I'm confused...what is the better way to go?

[Bruce B]

The longest SE interconnect I've done is 9m. Sounded the same when I switched to balanced.

 

[microstrip]

Of course the dealer will tell you to buy longer speaker cables. More money in his pocket!

For most cables the difference in price will be small. Some ICs are almost a pricey as the speaker cables and in the particular case of Kubala Sosna the price is exactly the same!

The policies of pricing additional length are very different between brands - if you need long cables it is a factor that must be considered when planing and choosing our systems.

BTW, it would be nice to know what is John preamplifier and amplifier. IMHO the answer to the main question depends on it!

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

For most cables the difference in price will be small. Some ICs are almost a pricey as the speaker cables and in the particular case of Kubala Sosna the price is exactly the same!

The policies of pricing additional length are very different between brands - if you need long cables it is a factor that must be considered when planing and choosing our systems.

BTW, it would be nice to know what is John preamplifier and amplifier. IMHO the answer to the main question depends on it!

McIntosh MC122 Power Amp
PS Audio 4.6 Preamp.

 

[JackD201]

In the worst case scenario with matching pre, IC and amp the effect should be nothing more than a slight softening of the top end. At only 4m, I doubt many would here that. If it could, it isn't something a little bit of speaker placement play might fix.

 

[GaryProtein]

Single ended interconnect cables with even the 30 foot runs Jack mentioned are not a problem.

 

[mep]

Long ICs are usually only a problem with a tube preamp that doesn't have a cathode follower or SS buffer to lower the output impedance. John is using a SS preamp and 12' of ICs is nothing.

 

[garylkoh]

In the worst case scenario with matching pre, IC and amp the effect should be nothing more than a slight softening of the top end. At only 4m, I doubt many would here that. If it could, it isn't something a little bit of speaker placement play might fix.

In John's case, all he needs to do would be a little twist of the tweeter trim knob

 

[NorthStar]

My surround speakers (back surrounds) use 50-feet long cables (14AWG), and I sleep good at night. :b

My longest interconnects (right now) are two meters long.
{But I do have some 7-meter ones, that I can join together for 14 meters total; about 46 feet for a second zone if I want to, but I don't need to because I must have a dozen amps, three dozen sources, and all that jazz.}

My audio/video gear is all over; between my speakers, at right, at left, and behind. ...That's for various systems, not all in my main. ...I don't give a rat's tail about less than perfection because for me it is perfect. :b

Hey, just sayin', my own devise.

 

[Bruce B]

I have 100 - 125' balanced runs between the rooms with no problems.

 

[microstrip]

Long ICs are usually only a problem with a tube preamp that doesn't have a cathode follower or SS buffer to lower the output impedance. John is using a SS preamp and 12' of ICs is nothing.

Yes, the PSAudio 4.6 has an output impedance around 100 ohms. 12' should not be a problem.

However the cable length problem can not be considered only as a filter problem. The distortion of some preamplifiers will increase drastically with decreasing impedance's. Audio Research, for example, has cathode buffers but advises users not to use cables exceeding 2000 pF. The measurements shown in the Stereophile review of the REF 5SE show clearly why this suggestion.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Here is a document I was sent to explain his reasoning for claiming IC's should be shorter than Speaker cable. I read through some of it, but you know me.....I got lost with all of the technical data.

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/audio-faqs/short-versus-long-cables

 

[mep]

I don't even want to read it because I know that he is FOS.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I wouldn't know Mark, but I wanted to post it anyway. The bottom line is this.I really like my Valab/King speaker cables and don't want to change, so I won't. I'm getting longer IC's and that's that.

 

[garylkoh]

John, if you really like your VLab/King speaker cables, then they are the best cables for your preference. When I worked in statistics, I was told "There are lies, damned lies, and there are statistics." You can make the numbers "prove" anything you want.

 

[mep]

John, if you really like your VLab/King speaker cables, then they are the best cables for your preference. When I worked in statistics, I was told "There are lies, damned lies, and there are statistics." You can make the numbers "prove" anything you want.

Which coincides with "Figures don't lie, but liars make figures."

 

[JackD201]

John, if you really like your VLab/King speaker cables, then they are the best cables for your preference. When I worked in statistics, I was told "There are lies, damned lies, and there are statistics." You can make the numbers "prove" anything you want.

Dang straight!

 

[microstrip]

John ,

I really find funny that a site called Empirical Audio uses simulations to prove its arguments!

 

[rbbert]

Back to the OP, if your component rack is well behind the plane of the speakers, why not leave it where it is?

 

[mep]

I still think that dealer is being disingenuous or he is sharp as a bowling ball. Take your pick.

 

[Orb]

One aspect not mentioned though is powering the equipment from the same point/dedicated ring and a consideration when using longer IC due to different power sockets usually used for preamp and power amps.
I assume most using longer ICs on this thread have dedicated spur for their audio equipment, but what about those using the existing/normal domestic ring/spur setup and potential for ground loops.

Cheers
Orb