
Thanks for you input, Steve. I apprciate it.
Thanks, Steve.
Was your testing done with full range speakers, or on a sub?
Hi Wk,
My testing was done with full range speakers.
Your welcome Elk.
Take care.