Patch cords - Are the best really better?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,166
Likes: 14
From: Orlando Fl
Patch cords - Are the best really better?
I have a high end system yet used - yes - Radio Shack patch cords to link the HU to the amps. While its the heavy duty, gold end, best of THEIR line stuff, I'm wondering if paying the extra money for the "good" stuff would be wise. The system sounds good and I dion't want to spend the extra money just cause "this MUST be done" on a high end system without knowing that it will make a difference. Will it or is that more hype than its worth?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 207
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From: VIDOR TEXAS
Re: Patch cords - Are the best really better? (webdzynes)
I think the best question is do you have any noise in your system. By noise I mean alternator whine, humming at low volumes, cracking, popping, etc. If so then the higher end patch cords do help take those things out. If you do not have any unwanted noise then leave what you have in there.
The only other concern with the radio shack patch cords is that under high temp they will melt. I have changed many of them that were melted to the floor and underside of carpet.
If you do decide to change I would go with the Streetwires ZN (zero-niose) series. They are kinda expensive, but they work well.
[Modified by RDRH8R, 10:07 AM 8/8/2002]
The only other concern with the radio shack patch cords is that under high temp they will melt. I have changed many of them that were melted to the floor and underside of carpet.
If you do decide to change I would go with the Streetwires ZN (zero-niose) series. They are kinda expensive, but they work well.
[Modified by RDRH8R, 10:07 AM 8/8/2002]
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Stuarts Draft va
Re: Patch cords - Are the best really better? (webdzynes)
I personally have not had any problems with the cheaper cords. I do agree with the above post in that if you are having noise problems then that would be a good place to start. BTW I am getting ready to paint my vette and i have really fallen in love with the color on your vette (webdzynes). Would it be possible to get the paint code off your vehicle so i could possibly paint mine that color. Again, very nice corvette. Thanks
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,166
Likes: 14
From: Orlando Fl
Re: Patch cords - Are the best really better? (blackrosecorvette)
BTW I am getting ready to paint my vette and i have really fallen in love with the color on your vette (webdzynes). Would it be possible to get the paint code off your vehicle so i could possibly paint mine that color. Again, very nice corvette. Thanks
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12
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From: Stuarts Draft va
Re: Patch cords - Are the best really better? (webdzynes)
it is usually on the drivers door where the lock mechanism is on other cars, im not too sure where the code is for the vette. Maybe someone else can tell us where it is. Anyone have a clue? :D
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Valrico FL
Re: Patch cords - Are the best really better? (webdzynes)
I have used everything from RCA type patch cords from Home Depot to the absolute best line that Monster Cable offers...
Last week I spent $300 to replace every cord, optical, coax, RCA in the house and cars with Monster Cable.
The sound is probably cleaner and I know that I have much less signal loss to the components at home (multimeter).
The sound in the car is much improved...of course when you add a Pioneer Premier DEH940 HU, 8 JL Audio Separates, 1 JL Stealth 10" sub and a JL Audio 300/1 amp....it helps
Last week I spent $300 to replace every cord, optical, coax, RCA in the house and cars with Monster Cable.
The sound is probably cleaner and I know that I have much less signal loss to the components at home (multimeter).
The sound in the car is much improved...of course when you add a Pioneer Premier DEH940 HU, 8 JL Audio Separates, 1 JL Stealth 10" sub and a JL Audio 300/1 amp....it helps
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Frankenstein never scared me. Marsupials do, because they're fassst…and they DART, THAT'S crazy!
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: Patch cords - Are the best really better? (webdzynes)
As long as you are not having trouble with introduced noise I wouldn’t worry about it. There is really not much difference in the overpriced “Brand Name” RCA’s and the less expensive gold plated stuff you get at Radio Shack. Just make sure you have the RCA’s run on the opposite side of the car from any power wires. Also make sure all of your grounds are solid. If you have no noise then don’t waste the money, if you do have noise and all the afore mentioned procedures were followed, the just buy a better shielded RCA, (twisted or otherwise) but there is still no need to go top of the line in this case either. You can find very affordable, well shielded and grounded RCA’s without going overboard with Name Brands.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 90
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From: Wichita Falls Texas
Re: Patch cords - Are the best really better? (webdzynes)
I have a high end system yet used - yes - Radio Shack patch cords to link the HU to the amps. While its the heavy duty, gold end, best of THEIR line stuff, I'm wondering if paying the extra money for the "good" stuff would be wise. The system sounds good and I dion't want to spend the extra money just cause "this MUST be done" on a high end system without knowing that it will make a difference. Will it or is that more hype than its worth?
The only way you will improve is to go with a D/A converter and fiber optics but that is for the big time competitors in IASCA and USAC :p:
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Olathe Kansas
Re: Patch cords - Are the best really better? (Audiowizard)
I have a high end system yet used - yes - Radio Shack patch cords to link the HU to the amps. While its the heavy duty, gold end, best of THEIR line stuff, I'm wondering if paying the extra money for the "good" stuff would be wise. The system sounds good and I dion't want to spend the extra money just cause "this MUST be done" on a high end system without knowing that it will make a difference. Will it or is that more hype than its worth?
The Radioshck cables are just fine :cheers: There isnt a whole lot of difference between those and the higher doller brands other than name and manufacturer. All you are doing is transfering signal and if you have good shielding on the cable, you should have no problems.
The only way you will improve is to go with a D/A converter and fiber optics but that is for the big time competitors in IASCA and USAC :p:
The Radioshck cables are just fine :cheers: There isnt a whole lot of difference between those and the higher doller brands other than name and manufacturer. All you are doing is transfering signal and if you have good shielding on the cable, you should have no problems.
The only way you will improve is to go with a D/A converter and fiber optics but that is for the big time competitors in IASCA and USAC :p:
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Valrico FL
Re: Patch cords - Are the best really better? (chilihed'95coupe)
if this is true, then we all wasted money on high current, low resistance plug wires, right?
:lol: :lol: :lol:
IMHO, you usually get what you pay for, unless you are one of the folks that P.T. Barnum mused about... :lol: :jester
:cheers:
[Modified by Biohazard, 7:24 PM 8/26/2002]
:lol: :lol: :lol:
IMHO, you usually get what you pay for, unless you are one of the folks that P.T. Barnum mused about... :lol: :jester
:cheers:
[Modified by Biohazard, 7:24 PM 8/26/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: stop your crying... who cares
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Patch cords - Are the best really better? (92TripleBlack)
The Radioshck cables are just fine There isnt a whole lot of difference between those and the higher doller brands other than name and manufacturer. All you are doing is transfering signal and if you have good shielding on the cable, you should have no problems.
The only way you will improve is to go with a D/A converter and fiber optics but that is for the big time competitors in IASCA and USAC
The only way you will improve is to go with a D/A converter and fiber optics but that is for the big time competitors in IASCA and USAC
:p:
