Subwoofer: wireless vs wired **under carpet** (XLR or RCA)

[activewire]

Hello, I am re-carpeting my home theater area which currently has (in the rear) an Episode ES-SUB-MEGA-D12 subwoofer which is a dual 12" powered (1000W RMS) sub that has built in wireless receiver (operates on 2.4 GHz ISM band). I've never really had any major problems with this wireless connection (it works well and sounds excellent), but my general philosophy would be "wired is better" hence my question for this forum. This woofer provides RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) inputs, which would potentially allow me to run a 20 foot wire UNDERNEATH THE CARPET thereby avoiding wireless. Note that my (current) AV receiver has no XLR outputs, so option 4 involves an unbalanced-to-balanced active converter. It is possible (but no immediate plans) that my next AV Receiver could have XLR outputs.

Any thoughts on these options:
1) stick with existing wireless
2) run flat 2-conductor copper under carpet (to a small junction box at baseboard) then RCA to sub input
3) passive adapt RCA to XLR at receiver; run flat 3-conductor copper under carpet (to a small junction box at baseboard) then XLR to sub input
4) active converter RCA to XLR at receiver; run flat 3-conductor copper under carpet (to a small junction box at baseboard) then XLR to sub input
5) demo my house and build a new dedicated home theater with proper AV wiring throughout

 

[GXAlan]

Run XLR underneath. Use two passive converters to RCA today. (Just the physical adapters). When you upgrade to a new processor, you are all set.

 

[DVDdoug]

I've never really had any major problems with this wireless connection (it works well and sounds excellent),

Then logically (and economically), there's no reason to change anything. Why spend a dollar or waste 10 minutes when there's nothing to improve?

 

[GXAlan]

Then logically (and economically), there's no reason to change anything. Why spend a dollar or waste 10 minutes when there's nothing to improve?

I half agree with this. I wouldn’t go out of my way to switch to wired, but since OP stated

“I am re-carpeting my home theater area”

It seems like it makes sense to throw some wires down now rather than later?

I guess there is even an argument to add multiple wires for different channels?

 

[Vincent Kars]

run flat 3-conductor copper

I wonder if this is going to work.
RCA is done over coax for a reason, the shield is not only the ground but indeed shields the core against outside influences.
XLR (balanced) is done using 2 wires (hot and cold) and a shield (ground).

 

[activewire]

I wonder if this is going to work.
RCA is done over coax for a reason, the shield is not only the ground but indeed shields the core against outside influences.
XLR (balanced) is done using 2 wires (hot and cold) and a shield (ground).

Agree that many (most?) RCA and XLR cables are indeed shielded. And no doubt shielding is a desirable feature! But there also exists un-shielded forms of both RCA and XLR interconnect: some low end (amazon/ebay) and some ultra high end (Nordost Red Dawn or Blue Heaven). My Q to this forum is seeking input if running low level signal cabling under carpet is a good idea (and what kind) .... or should I just stick with my existing wireless solution. The configuration of my room makes under carpet the ONLY path for wiring, and now (as new carpet goes in) would be the time for me to do that IF it makes sense.

​

 

[Vincent Kars]

Nordost Red Dawn or Blue Heaven

Really?
These are speaker cables, not to be mistaken for sending line level signals over RCA or XLR.

 

[GXAlan]

Maybe the answer is the run three wire conductor for future XLR but stick with wireless.

 

[Chrispy]

Are you having issues with delay due the wireless setup? Why wouldn't rca cabling alone be sufficient? If hardwiring I'd probably not put it where it would be stepped on, and more along baseboards or simply underneath the floor if possible.

 

[activewire]

Really?
These are speaker cables, not to be mistaken for sending line level signals over RCA or XLR.

yes really. Nordost (beyond speaker cables) also markets flat high-end interconnect cables. From their website:

RED DAWN ANALOG INTERCONNECTS​

The Red Dawn Interconnect represents the performance pinnacle of the Leif Series. This cable yields the best performance possible in an interconnect without using Micro Mono-Filament/TSC cable design. But despite its relatively conventional appearance there’s more to this cable than meets the eye.

The Red Dawn Analog Interconnect uses a fully-shielded design that can be terminated for balanced or single-ended connection. It employs six, heavy-gauge 24 AWG, silver-plated 99.9999% OFC solid core conductors, precision wound in a minimum cross-section configuration that eliminates unnecessary fillers or padding elements. The insulation used is high-grade FEP, selected for its superior dielectric performance, while the elegant minimalism extends to the carefully selected low-mass connectors and differential grounding. The result is a high-speed, low-loss interconnect that fully preserves the sense of musical power and momentum, scale and drama, delivering your recordings with delicacy on demand. You will be shocked by the life and vitality that Red Dawn LS brings to your system and your mus

 

[activewire]

Are you having issues with delay due the wireless setup? Why wouldn't rca cabling alone be sufficient? If hardwiring I'd probably not put it where it would be stepped on, and more along baseboards or simply underneath the floor if possible.

I am not noticing any delays with the wireless, perhaps the Dirac room correction has solved that? I am just hung up on the idea that wired > wireless (always).

My room configuration (unusually wide ... it's not a dedicated home theater but a larger open room) does now allow any reasonable length route except under carpet and it is concrete-slab-on-grade so not possible underfloor. I am seeking a low level interconnect cable profile (either RCA or XLR) that is suitable for under carpet with (occasional ... rare) foot traffic.

 

[Sokel]

I would get some low profile half Round Trunking covers if I were you:



That will allow you to route and change anything you like in the future and can give you some shielding too in case they are alu.
There's also no danger walking on it but the sane choice would be to put it at the side so no bump exists in the middle of the room.
If put right they will be invisible.

 

[Chrispy]

I am not noticing any delays with the wireless, perhaps the Dirac room correction has solved that? I am just hung up on the idea that wired > wireless (always).

My room configuration (unusually wide ... it's not a dedicated home theater but a larger open room) does now allow any reasonable length route except under carpet and it is concrete-slab-on-grade so not possible underfloor. I am seeking a low level interconnect cable profile (either RCA or XLR) that is suitable for under carpet with (occasional ... rare) foot traffic.

I haven't any experience with Dirac ((or know what your processsor/avr is) it may have sufficient allowance for the delay. I wouldn't worry about the wireless vs wired otherwise (unless you're getting interference with the signal causing audible issues). Without a specific issue to resolve I'd just keep using the wireless.