Long Run From Computer to Stereo

Thanks for your response by the way Sunjitwhy! The cable that i am using, that was just built for me, is Canare GS-6 cable, which i believe is used for microphone cables. So i am assuming it is balanced? My other question is, i have the ability on my Layla's mixer to either use the +4 db(balanced?) mixer or the -10db(unbalanced?) section. Which one should i be using and should i be turning the volume up more on the Layla's mixer and using my preamps volume for adjustment? There is no converter on my cable and it is just terminated with RCA's on the one end going into my tube pre. I am currently using the +4db section of my mixer and that seems to sound pretty good. I'm still playing around to see what sounds the best. But just looking for optimum sound and dynamics out of this setup. If you can offer any further advice i would greatly appreciat it!

Sunjitwhy, i am not sure if the outputs are 1/4" balanced or not. They are 1/4" though. I did receive the long cable that i ordered from Bayoucables a few days ago with the 1/4" and RCA ends. I guess it took some time for that cable to break in because initially it sounded very harsh and the digital glare was bugging me big time. But things have certainly seemed to have warmed up and i am also certainly not losing any HIGHS with the long run. Sounds pretty good so far and i am pretty satisfied at this point but still listening and evaluating. I have about 20 hours on them at this point. The WAV files sound really good but still not sure that they are superior sounding to my CD players audio. But as of yesterdays listening they are very close and i was suprised of the detail i was hearing with the WAV files. Just something about them that i seem to be able to hear things clearer. But that may come at the expense of dynamics it seems but that gap also seems to be narrowing the more i listen.
What i would like to know is, could i possibly achieve better results completely bypassing my soundcard(however i do that?) and instead use a wireless USB-NOS/DAC(paradisea+ for example) setup? Or something similar? I do not have firewire out.
thanks!

You may run into issues with single-ended cables. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Layla has balanced 1/4" outputs -- i.e. TRS (tip-ring-sleeve). For best results, use a TRS-XLR cable, and if you need to, use a converter to change your +4 dB XLR signal to a -10dB RCA signal next to your amplifier / receiver.

If indeed there is some shortfall, I would suspect it might be in terms of voltaage drop. Depending upon the output of the audio sending device. mONARCHY aUDIO MAKES A DIP. (?)

This unit increases the voltage output to around 5vac up from the nominal 2+ many sources output. it has digital outs and ins.

I recall one person who said they got one for just such an instace... a very long cable run under similar circumstances. It worked quite well for them. Just a thought to consider.

Well i had gone ahead and ordered the long run(37') of Canare GS-6 from Bayoucables (with G&H gold 1/4" outs and RCA plugs in) to run out analog over to my stereo. I am not set up for balanced operation unfortunately i don't believe unless i am missing something. I admit that I am ignorant about that but the soundcard outputs I am using are not xlr and neither are the inputs on my preamp. I will post my thoughts and feelings about the sonics going unbalanced analog after I have a chance to have a good listen. He is a one man operation so they will take around two weeks to arrive. But his prices are great and from what i have read his build quality is top notch. This seemed to be the best way to go for me at this time logistically and financially(cables only $100 assembled and delivered) so i am excited to get them and to hear what my computer audio will sound like running through my main system.

Nothing wrong with long audio cable lengths, provided you're using balanced differential signaling. I'm not familiar with the sound card you're using, but there are pro audio PCI cards out there that provide balanced differential outputs.

A heavy duty extension cord, like a #14 AWG, coming from elsewhere can give you the relief you seek from added draw on the current systems power lines. I use a couple here and there for my PC & pc peripherals.... also for the Synergistic cabling I use. A PS Audio UPC 200 supplies all that stuff, feeding other power strips, BTW... I see they're not expensive any longer... about $200.... a Duet though would be a better pick at that price tag however IMO.

... as shortening signal cables is always a good idea... and extension cords cost what? $6?

Hell, at that price try a few... I've found some can be additive to the sound! They come in colors too! I like the flat white 14 AWG from HD & the beige 12 AWG from WalMart.

Thanks guys fo your swift input!

really appreciate that
and man you guys have some really nice gear!

But due to power issues and not wanting to plug my computer into the same dedicated circuit as my computer and just the whole logistical mess of it all for me,I think i am going to need to keep my computer over where it is. Plus my break out box is also powered and so that would have to be two powered items that i didn't want to have over at my stereo. But i did do some more investigation after posting yesterday and found Bayoucables.com(gets favorable reviews) and Butch will custom build me a 37 foot run of Canare GS-6 cables with one end 1/4" and the other with RCA terminations. Both runs for close to $100. I can't do better then that for the price i don't believe after researching this for awhile. And i am no DIY guy so to have him do all the terminating is huge for me as well.
He didn't think the excessive run with the good shielding of the Canare would be a problem.

thoughts?

and thanks again

I agree too.

That is my present setup. I have small monitor connected to my computer by a 30' cable. I have used a wireless keyboard and mouse in the past but just recently installed an extra long USB cable which connects the mouse and keyboard to the computer. For this I needed a self powered USB extender cable and a powered USB hub.

Of course noise from the computer can be a problem so take that into account when planning your setup.

I'll second Hi5harry thoughts. It'll be way chaeaper and I suspect better in the end.... IF that is not doable, contact Audio Art cables. I'm sure there are others making good inexpensive cables, but I've some exp with AA. Mr. Fritz will give you the straight scoop on his cables in that application.

I found placing the computer next to the stereo and running long monitor cables and wireless mouse and keyboard worked great for me. That way you get short audio cables and no noise from the computer next to your listening position.

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