Do long interconnects degrade sound?


I recently moved into a new home and I would like to use my Krell 400xi intergrated as a preamp for my main speakers in my living room (PMC OB-1). The Krell has a preamp out. Currently the Krell is powering my main speakers for my plasma in my den. In addition, my source is also in my den. Ideally, I would like to use the Krell for both applications which would mean that I would have to run extremelly long interconnects from my amp in the living room to the Krell in the den. I know XLR's would be best for long runs, but is 50+ feet too long for interconnects?
jla

Showing 2 responses by shadorne

I have experience with long interconnects 75+ feet.

RCA type have a tendency to pick up more hum or ambient electrical noise which is apparent when you have the volume turned up and no music playing....hiss or hum.

XLR driven by balanced amplifier cables are far superior for this problem of ambient noise because of the shielding and less grounding issues ( which can set up small current loops).

In either case it is just the hiss that will be a problem and the sound is not degraded,
I would add that the music sound is most unlikely to differ audibly between the RCA and the balanced XLR cables....it is just the background hum or hiss that may improve (from ambient electrical noise from appliances power and AC's etc.)....so my advice is to try RCA first and see if it works for you and your home conditions before going to XLR.

One other point...watch out if you play loud music ....having a preamp far away may lead you t oover power speakers without knowing,

Good luck!