Cable Construction

[Hi Def J]

Just wondering if there was any differences in cable construction for the following cables:
composite cable
subwoofer cable
digital coax
component cable

Thanks

[mjones73]

They all use coaxial cable, the actual materials and design used can vary from manufacturer and model the cable...

[57U]

Interestingly, I believe they are all 75 ohm impedence cables, however, the constuction will vary with manufacturer. Prices can vary tremendously and there's little or no advantage in buying very expensive cables. Good cables are usually fine.

[Splicer]

Component cables are basically the same as composite type cables. There is just more of them.

digital coax and subwoofer cables are the same design as well.

The MAJOR differences is in the shielding (if any) used as far as I know.

[Ratman]

Just to clarify...
The reference to composite is only relevent to the yellow "video" cable, not the red/white audio cables (audio cables have no impedence rating/requirement).

One could actutally use RG59 or RG6 coax terminated wilh RCA plugs and acheive the same results as buying 'name brand' cables.

[57U]

I don't want to hijack this thread, but don't audio cables have 50 ohm impedence?

[Ratman]

AFAIK... some manucturers use that spec for audio interconnects but it is not a requirement.

Example:
http://www.geocities.com/rjm003.geo/rjmaudio/note_x03.html
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/buyingguides/interconnects/cable_budget.php

All wire has a characteristic impedance. Coaxial cables are specified by impedance. Analog audio and control wire has typically ignored the characteristic impedance. In most situations, the electrical characteristics are not important. For long analog wire runs, a lower capacitance value cable should used to prevent attenuation of the higher frequencies.

[Hi Def J]

So could I use a read or white audio cable or digital coax cable for my subwoofer cable? The reason I ask is because I have some extra audio cables laying around and I didn't want to go out and buy a subwoofer cable if I didn't have to.

Thanks

[kevinw]

So could I use a read or white audio cable or digital coax cable for my subwoofer cable? The reason I ask is because I have some extra audio cables laying around and I didn't want to go out and buy a subwoofer cable if I didn't have to.

Thanks
I do with no problems..

[57U]

A digital coax or a yellow composite cable would be the correct impedence, but a red or white cable would "do the job". If you've got more than 6', I'd suggest buying a better cable say from AR or even a good one from Radio Shack for say $10-20. Or make one as previously suggested for very little money.