[grsimmon]

I'm familiar with the benefits of using XLR instead of RCA for long interconnect runs (I am not needing or talking about digital coax, just RCA unbalanced).   Part of my planned setup forces me to use runs of RCA unbalanced interconnects for around 9-12 feet / 3-4 meters out of the back of my Bryston BP25 preamp.   

Assuming the interconnects are high quality and not running next to big power supplies, my questions are:  how long is appropriate / tolerable for RCA unbalanced runs? At what point might it start causing me audible problems?  or do the lenghts I mentioned not pose a big deal?   Thanks for any input - GR

[JimJ]

Long enough to reach the gear, but no less 

I've installed 20+ foot runs of unbalanced interconnects in cars, and haven't had any problems. Now, if you're running a passive "preamp", the cable's internal capacitance starts to play a big role, but for 90% of stuff out there, it's not an issue.

 

[ec]

I used 50' of RG6 /F Connector /RCA terminated cables to my old Acurus power amps from my SP 1.7  When I switched to Bryston amps, I used the same unbalanced cables for about 2 months before I switched to XLRs.  I couldn't detect a difference.

[ryder]

I got this link from one of my mates and the source seems to be quite reliable.

http://www.epanorama.net/documents/audio/audiocable_length.html

From that article it seems that normal unbalanced cables carrying a line level signal of less than 10 meters wouldn't be too much of a problem. I have however experienced a loud buzzing noise from my speakers at rare ocassions due to the noise picked up by my unbalanced Nordost Frey. Further readjustments of the cable at their connection points eliminated this minor shortcoming. The Nordost Frey is quite prone to picking up noises compared to my other unbalanced cables.

If using long runs of unbalanced cables, I would advise against the Nordost Frey. Their WBT locking plugs seem to be quite unreliable.