Cable suggestions for a new HT setup.

[vyerth]

Hiya,

I have bought Onkyo 308 recently and want to line it up with my Optoma Projector. Am looking for the right kind of cabling for the 5.1 surround sound system.

The AVR is placed closer to the Projector therefore the distance between the AVR and front speakers + Woofer would be quite a lot (12-15 feet) far away from the AVR.

What things do I need to keep in mind when I buy cables for this set up, keeping in mind the distance between the AVR and the 3 main speakers is going to be more than 12-15 feet away.

Any simple way to calculate the amount of cable I require for the setup, given the hall size - 17ft length X 11ft Width and 10ft Ht.

Any recommendations on cables with reasonable prices, any expert who can do installations?

Thanks in advance

 

[vyerth]

Wonder if my question is stupid or its not been made clear what I want?

Please let me know eitherway.
Cheers!

 

[venkatcr]

You basically need the following cables:

1. For speakers use a 14AWG cables from a good company. Belden, DAC, Liberty make good cables.

2. For the sub, the best would be to get unterminated coaxial cable, lay the exact length required with a few feet to spare at both ends, and then terminate them. You would need to call a professional installer for this.

3. For HDMI, buy a pre-terminated cable that are available in 3, 5, 10 meters lengths.

You first have to finalise the routing for the cable before you can calculate the length. For anything over 3 meters, I would suggest you buy from a good brand that guarantees transmission of data over that length.

Cheers

 

[vyerth]

Thanks a lot Venkat

I am not really sure at the moment if my AVR should be closer to the front speakers or closer to the Projector.

If i keep AVR closer to woofer and front three speakers I would be using less cable compared to, when kept away from the screen closer to the projector. Ofcourse keeping AVR closer to screen would mean long length of HDMI to projector.

What would you suggest in this case.
Anyone from mumbai who can recommend any installer, guess that would be worth it.
Cheers!

 

[venkatcr]

If i keep AVR closer to woofer and front three speakers I would be using less cable compared to, when kept away from the screen closer to the projector. Ofcourse keeping AVR closer to screen would mean long length of HDMI to projector.

HDMI cable over 25 feet starts to decay transmission of data and that is about the only issue.

Another requirement will be the use of the remote control. This can, to a large, extent, be taken care of by installing an IR emitter/repeater. When this is done, it really does not matter where the units are. You, though, have to ensure that a CAT5 cable is drawn from all units including projector to somewhere below the screen where the sensor of the IR repeater will be placed.

Speaker cables can be of any length upto 200 feet for 14AWG. Beyond that you have to install 12AWG.

Cheers

 

[vyerth]

Hi Venkat,

Appreciate your guidance.

I measured in my hall and I have found that I would have to keep 35 feet cable for each right and left speakers (considering I fix my speaker about 6 ft above the ground, near the screen). 55 feet for center speaker (I guess, it will have to kept on ground). 15 ft for surround (closer to AVR, just above ear level).

I read elsewhere in the forum that upto 80ft 16AWG is good. Does that stand true for me.

I want to know what is it that you meant by 'use of remote control' Are you referring to connecting (1) AVR to Project with remote or (2) AVR to speakers+projectors by remote.
Sorry didn't really get all this... please enlighten me on this.

Regarding Sub woofer, a hometheater guy was telliing me that I can put my sub anywhere. can it be placed behind? as in near the surround speakers as it would be closer to the AVR and I wont have to buy a huge length of cable for it.

Cheers!

 

[venkatcr]

Follow these guide lines for speaker cable guage:

Less than 30 feet: 16 gauge
30 - 50 feet: 14 gauge
50 - 100 feet: 12 gauge
100+ feet: 10 gauge or 11 guage
Audioholic: 10-12 gauge, regardless of distance

I want to know what is it that you meant by 'use of remote control' Are you referring to connecting (1) AVR to Project with remote or (2) AVR to speakers+projectors by remote. Sorry didn't really get all this... please enlighten me on this.

Units such as AVR, Projector, and players come with a remote control for you to control the unit. Generally, the unit has to have a direct line of sight or the remote control will not work.

Regarding Sub woofer, a hometheater guy was telliing me that I can put my sub anywhere. can it be placed behind? as in near the surround speakers as it would be closer to the AVR and I wont have to buy a huge length of cable for it.

Theoretically, you can place the sub anywhere in the room. The issue will be how to find out the ideal place. What happens if you place it at the back and it does not sound nice? Generally it is believed the best place for a sub is either next to the viewer (you) or in the front.

Cheers

 

[vyerth]

Thanks a lot.
have been trying to find a 14 gauge wire, its quite expensive. I have been quoted 80 per meter Taiwanese. I guess I will need about 25 meteres. Had my AVR placed near the front 3 speakers, everything would be quite cheaper.

I will be in Bangalore for a couple of days.. would it make sense to take a stroll in the market there, if it would be any cheaper than mumbai? And where it would be in Bangalore.

anyone from Bangalore who can give me few nos. to call and query.

Cheers!

 

[haisaikat]

venkat,
I have been quoted 300 per meter for Norstone 12 gw cables and have been recommended by the dealer to purchase the same for the fronts and center.

For the rears he has recommended DAC 12 gw cables which are coming around 100 per meter.

Do you think this rate is okay? Or shall I look for bargaining.

1 meter cambridge audio co-axial cable for 1800 INR is also on display in the showroom.

 

[venkatcr]

I have been quoted 300 per meter for Norstone 12 gw cables and have been recommended by the dealer to purchase the same for the fronts and center.

For the rears he has recommended DAC 12 gw cables which are coming around 100 per meter.

Do you think this rate is okay? Or shall I look for bargaining.

1 meter cambridge audio co-axial cable for 1800 INR is also on display in the showroom.

Norstone is a furniture manufacturer, so most probably, he is just re-selling with his own name stamped on the cables.

You should be able to get Belden at around 150 a meter. Look for brands that have a good reputation in the cables business. At 300, you can even look at Chord.

CA, again, resells cables from other manufacturers. So not much value in my mind, though they have the capacity to properly test and approve a cable before they stamp their name.

For most requirements, 14 AWG should be enough.

Cheers

 

[vyerth]

Hi Venkat, I enquired for 14 gauge wire to be connected to my satellite speakers. I was told that 14 gauge won't fit in on satellite speakers cos it would be thicker to fit in. I have yammaha satellite speakers. I dont really see this reasoning to be correct.

Is he correct?

Thanks

 

[venkatcr]

Hi Venkat, I enquired for 14 gauge wire to be connected to my satellite speakers. I was told that 14 gauge won't fit in on satellite speakers cos it would be thicker to fit in. I have yammaha satellite speakers. I dont really see this reasoning to be correct.

Is he correct?

It is quite possible. Some of these speakers come with spring clip instead of binding posts. In that case, you have to use 16 gauge. Certainly not 12 gauge. 12 gauge will be thicker than 14 gauge.

 

[AMITNOIDA]

I am going to use Marantz AVR and may select Wharfdale Diamond 9 DFS bipolar surround speaker. As per the review, Marantz with Wharfdale sound bright. I want to use a speaker cable, which will not make it further brighter, rather should help in managing the brightness.

I have impression that QED and Liberty speaker cables are comparatively warm than DAC cable. Is it correct?

Which brand and variety of speaker cables should be good in my case?