Electronics Audio signal degradation over distance on a 3.5mm cable + ADC/DACs

Discussion in 'Modding' started by konsta, 17 Jul 2006.

  1. konsta

    konsta What's a Dremel?

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    Hi there.

    I'm looking to put some spare (powered) computer speakers into my kitchen, so that I don't have to blast the walls out in order to hear music there. The distance calls for a 10m cable. I see that from ebay I can get a 10m 3.5mm extension cable for about £6. However, I'm concerned that over such a length the signal would be severly impaired. Does anyone know what the position on this is?

    I was thinking that a possible alternative would be some form of ADC - optical - DAC setup, but i'm only interested in this if it were relatively cheap. Are there relatively reliable kits from maplin or radio shack that would help me out here?

    Thanks in advance.
     
    Last edited: 17 Jul 2006
    konsta, 17 Jul 2006
    #1
  2. Flibblebot

    Flibblebot Smile with me

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    You shouldn't get any significant degradation over such a short distance. The only thing I'd wory about is trying to avoid any mains cabling if you can.
     
    Flibblebot, 17 Jul 2006
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  3. richms

    richms What's a Dremel?

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    Most of those 3.5mm cables are designed to extend headphones, which are low impedance so dont really pick up interferance. they are usually just 3 wires in a jacket with no shielding. Not really suited for a set of active computer speakers since they have a high impedance input.

    If there is any noise on the cheap 3.5mm cable, I would convert to RCA at the computer and get a set of okish RCA cables, no need for anything flash, just avoid the dollar store stuff.
     
    richms, 18 Jul 2006
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  4. Sp!

    Sp! Minimodder

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    I run audio/ video out of my media PC over about 20-30 meters of cat 5e using a twisted pair for each left audio, right audio, video, ground,

    It works just fine I'm it picks up a little hum along the way but it's definatly listenable just for in the kitchen or when I'm doing the cleaning etc.
     
    Sp!, 18 Jul 2006
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  5. Firehed

    Firehed Why not? I own a domain to match.

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    I couldn't see it being a huge problem. If I can run unshielded self-wired cat5 cable to my room in the same sorta-conduit as one of the main power lines in the house (230v one I think too, for those high-powered American appliances, not the 115v that everything else uses) and maintain gigabit speeds, and probably a good 25m as well, I hardly think you'll pick up any major problems. And I can, for the record.
     
    Firehed, 18 Jul 2006
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  6. dfhaii

    dfhaii internets

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    I think the powered computer speakers will be the weak point anyway and wouldn't worry about signal degradation.
     
    dfhaii, 18 Jul 2006
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