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mini-to-mini patch cable (source>amp) issues

post #1 of 13
2/18/11 at 12:15am
Thread Starter 

Okay, so I got myself a portable audio rig a few months ago and love it (Sandisk Sansa Clip+ (rockboxed)>PA2V2 portable amp>Ultrasone Pro 900s). For a while I was using the mini-to-mini patch cable that came with my amp to attach my source to my amp. It became pretty finicky. I was often losing channels, experiencing crackling, etc. So being that I am absolutely broke I went searching through the house and found a mini-to-mini patch cable that was pretty old. It seemed to sound okay but it certainly wasn't an ideal cable.

 

Unfortunately, I am experiencing some serious crackling when using this cable (would that be distortion?). I drove my cans straight from my source and did not experience this (however my left channel falls out on occassion. It seems kinda finicky. It seems like it happens if I move the input at all but it seems a bit more fragile than it should be. Anyone know what this is about?). So, I am looking to go buy a mini-to-mini patch cable locally (ordering online isn't an option unfortunately because I don't have a credit card).

 

What I am most curious about is A) are they all pretty much run of the mill or are some better than others? B) Does the length of the cable affect it's performance? I have been calling around locally and the shortest cable I can find is three feet long. I am hoping to find a shorter cable though. I ask this because I wonder if the cable being wrapped up inside my jacket pocket would have a bad effect on performance.

 

If anyone could help me out with some information that'd be great. Thanks for taking the time to read my thread guys! :)

 

Edit:

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post #2 of 13
2/18/11 at 1:05am
Thread Starter 

Currently looking at this http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/emerge-retrak-retractable-3-5mm-auxiliary-audio-cable/10115823.aspx?path=66dcf6ad0eccf7251fb305739c7e0c33en02

 

and this http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/retrak-3-5mm-aux-audio-cable-etcable35promo/10124647.aspx?path=7ac9f1fc65fee62a14d1edded5745bfeen02

 

Edit: Not sure what the difference between the two is.

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post #3 of 13
2/18/11 at 4:57am

Radio Shack sells(or used to) a short grey 1/8" to 1/8" cable. Mine in buried somewhere but I think it's around 8" length.

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post #4 of 13
2/18/11 at 7:20am
Thread Starter 

Oh, thank you:). I am not sure but I thought Radio Shack is a thing of the past. I believe they were bought out by The Source. I called them yesterday and they had a three foot cable only. Thanks for your time anyhow though. :)

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post #5 of 13
2/18/11 at 2:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonic Atrocity View Post

Oh, thank you:). I am not sure but I thought Radio Shack is a thing of the past. I believe they were bought out by The Source. I called them yesterday and they had a three foot cable only. Thanks for your time anyhow though. :)



You're probably right. In the states RS is still around. I have several 6" to 8" long stored in my "box of many cables" lol. If you can't find any I could give you a good deal on 2 or 3 never used( 2 are right angle on one end straight on other, 1 is double right angle). I don't use them but would never throw them away. PM if interested. (these aren't those super-fancy $100 cables, I value them at $5 ea.)

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post #6 of 13
2/18/11 at 3:27pm
Thread Starter 

I sincerely appreciate your offer! My only concern is paying duty (I'm in Canada) and shipping. Keep in mind that I am a student and am so broke it's not even funny. The very fact that I have a portable audio rig is beyond me hahahaha. I don't even have a credit card. I think I'm gonna grab the retractable cable from Best Buy and just call it a day. Thanks though. :)

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post #7 of 13
2/18/11 at 3:40pm

OK, I understand, and your welcome.

 

beerchug.gif

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post #8 of 13
2/18/11 at 5:05pm

not ideal for portable use... at all! if the retracting device is anything like the one was on a laptop mouse it will retract the cable every time it hits another object; it's going to drive you nuts, it's just not practical, imo (I guess you can always get rid of the device and use the cable).

 

I'd definitely take up GreatDane very kind offer to sell you one for $5. shipping can't be more than a first class stamp, and I doubt there's duty to pay. also I'd stick the amp and clip together with some velcro tape. 

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post #9 of 13
2/18/11 at 7:26pm
Thread Starter 

http://www.headphone.com/accessories/headroom-4-inch-mini-to-mini.php

 

Would this be considered to be of good quality? I may take up GreatDane on his/her offer still though.

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post #10 of 13
2/18/11 at 8:26pm

I've never used one of those HR cables, just the Cardas that they sell. My Cardas has lasted through about 3 years of heavy use. The "$5" minis that I have look identical to those HR cables except mine are 8" which are actually  too long for most uses where you have the DAP & amp bound together. I might have a few 6" but I think they're straight plugs on both ends.

 

Now's a good time to learn how to build your own. Sadly I've never done that , mainly because I never feel like it...lazy? -or just too much music calling.dt880smile.png

 

(edit) For anyone looking for great prices on cables, check MonoPrice.com. Too bad they don't sell a really short mini...at least I don't think so. They have one for $1.14...too bad it's 18".

 

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021802&p_id=5575&seq=1&format=2

 

And that retractable cable for $0.87 eek.gif

 

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021811&p_id=6753&seq=1&format=2

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post #11 of 13
2/19/11 at 3:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonic Atrocity View Post

http://www.headphone.com/accessories/headroom-4-inch-mini-to-mini.php

 

Would this be considered to be of good quality? I may take up GreatDane on his/her offer still though.


 

as good as any at that price. that is perfect. 

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post #12 of 13
2/19/11 at 1:57pm
Thread Starter 

:) I ordered the 4-inch cable from HR :)

 

Thanks for your help guys! And thanks GreatDane for your kind offer. I just decided to go with something even shorter. I have to jam all of my wires in my jacket pocket. :P

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post #13 of 13
2/19/11 at 3:48pm

SA, you're welcome. You made a wise choice.

 

beerchug.gif

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