From: yystg@lims01.lerc.nasa.gov (STEVE GRAHAM)
Subject: Re: Connections: Head Units -> Amps ?
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    
Organization: NASA Lewis Research Center
Date: 31 Aug 1992 10:21 EST  

In article <1992Aug28.141411.23816@hemlock.cray.com>, jch@sumac27.cray.com (J.C. Hamlin) writes...
> 
>In article <5216@dove.nist.gov>, keys@csmes.ncsl.nist.gov (Larry Keys) writes:
>> Can someone tell me, is it really necessary to purchase those
>> expensive RCA phono plugs?  I need at least 16ft of length for my 
>> car, for four head unit outputs.  For Phoenix Gold, StreetWires
>> Monster Cable etc., this would cost at least $80.
>> 
>> Couldn't I use Radio Shack brand cable & RCA jacks, and make my own
>> custom length cable?  If i took this route, should the cable be
>> 2-conductor?
>> 
>> Is there any audible difference between the high priced shielded cable 
>> and a Radio Shack or some other inexpensive brand?
> 
>Well, here's another FAQ folks.  I guess I'd better finish it up and post it 
>quickly before we are showered with more requests.
> 
>Wiring & Connections
> 
>Q: What kind of RCA wires should I use?
>A: First of all, RCA is a type of connector (you know the male and female 
>   plugs on the ends), it is not a type of wire.  The proper term for this is 
>   interconnect wire (with RCA connectors).  However, you shouldn't be using 
>   *wire* either, you should be using shielded wire -- also called *cable*.  
>   So, what you are looking for is called interconnect cable.
>   In the home environment there aren't that many sources of RF noise, so 
>   only minimal shielding is required.  However, in an automotive environment 
>   there are many sources of RF noise (as we all know too well), so a high 
>   quality cable is almost a must.  The general rule of thumb is buy the most 
>   expensive interconnects you can afford.  That can be anything from Phoenix 
>   Gold's bottom of the line (least expensive), to up to $2,000/pr.  I don't 
>   know of many people that would pay that much for interconnects, so what I 
>   usually see is people paying about $1-$2 per foot for cable, and about $10 
>   for a pair of ends -- which is about the prices you'll find for high 
>   quality car audio interconnects.  That should get you into the ballpark of 
>   triple shielded, low capacitance wire (what you want).  Of course there 
>   are deals to be made and bargains to be found, so happy hunting.
> 
>   To point you in the right direction in your hunt for wiring and 
>   interconnects for car audio purposes, you'll find that Esoteric Audio's 
>   Streetwires tops the list in price; but that doesn't mean they are the 
>   best though. Other companies such as SoundQuest cost considerably less and 
>   have the same quality.  Some other companies to look for are Phoenix Gold, 
>   Monster Cable, and Scosche EFX.  
> 
>J.C. Hamlin
>Automotive Sound & Security by Hamlin
>jch@Cray.COM
> 
>P.S. In my opinion, of all of the types of car audio wiring products, the best 
>     value and most comprehensive line is SoundQuest -- which is perhaps why I 
>     chose them as my primary source of products.
> 
I am using Radio Shack shielded RCA Cables, and they work fine, with no 
noise.  The are relatively inexpensive.  Do not confuse them with the super 
cheapie grey ones (un-shielded) that they sell.

IMO, price/performance, they are the best.

S. Graham