Do RCA splitters reduce signal quality?

Funtoss · Jul 5, 2011, 04:21 AM

Hi, i m using RCA splitter to connect more speakers on my Logitech Z-2300
Considering that i have two logitech speakers running at 40w
and the sub at 200w rms
and i want to connect pioneer s-j 2100 which run at 75w.

My question is, will using RCA splitter reduce sound and signal quality?
also will it have any negative impact on the amp? (Z-2300 have built in amps)
is it totally okay to use RCA splitters?

Thanks

BumbleBee · Jul 5, 2011, 04:45 AM

not really

Funtoss · Jul 5, 2011, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BumbleBee

not really

so its okay to use RCA splitters? right?

Jul 5, 2011, 05:07 AM

OK, I'm not sure I remember this correctly from basic electrical circuits, but a splitter reduces amperage but not voltage. Voltage is a measure of the potential difference in energy between 2 points and I think that stays the same with a splitter.

So the real question would be what is more important to the power amps in your speakers. If it's voltage, then it shouldn't make any difference. If it's milliamps, then it will.

BumbleBee · Jul 5, 2011, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funtoss

so its okay to use RCA splitters? right?

Yup.

Jul 5, 2011, 05:24 AM

I'm pretty sure power amps work on voltage levels not amperage, so it should be fine. The problem with spliters is that they're probably not shielded so you might get some noise from EMF's depending on where the splitter is in relation to EMF sources.

BumbleBee · Jul 5, 2011, 05:26 AM

audiophiles have been using RCA splitters in HiFi systems for a very long time..

Funtoss · Jul 5, 2011, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BumbleBee

audiophiles have been using RCA splitters in HiFi systems for a very long time..

I LOL'D! hahahaha

sweet guys, thanks very very much!

What's shielding btw?

BazookaJoe · Jul 5, 2011, 07:09 AM

Q.) Do RCA splitters reduce signal quality?
A.) 100% ABSOLUTELY - but usually by a factor so tiny you'd need a research lab just to detect it.

micropage7 · Jul 5, 2011, 07:11 AM

its depend on material, if the splitter uses good material its ok since its function is splitting signal
shield used to avoid any noise/distrubed signal that come and could reduce sound quality. it could from electric, engine even the audio itself

BumbleBee · Jul 5, 2011, 07:16 AM

EMI/RFI (electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference)

as long as you buy a double shielded RCA cable or splitter you should be alright, if not you can buy protective caps to attach.

Jul 5, 2011, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BumbleBee

EMI/RFI (electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference)

as long as you buy a double shielded RCA cable or splitter you should be alright, if not you can buy protective caps to attach.

I used EMF since I said noise from EMF's. EMI in that context would have been redundant.

Funtoss · Jul 5, 2011, 08:35 PM

Do i really need shielding?? i m not an audiophile lol but i would love to get rid of the noise? btw what kind of noise is it?

Jul 6, 2011, 12:51 AM

When I used to do analog, I would hear it as a low frequency hum or rumble. It usually comes from EMF's generated by the 60hz alternating current in electrical wiring. I think you can sometimes get higher frequency harmonics of 60hz but I have no idea under what circumstances that happens.

douglatins · Jul 6, 2011, 01:33 AM

I bought a 1USD one and obviously sucked major ass.

Frederik S · Jul 6, 2011, 03:05 PM

If you connect it to the line-out of the sound card it should not pose an issue, since the input impedance is around 50k Ohm the current is very small. So for normal purposes it makes no difference.

stevednmc · Jul 6, 2011, 03:39 PM

I think the main issue you will run into here is ohms. Your amp will only be able to handle a certain set up. Usually the lower limit is 2 ohms pr channel. Your output from your amp (watts/channel) will change with the ohms (#of speakers on the same channel) For example:
You have a 8ohm speaker on a channel.You add another 8 ohm speaker to the same channel. That makes the load 4 ohms. It splits the wattage between the two, so you may be under driving the speakers individually, and you work the amp harder. If you had more than that it can actually clip the amp and ruin both it and the speakers. This is of course my experience on a professional concert pa system when i was was an audio engineer. Just make sure you match ohms and watts per channel with your amp to avoid damage. Do the math, its out there, just google it for the formulae!

timta2 · Jul 6, 2011, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twilyth

When I used to do analog, I would hear it as a low frequency hum or rumble. It usually comes from EMF's generated by the 60hz alternating current in electrical wiring. I think you can sometimes get higher frequency harmonics of 60hz but I have no idea under what circumstances that happens.

That's usually a ground loop problem.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_loop_(electricity)

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevednmc

I think the main issue you will run into here is ohms. Your amp will only be able to handle a certain set up. Usually the lower limit is 2 ohms pr channel. Your output from your amp (watts/channel) will change with the ohms (#of speakers on the same channel) For example:
You have a 8ohm speaker on a channel.You add another 8 ohm speaker to the same channel. That makes the load 4 ohms. It splits the wattage between the two, so you may be under driving the speakers individually, and you work the amp harder. If you had more than that it can actually clip the amp and ruin both it and the speakers. This is of course my experience on a professional concert pa system when i was was an audio engineer. Just make sure you match ohms and watts per channel with your amp to avoid damage. Do the math, its out there, just google it for the formulae!

He isn't talking about connections post-amp but pre-amp. Resistance isn't going to be any kind of a factor here. Although informative, your post will probably just lead to confusion. As someone who was previously an engineer you should know that!

Seriously though, if you hear a difference from using a RCA splitter you need to buy better, more higher-end equipment. You won't.

Frick · Jul 6, 2011, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BazookaJoe

Q.) Do RCA splitters reduce signal quality?
A.) 100% ABSOLUTELY - but usually by a factor so tiny you'd need a research lab just to detect it.

This this this. It depends on how sensitive your hearing is though and material used.

stevednmc · Jul 6, 2011, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timta2

He isn't talking about connections post-amp but pre-amp. Resistance isn't going to be any kind of a factor here. Although informative, your post will probably just lead to confusion. As someone who was previously an engineer you should know that!

Seriously though, if you hear a difference from using a RCA splitter you need to buy better, more higher-end equipment. You won't.

Sorry...misread the op!

Just make sure to use good cables and good connectors...and remember the most expensive doesnt always mean the best. (ie; Monster Cable)

Frederik S · Jul 7, 2011, 10:48 AM

He will not have issues because it is pre-amp basically just splitting a line-out signal.

BumbleBee · Jul 7, 2011, 10:59 AM

oh my god this thread should of ended long ago lol

Funtoss · Jul 8, 2011, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BumbleBee

oh my god this thread should of ended long ago lol

LMAO yeah, but thanks a lot guys! i learnt new things as well

Jul 5, 2011, 04:21 AM	#1
Funtoss Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: New Zealand Posts: 555 (0.68/day) Thanks: 278 Thanked 62 Times in 53 Posts System Specs	Do RCA splitters reduce signal quality? Hi, i m using RCA splitter to connect more speakers on my Logitech Z-2300 Considering that i have two logitech speakers running at 40w and the sub at 200w rms and i want to connect pioneer s-j 2100 which run at 75w. My question is, will using RCA splitter reduce sound and signal quality? also will it have any negative impact on the amp? (Z-2300 have built in amps) is it totally okay to use RCA splitters? Thanks __________________ Thanks to PVTCaboose1337 for making me this sig!!!

System Name:	My Heater
Processor:	Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 3.2ghz
Motherboard:	Asus P5B-E Plus
Cooling:	Zalman CNPS 9700 NT
Memory:	Patriot 4GB 800MHz DDR2
Video Card:	EVGA GTX 460 1GB
Hard Disk:	2x Western Digital 640GB (1.28TB)
Optical Drive:	LG DVD-RW DL
CRT/LCD Model:	Viewsonic VX2349wm 24"
Case:	Raidmax Hurricane
Sound Card:	C-Media 8738
PSU:	Aywun Megapower 650w 80+
Software:	Windows 7 64 Bit

Processor:	Intel Core i5-3570K
Motherboard:	Asus P8Z77-V Pro
Cooling:	Noctua NH-D14
Memory:	8GB Mushkin Blackline DDR3-1600
Video Card:	Gigabyte GTX 670
Hard Disk:	Intel 520 60GB, Seagate Barracuda XT 2TB
Optical Drive:	Asus DRW-24B1ST
CRT/LCD Model:	BenQ 24" XL2420T, Sony 24" GDM-FW900
Case:	Corsair 550D
Sound Card:	Mytek Stereo 192 DSD, Cambridge Azur 550A, Graham Slee Novo, Burson HA-160
PSU:	Corsair AX650
Software:	Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium

System Name:	My Heater
Processor:	Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 3.2ghz
Motherboard:	Asus P5B-E Plus
Cooling:	Zalman CNPS 9700 NT
Memory:	Patriot 4GB 800MHz DDR2
Video Card:	EVGA GTX 460 1GB
Hard Disk:	2x Western Digital 640GB (1.28TB)
Optical Drive:	LG DVD-RW DL
CRT/LCD Model:	Viewsonic VX2349wm 24"
Case:	Raidmax Hurricane
Sound Card:	C-Media 8738
PSU:	Aywun Megapower 650w 80+
Software:	Windows 7 64 Bit

Processor:	Intel Core i5-3570K
Motherboard:	Asus P8Z77-V Pro
Cooling:	Noctua NH-D14
Memory:	8GB Mushkin Blackline DDR3-1600
Video Card:	Gigabyte GTX 670
Hard Disk:	Intel 520 60GB, Seagate Barracuda XT 2TB
Optical Drive:	Asus DRW-24B1ST
CRT/LCD Model:	BenQ 24" XL2420T, Sony 24" GDM-FW900
Case:	Corsair 550D
Sound Card:	Mytek Stereo 192 DSD, Cambridge Azur 550A, Graham Slee Novo, Burson HA-160
PSU:	Corsair AX650
Software:	Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium

Jul 5, 2011, 04:45 AM	#2
BumbleBee Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cybertron aka Canada Posts: 4,083 (2.65/day) Thanks: 827 Thanked 1,202 Times in 920 Posts System Specs	not really

Jul 5, 2011, 05:07 AM	#4
twilyth Guest Posts: n/a (0/day)	OK, I'm not sure I remember this correctly from basic electrical circuits, but a splitter reduces amperage but not voltage. Voltage is a measure of the potential difference in energy between 2 points and I think that stays the same with a splitter. So the real question would be what is more important to the power amps in your speakers. If it's voltage, then it shouldn't make any difference. If it's milliamps, then it will.

Jul 5, 2011, 05:24 AM	#6
twilyth Guest Posts: n/a (0/day)	I'm pretty sure power amps work on voltage levels not amperage, so it should be fine. The problem with spliters is that they're probably not shielded so you might get some noise from EMF's depending on where the splitter is in relation to EMF sources.

Jul 5, 2011, 05:26 AM	#7
BumbleBee Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cybertron aka Canada Posts: 4,083 (2.65/day) Thanks: 827 Thanked 1,202 Times in 920 Posts System Specs	audiophiles have been using RCA splitters in HiFi systems for a very long time..

Jul 5, 2011, 07:09 AM	#9
BazookaJoe Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 800 (0.46/day) Thanks: 41 Thanked 207 Times in 125 Posts	Q.) Do RCA splitters reduce signal quality? A.) 100% ABSOLUTELY - but usually by a factor so tiny you'd need a research lab just to detect it. __________________ *"I used to be an adventurer like you... Then a Skyrim patch corrupted all my saved games"*

Jul 5, 2011, 07:11 AM	#10
micropage7 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia Posts: 3,674 (3.19/day) Thanks: 190 Thanked 835 Times in 549 Posts System Specs	its depend on material, if the splitter uses good material its ok since its function is splitting signal shield used to avoid any noise/distrubed signal that come and could reduce sound quality. it could from electric, engine even the audio itself __________________ :: New Cases, Tips And All About Your Cases Visit CaseGear :: Don't Ever Ask About Love And Honesty That You Don't Ever Have

System Name:	micropage7
Processor:	phenom x4 955 Black Edition @ Stock
Motherboard:	Asrock 990FX
Cooling:	Xigmatek HDT-SD964
Memory:	8Gb Team Xtreem DDR3
Video Card:	Radeon 5570 CrossFire
Hard Disk:	Seagate 160Gb, 250Gb & 500Gb SATA
Optical Drive:	LG DVDRW, Samsung Combo
CRT/LCD Model:	LG 19 inch LCD Wide Screen
Case:	Lian Li PC-7FNW
Sound Card:	Creative Audigy Value
PSU:	VenomRX Red Diamond 650 Watt
Software:	Windows 7 64-bit
Benchmarks:	Classified

Jul 5, 2011, 07:16 AM	#11
BumbleBee Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cybertron aka Canada Posts: 4,083 (2.65/day) Thanks: 827 Thanked 1,202 Times in 920 Posts System Specs	EMI/RFI (electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference) as long as you buy a double shielded RCA cable or splitter you should be alright, if not you can buy protective caps to attach.

Jul 5, 2011, 08:35 PM	#13
Funtoss Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: New Zealand Posts: 555 (0.68/day) Thanks: 278 Thanked 62 Times in 53 Posts System Specs	Do i really need shielding?? i m not an audiophile lol but i would love to get rid of the noise? btw what kind of noise is it? __________________ Thanks to PVTCaboose1337 for making me this sig!!!

Jul 6, 2011, 12:51 AM	#14
twilyth Guest Posts: n/a (0/day)	When I used to do analog, I would hear it as a low frequency hum or rumble. It usually comes from EMF's generated by the 60hz alternating current in electrical wiring. I think you can sometimes get higher frequency harmonics of 60hz but I have no idea under what circumstances that happens.

Jul 6, 2011, 01:33 AM	#15
douglatins Join Date: May 2008 Location: Brasil Posts: 2,607 (1.42/day) Thanks: 295 Thanked 268 Times in 204 Posts System Specs	I bought a 1USD one and obviously sucked major ass. __________________ \|\| My Heatware \|\| My WIP Custom Case \|\| My Steam Profile \|\|

System Name:	Sovereign // HTPC
Processor:	i7 3770k 4.2 // i7 3770k 4.2
Motherboard:	Maximus V Gene // Sabertooth Z77
Cooling:	Noctua D14 // Intel HSF
Memory:	16GB Samsung // 16GB VengeanceLP
Video Card:	Deciding // 660 DC2
Hard Disk:	OS (X25-M), Data (Seagate 1TB) // Samsung 840 120GB & bunch of drives
Optical Drive:	None // None
CRT/LCD Model:	Samsung T240HD // LG TV
Case:	TJ08e // Grandia GD08
Sound Card:	DT880 Pro 250 ohm // TV speakers
PSU:	Seasonic Plat 1000 // Seasonic Gold 760
Software:	Windows 8 Pro x64 // Windows 7 Pro x64

Jul 6, 2011, 03:05 PM	#16
Frederik S Staff Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Søllerød, Denmark Posts: 1,033 (0.40/day) Thanks: 44 Thanked 297 Times in 204 Posts System Specs	If you connect it to the line-out of the sound card it should not pose an issue, since the input impedance is around 50k Ohm the current is very small. So for normal purposes it makes no difference.

Processor:	C2D E8200 @ 3.4
Motherboard:	Gigabyte P35C-DS3R
Cooling:	3DMercury
Memory:	Corsair 4-4-4-12 4 GB DDR-1066
Video Card:	Inno3D 8800GTS 320MB @ 648 Mhz Core / 1000 MHz RAM
Hard Disk:	WD Raptor 2 x 150GB RAID 0, Hitachi Deskstar 400 GB
Optical Drive:	Pioneer DVD-RW
CRT/LCD Model:	HP LP2475w
Case:	Gigabyte 3DMercury
Sound Card:	On-board, Travagan's Green, Octavart "The One" AMP & DAC
PSU:	480 Watt Tagan
Software:	WinXP Pro SP2

Jul 6, 2011, 03:39 PM	#17
stevednmc Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nebraska Posts: 890 (0.62/day) Thanks: 84 Thanked 85 Times in 80 Posts System Specs	I think the main issue you will run into here is ohms. Your amp will only be able to handle a certain set up. Usually the lower limit is 2 ohms pr channel. Your output from your amp (watts/channel) will change with the ohms (#of speakers on the same channel) For example: You have a 8ohm speaker on a channel.You add another 8 ohm speaker to the same channel. That makes the load 4 ohms. It splits the wattage between the two, so you may be under driving the speakers individually, and you work the amp harder. If you had more than that it can actually clip the amp and ruin both it and the speakers. This is of course my experience on a professional concert pa system when i was was an audio engineer. Just make sure you match ohms and watts per channel with your amp to avoid damage. Do the math, its out there, just google it for the formulae! __________________ My two cents adjusted for inflation = $200! Heatware: http://heatware.com/eval.php?id=69022

System Name:	TheBruise
Processor:	i7-960
Motherboard:	Gigabyte x58A -Ud5
Cooling:	Vantage ALC push pull/2x180mm fans/1x120mm silverstone
Memory:	12GB Corsair Vengeance 1600Mhz
Video Card:	2 Sapphire Vapor-X 5870's in Xfire
Hard Disk:	Ocz Vertex 3 Max Iops (OS) 300GB Velociraptor, 750 GB WD Black
Optical Drive:	1 Pioneer DVD
CRT/LCD Model:	Asus 23" VS238H-P
Case:	Silverstone Ft01-BW Fortress
Sound Card:	Creative X-fi Titanium
PSU:	Corsair HX-850
Software:	W7pro SP1

Processor:	Intel i7 930 @4.0Ghz @1.26v (HT On/LLC Off)
Motherboard:	Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD7
Cooling:	Swiftech H20 (w/Custom External Rad Enclosure)
Memory:	6GB (3x2GB) G.Skill Trident 2000Mhz
Video Card:	EVGA GTX 480 (@900/1800/2000)
Hard Disk:	x2 WD VelociRaptor 300GB (Raid 0) / x1 WD Black 1TB
Optical Drive:	LiteOn LH-20A1H + Pioneer DVR-115
CRT/LCD Model:	Samsung BX2440 (24" LED Backlit)
Case:	Cooler Master 690 (w/Mods)
Sound Card:	Creative X-Fi Titanium
PSU:	Corsair 750-TX
Software:	Windows 7 Ultimate (x64)

System Name:	Ongoing scavanging
Processor:	Sempron 140
Motherboard:	MSI 760GM-P23 (FX)
Cooling:	Somesuch
Memory:	2GB DDR3
Video Card:	HD 2400 Pro
Hard Disk:	160GB + 1TB
Optical Drive:	Yes
CRT/LCD Model:	19" 1280 x 1024
Case:	Wossname
Sound Card:	On board
PSU:	Wattchamacallit
Software:	Windows 7 Pro

Jul 7, 2011, 10:48 AM	#21
Frederik S Staff Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Søllerød, Denmark Posts: 1,033 (0.40/day) Thanks: 44 Thanked 297 Times in 204 Posts System Specs	He will not have issues because it is pre-amp basically just splitting a line-out signal.

Jul 7, 2011, 10:59 AM	#22
BumbleBee Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cybertron aka Canada Posts: 4,083 (2.65/day) Thanks: 827 Thanked 1,202 Times in 920 Posts System Specs	oh my god this thread should of ended long ago lol

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sound quality through HDMI out vs X-Fi for signal to a Receiver for music	shevanel	NVIDIA	3	May 13, 2013 11:05 AM
Rca	DaMulta	General Hardware	2	Feb 23, 2011 08:48 AM
Good way to reduce video size without compromising quality?	Black Panther	General Software	19	Sep 4, 2010 06:32 PM
does wireless n increase distance and improve signal quality?	Hybrid_theory	Networking & Security	4	Jan 8, 2010 10:26 PM
Looking for some F or Y splitters for water cooling	kodex	Overclocking & Cooling	30	Feb 15, 2008 10:48 PM