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BoulderDash · Oct 24, 2001, 10:59 PM

Hey all,
Here's the deal: I've got my MP3's on a G3 which is 100 feet away from my stereo's receiver. At that distance, I've been told that using coaxial cable is the only way to carry the sound to the receiver.

Now, I thought coaxial was just for cable tv (but I'm no expert, obviously). How does this work? Do I need to run two cables (one for Left and one for Right channels) with RCA type plugs on the ends (sold at Radio Shack) to hook up to the receiver? I imagine I should get a Y-type splitter to use from the G3's sound card to split up the stereo signal into the two coaxial cables (Left and Right)? And is there any difference in coaxial cabling (this guy I spoke with said there was... RG6, RG7, etc.) - which should I use for the best quality (and where to get it)?

Let me state the obvious: I've got the US Robotics SoundLink (http://www.usr.com/products/device/p-device-product.asp?type=specs&sku=USR6003), but I find the static a bit annoying. So that's why I'd like to go with a direct connect.

Any help would be freat, since I really dig my music. Thanks a ton!
BoulderDash

zigzag · Oct 30, 2001, 12:18 AM

I can't think of any reason to use coaxial cable in that situation. If your G3 has RCA jacks, just hook a stereo RCA cable to the reciver (via the aux or tape jacks). If your G3 has a mini-jack, you'll need a Y-converter, or a cable with a mini-plug at one end and stereo RCA plugs at the other.

[ 10-30-2001: Message edited by: zigzag ]

BoulderDash · Oct 31, 2001, 10:10 AM

Thanks for the advice - but here's the reason why:

There are no 100 foot RCA cables (most I've ever seen is 50 foot) since at that distance, the signal gets diminished - you'd need a "repeater" or something to amplify the signal, to travel that distance. Whereas coaxial cable doesn't degenerate the signal by distance.

That's what the people at Crutchfield told me (which is how some cable companies offer Cable Radio Channels). And that's why I ultimately went with coaxial cabling to connect theMac to the Receiver. Not bad, 200 feet of coaxial cable (one for left and one for right channel) was $60.00. And it should be incredibly clearer than the US Robotics SoundLink...

elrond · Oct 31, 2001, 12:26 PM

In the case you're describing you'll have to make your own cable. You can go to Home Depot/Loew's and get you 200 ft. of RG6 cable. Don't use RG59.
You can buy the cable by the foot. But, in the quantity you're describing it may be cheaper to buy a 500 ft. roll. But, I have'nt priced this option out in a while.

Cut off two 100 ft. lengths and terminate each end with a standard cable connector (cable as in TV/RF connecter. The screw on type. I don't know the technical name for it). You'll need a RG6/RG59 crimp tool also. Once both ends are terminated, you can get an RG6 female/RCA adapter. Meaning one end looks like the cable connector you have on your walls and the other end is a male RCA connector.

Connecting the cables to your computer is exactly as zigzag described.

I don't know about whether the signal will make it that far without some sort of signal boost.

Good luck!

zigzag · Nov 1, 2001, 10:32 PM

Originally posted by BoulderDash:
<STRONG>Thanks for the advice - but here's the reason why:

There are no 100 foot RCA cables (most I've ever seen is 50 foot) since at that distance, the signal gets diminished - you'd need a "repeater" or something to amplify the signal, to travel that distance. Whereas coaxial cable doesn't degenerate the signal by distance.

That's what the people at Crutchfield told me (which is how some cable companies offer Cable Radio Channels). And that's why I ultimately went with coaxial cabling to connect theMac to the Receiver. Not bad, 200 feet of coaxial cable (one for left and one for right channel) was $60.00. And it should be incredibly clearer than the US Robotics SoundLink...</STRONG>

Sorry - I wasn't paying sufficient attention to the distance problem. Glad you worked it out.

mitchell_pgh · Nov 2, 2001, 12:47 PM

Guy, go wireless... I spend $79 for a wireless video setup so that I could watch Divx shows on my TV (Computer in Bedroom - TV in Living Room)... Works perfect for audio as well... Distance 300-feet
I also got a wireless keyboard and mouse... It's like having two computers for the price of one...