I would guess in Simon9's case there would not be much difference as the two situations are not much different. Sean makes good points:
Along the same lines, if the signal is distorted due the materials used to construct the cables themselves OR the cable is of a poor design geometry resulting in improper impedances OR outside influences such as RFI and EMI enter into the equation, those distortions will be amplified further down the chain. It is not uncommon for problems with RFI / EMI to manifest themselves through interconnects due to broken grounds, poor design or poor connections. These problems are FAR less likely to arise with speaker cables unless using highly reactive ( inductive or capacitive ) cables or drastically long lengths.
To top it all off, interconnects use small gauge wires.
But it seems that if an interconnect is WELL designed (shielded etc.)and of sufficiently low resistance then long runs are okay. Have any measurements been done to show actual loss of these low level signals?
Shorter speakers cables would better damp the speaker drivers and while less immune to RFI, wouldn't the higher current in speaker cable make transients, phase shift, etc. more effect of the cable than low level signals in I/C's?
Well, I know what I mean, just can't say it :-(
Along the same lines, if the signal is distorted due the materials used to construct the cables themselves OR the cable is of a poor design geometry resulting in improper impedances OR outside influences such as RFI and EMI enter into the equation, those distortions will be amplified further down the chain. It is not uncommon for problems with RFI / EMI to manifest themselves through interconnects due to broken grounds, poor design or poor connections. These problems are FAR less likely to arise with speaker cables unless using highly reactive ( inductive or capacitive ) cables or drastically long lengths.
To top it all off, interconnects use small gauge wires.
But it seems that if an interconnect is WELL designed (shielded etc.)and of sufficiently low resistance then long runs are okay. Have any measurements been done to show actual loss of these low level signals?
Shorter speakers cables would better damp the speaker drivers and while less immune to RFI, wouldn't the higher current in speaker cable make transients, phase shift, etc. more effect of the cable than low level signals in I/C's?
Well, I know what I mean, just can't say it :-(