Re: What cable for Line level audio to outbuilding?

[techie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Bob Vaughan)]

In article <1157861326.965631.210100@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
longwood <BillShopping@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>I want to run a line level audio line to an outbuilding that will have
>its own amp and system.  (we currently have speaker on the back deck
>and we want the ability to have the same music playing).  The run will
>be a total of 175 feet, with about 100 feet underground.  The options I
>see are
>
>1)  a shielded 16/2 or 18/2 wire.  Problem is I can't find any that is
>rated for exterior use and even in a conduit I am sure it would get
>wet.  I used this wire well in the past for interior use.
>http://www.generalcable.com/NR/rdonlyres/879E734E-36FB-4997-8D19-8AF9A8B24090/0/Pg99_MltiCondShldRiser.pdf


16/2 or 18/2 is overkill for line level audio.. 24/2 or 22/2 is plenty.

I have sent line level audio across telephone grade cabling for distances
of 2500' or more. It does require some equalization to offset line losses
at the higher frequencies, but at 175' it should not be an issue.

You will want transformers or balanced line drivers and recievers at the
ends, assuming you want a clean signal, free of hum, buzz, and EMI.

>
>2)  Two rg6 coax cables with rca connectors on the ends.

Don't do this.. at 175', you definitely do not want to be running
unbalanced audio, unless you like hum and buzz...

>
>3)  A cat5 solution with baluns

This is probably the easiest and cheapest to implement.


>
>Any recommendations or input as to the best way to do it as well as
>sources for the cable would be appreciated.
>


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