BEST INTERCONNECT FOR $25 EACH?

IMHO, I would not use that Infinite digital coax for an analog audio connection. I just never liked the sound of RG6 cable for analog use.

My choice is Mogami 2534, with the 2549, a very close second, but either one would be a good purchase. Here's a pair of 2534 within the budget.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mogami-2534-Interconnect-Cable-Neutrik-Rean-NYS373-0-RCA-Connector-Plugs-3-...

Yes, one cable per channel, and preamp to power amp is definitely an analog audio signal.

"Ok I am really green and have a couple rookie questions. Somebody before mentioned getting wire to send an analog signal. Isn’t this a digital signal? Maybe they meant just don’t use cable meant for video like RG6?

Also, wouldn’t you always want a Shielded cable for this?"

craigert

It would be helpful if you would say what components you are connecting. If "this" is a digital audio signal, then the Belden 8402 is absolutely wrong. It is an analog audio cable, as is the Duelund, and others mentioned above. Actually, digital audio and video use the same basic type of cable, 75 ohm coax.

"While any premium microphone cable will serve, I would stick with Mogami 2534. If you are terminating with RCA connectors, connect both the blue wires to the centre pins, both white wires to the outer rings (or vice versa). Connect the shield to the outer ring at the amplifier end only."

terry9

It's always been my understanding that the shield/drain is only connected to the sending end of the cable, so with a preamp/power amp connection, that would be preamp end only.

terry9

Not wanting to start a debate and you can obviously use whichever technique you wish, but everything I have read says shield/drain is connected to source end, or as I say, sending end. Also, I have looked at many cables from different manufacturers that use this and then will have the directional arrows on the cable. The arrow has always pointed toward the unconnected end.

"Your connection scheme may work in your system, but I know for sure it wouldn’t work in mine. I can’t see any value in using an amplifier - as opposed to the preamplifier - as the common ground connection."

+1 cleeds

Many years ago when amps and preamps began using 3 prong AC cords, it was recommended that if there was a hum in the system, then use a cheater plug on the amp. I actually heard this at a CES show from a highly respected amp designer.

"Also, the term ’source tend’ seems ambiguous to me"

terry9

That’s why I tend to say sending end, no confusion. If you think sending end is not the correct way to connect shield/drain, then you should notify all the cable manufacturers that’s been doing it wrong, some for ~35 years.

terry9

Read the entire article at Wiki. It states what cleeds has said.

And this,

https://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/dir-017/_2498.htm

And no, you have not addressed my concerns. It’s clear your opinion is different and you are certainly entitled to it. Since my thinking is in line with all the cable manufacturers, nothing you say can change it. It’s just too hard to believe that they have been making cables wrong for so many years.