Not sure which REL sub you have and what kind of connection/plug is used for that. On mine, there is a big blue plug and getting that would be my primary question.
Re AWG size, as the signal is low level (= about the same as interconnects) don't worry about AWG as you might with speaker cables. Even then, I have not heard any difference between AWG 14 and 4-5, which are MASSIVELY different cable diameters.
I would just use the REL cable and enjoy your music. Placement of sub and setting cross-over frequency and phase have MUCH greater effect on sound than any cable by several orders of magnitude. That is where I would focus my attention.
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Presently using Duelund tin plated copper, I believe 12awg. I run 300B monoblocks with two REL, I use only single wire plus ground to each amp, excessive bass with two signal wires. This is a litz cable, have VH Audio Airlock, a solid core cable to experiment with as well, this 18AWG copper. I can lightly twist two or three runs of this to create multiple gauges, for instance twisting three runs of 18AWG is equivalent to 13AWG.
Variables here is metallurgy, solid core or litz, AWG, number of signal wires to amp. I'm fine with the Duelund cable at this point so haven't tried the VHAudio, just there waiting if I feel the need. IMO, the silver plated PTEF ofc would be a worthwhile experiment. These cables not that complicated to make so experiment away, make sure you use actual Neutrik brand connectors. Also, twist the cables for some level of shielding.
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I agree with @oberoniaomnia - trust REL and use the stock cable.
If this is a line level signal then 24 awg is quite typical and sufficient. If you don’t use the REL cable, I would recommended soldering SpeakON connectors to any reputable bulk shielded audio interconnect (Furutech, et al.) or bulk professional mic cable from the likes of Mogami, Gotham, or Belden. However, I seriously doubt you would ever discern a difference between those options and a cable from REL. Rabbit holes are usually a waste of time and money - I know because I have been down many of them.
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Mostly I just need longer cables. I bought the subs used and the cables had been cut by the previous owner. I figure I may as well diy and get a better product at a better price. It is a very simple cable after all. Mostly just wondering how much shielding may make a difference. It seems it’s essentially an interconnect cable which are typically shielded I think. There is a gentleman who sells nothing but mil-spec silver plated ptfe on eBay and he has some two and three wire shielded options. This route would cost me about $50 and I think make a solid cable. That’s kind of what I’m leaning towards but like I said pretty amateur when it comes to wire.
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Mogami 3104 12awg quad cable + Neutrik NL4FX 4-Pole speakON cable connector. Good LCR spec but not sure if you could hear the difference from the Rel stock cable though.
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What I have found is that the speaker cable used from the amp to the sub via the speakon connector will affect the sound of your main speakers. Afterall the cables are connected to the same source (amp). So, they do interact.
So, choose wisely.
ozzy
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I have never owned a REL sub - these must be speaker cables. My comments assumed line level cables.
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@ozzy Not sure if you’ve heard this from a reliable source. A typical REL sub has a relatively high input impedance, typically around 100k ohms or more. This means the amp doesn’t see much of a load from the sub (or the sub doesn’t draw much power) when the REL sub is connected via the high-level input. I have also tapped from the amp in the past using a line-level converter (to reduce the signal strength) before feeding it into my sub, and I found no issues affecting the quality (only quantity) of the sound from the main speakers.
As everyone here may know, John Hunter actually recommends the high level connection to ensure the seamless integration of the Rel sub with the main system.
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@brylandgoodman if you just need longer cable at decent price, on eBay there are 3 m/9 ft for $50, 5 m/15 ft for $75, connectors attached and ready to use. Not sure how much you value your time, but this seems pretty decent, IMHO.
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Places like Audio Advisor sell Analysis Plus cables for REL subs. Retail for 2.5M is $157.50, but they'd probably offer a discount if you bought two of them. That's what I use. They have 3M and longer if 2.5M doesn't work.
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lanx0003,
I am actually using JL F-113 subs. I am using an ISO Max transformer to convert the high impedance to a low level XLR input that the JL subs can use since it has no direct speakon connection.
So, perhaps that is why the speaker cable that is used matters, but I dunno, Rel must be doing the same conversion internally. But interesting read.
ozzy
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Hello @brylandgoodman , I have unused stock REL cables. PM me if interested!
Ken
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Hello @brylandgoodman , I have unused stock REL cables. PM me if interested!
Ken
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Don't take any of our opinions as the absolute truth, simple to find out for yourself if cables make a difference. One should question why REL themselves offers a cable upgrade, are they selling snake oil?
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If you have the SpeakON cables and need more length, why not splice on more wire? 18 ga. is all you need. A good Western Union splice on each conductor, some shrink tubing, voila!
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Why not just buy a cable that is made for subs? I bought a Kimber Kable Cadence cable that works just fine, and is reasonably priced. 2 meters with WBT connects is around $225 at the Cable Company. WBT's are great. But if you want just RCA connects, it's about $170 for a 2 meter cable.
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