[Arny Krueger]

"TVeblen" wrote in message


I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold) to
connect a TV and/or Media Player to an old Carver
receiver in another room. The volume of the output is
very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7
or 8 to get the same sound level that I would get with
any other audio device at a setting of 2 or 3. It doesn't
matter if the source device is switched or if I use an
alternate line in port (that works well with another
device/cable).

Is 5m too long for an audio cable?

Absolutely not.

Or is it just a bad cable?

Perhaps.

Or, a bad receiver.

[Serge Auckland[_2_]]

"TVeblen" wrote in message
. ..
I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold) to connect a TV
and/or Media Player to an old Carver receiver in another room. The volume
of the output is very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7
or 8 to get the same sound level that I would get with any other audio
device at a setting of 2 or 3. It doesn't matter if the source device is
switched or if I use an alternate line in port (that works well with
another device/cable).
Is 5m too long for an audio cable? Or is it just a bad cable?
TIA


It's unlikely to be a bad cable as normally, if the cable was bad, then you
would get nothing out, not just quiet. Cables for audio are either short
circuit or open circuit, either of which would give you no signal. I can't
think off-hand of a mechanism that would produce an attenuation of what
sounds like 20dB or so. Is the volume the same on left and right? The
chances of a cable going bad on both channels in the same way are close to
nil. As to 5 metres, it's not too long at all, I would only start to worry
at 500 metres!

The most likely thing is that the TV has a much lower output than your other
devices. One thought:- Does your TV's volume control affect the level you're
getting into the receiver? If so, then you have the answer.

S.
--
http://audiopages.googlepages.com

[TVeblen]

I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold) to connect a TV
and/or Media Player to an old Carver receiver in another room. The volume of
the output is very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7 or 8
to get the same sound level that I would get with any other audio device at
a setting of 2 or 3. It doesn't matter if the source device is switched or
if I use an alternate line in port (that works well with another
device/cable).
Is 5m too long for an audio cable? Or is it just a bad cable?
TIA

[jakdedert]

TVeblen wrote:
I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold) to connect a TV
and/or Media Player to an old Carver receiver in another room. The volume of
the output is very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7 or 8
to get the same sound level that I would get with any other audio device at
a setting of 2 or 3. It doesn't matter if the source device is switched or
if I use an alternate line in port (that works well with another
device/cable).
Is 5m too long for an audio cable? Or is it just a bad cable?
TIA


Like the others who have responded, I'd look to the particular cable--or
to some other factor--as the cause.

Long unbalanced cables have their issues, but outright signal
attenuation is not among them. Problems that might commonly be
associated with such would be frequency response (rolling off high
frequencies), ground loops (injecting a 50 or 60 Hz 'hum' in the
signal), or poor shielding issues (ditto).

What do do? I'd start by subbing at least one cable (or merely
unplugging one). If it's convenient, plug headphones into the Carver.
Note the relative volume of a particular source. Unhook the Carver and
place it next to the source, and hook up a short cable. Any difference?
That will prove whether length alone is the issue...although will not
prove anything about the particular cable(s) you have employed.

My guess is that 'something else' is the problem. Either there is an
incorrect setting (mute?) or there is an issue of some sort at the
'source', which you don't really name. From the OP, I'd guess it to be
your computer....

jak

[Gareth Magennis]

"TVeblen" wrote in message
. ..
I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold) to connect a TV
and/or Media Player to an old Carver receiver in another room. The volume
of the output is very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7
or 8 to get the same sound level that I would get with any other audio
device at a setting of 2 or 3. It doesn't matter if the source device is
switched or if I use an alternate line in port (that works well with
another device/cable).
Is 5m too long for an audio cable? Or is it just a bad cable?
TIA



You have esablished that it is not a problem with the Carver. Unless both
cables (left and right) have the exact same problem (extremely unlikely)
then it is not the cable. the only thing it can be then is low volume from
your TV/Media player, whatever that is. Find a way to turn it up or live
with the Carver volume control up higher.


Gareth.

[Arny Krueger]

"TVeblen" wrote in message

I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold) to
connect a TV and/or Media Player to an old Carver
receiver in another room. The volume of the output is
very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7
or 8 to get the same sound level that I would get with
any other audio device at a setting of 2 or 3. It doesn't
matter if the source device is switched or if I use an
alternate line in port (that works well with another
device/cable).

First guess - swap cables. The cable is unlikely, but since you have
several, swap one that works in with the sources that are problemations.

If it works well with another device, then the problem is with the devices
that aren't working.

They may have internal volume controls that need to be set much higher.

[GregS[_3_]]

In article , "Arny Krueger" wrote:
"TVeblen" wrote in message
om
I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold) to
connect a TV and/or Media Player to an old Carver
receiver in another room. The volume of the output is
very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7
or 8 to get the same sound level that I would get with
any other audio device at a setting of 2 or 3. It doesn't
matter if the source device is switched or if I use an
alternate line in port (that works well with another
device/cable).

First guess - swap cables. The cable is unlikely, but since you have
several, swap one that works in with the sources that are problemations.

If it works well with another device, then the problem is with the devices
that aren't working.

They may have internal volume controls that need to be set much higher.




Its not clear if the volume of the TV is turned up or internal
speakers disabled, or whether the TV has fixed or variable outputs.
Does the media player have a volume control?

greg

[Richard Crowley]

"TVeblen" wrote...
I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold) to connect a TV
and/or Media Player

What does "TV and/or Media Player" mean? Is that a TV?
Is the output of the TV adjustable? What "Media Player"?
Specifically. If you give us only generic descriptions, we can
offer only generic help.

to an old Carver receiver in another room. The volume of the output is
very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7 or 8 to get the
same sound level that I would get with any other audio device at a setting
of 2 or 3. It doesn't matter if the source device is switched or if I use
an alternate line in port (that works well with another device/cable).

OK, good you have done the differential diagnosis on the inputs
of the Carver receiver. Now do the same differential diagnosis
on the output of the "TV and/or Media Player". Is it (them?)
low into all inputs, or only the Carver? What happens if you
use a different cable?

Is 5m too long for an audio cable?

No. 5m is nothing compared to some audio cable lengths.
The only problem one would expect from a long unbalanced
cable plugged into something in annother room is ground
loops and/or interference pickup along the way (which would
be heard as hum in addition to the audio signal.)

Or is it just a bad cable?

Seems unlikely. Prime suspect is the output from your
"TV and/or Media Player".

Cable is cable. If it is shorted or open, you will hear
nothing. If it is poorly shielded or incorrectly selected
you will hear hum or RFI in addition to the audio. Low
signal level is almost never caused by the cable.

Note also that because "cable is cable", premium brand-
names and botique prices don't buy you anything but
bragging rights and a thinner wallet. Buying Monster
cable is like hiring the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to
wash your car. Your car isn't any cleaner, but you paid
a lot more and got some entertainment factor.

[Arny Krueger]

"GregS" wrote in message

In article
, "Arny
Krueger" wrote:
"TVeblen" wrote in message

I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold)
to connect a TV and/or Media Player to an old Carver
receiver in another room. The volume of the output is
very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7
or 8 to get the same sound level that I would get with
any other audio device at a setting of 2 or 3. It
doesn't matter if the source device is switched or if I
use an alternate line in port (that works well with
another device/cable).

First guess - swap cables. The cable is unlikely, but
since you have several, swap one that works in with the
sources that are problemations.

If it works well with another device, then the problem
is with the devices that aren't working.

They may have internal volume controls that need to be
set much higher.

Its not clear if the volume of the TV is turned up or
internal
speakers disabled, or whether the TV has fixed or
variable outputs.
Does the media player have a volume control?

Yes.

[Chris Hornbeck]

On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 20:06:23 -0500, "TVeblen"
wrote:

(Now I realize I need to revisit the TV menus again).

You may find that you must turn off the TV's speakers
in order to "un-gray-out" the variable/fixed audio
output option. It's pretty common. You want "fixed",
of course.

All good fortune,

Chris Hornbeck
"Genuine reputation is a much better guide than listening,
I believe." Ian Iveson

[TVeblen]

"Arny Krueger" wrote in message
...
"TVeblen" wrote in message

I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold) to
connect a TV and/or Media Player to an old Carver
receiver in another room. The volume of the output is
very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7
or 8 to get the same sound level that I would get with
any other audio device at a setting of 2 or 3. It doesn't
matter if the source device is switched or if I use an
alternate line in port (that works well with another
device/cable).

First guess - swap cables. The cable is unlikely, but since you have
several, swap one that works in with the sources that are problemations.

If it works well with another device, then the problem is with the devices
that aren't working.

They may have internal volume controls that need to be set much higher.

thanks much to all for all the good information.
The volume level is the same on both channels and the sound is good (when
the volume is up).
The TV is a 5 year old Sony KV-34XBR910 and the audio outputs are the ones
you would use to hook up an AV receiver. I got the cables way back then to
set up a "poor man's surround sound system" as a whim. I recall playing with
every entry in the audio menu for the TV to see if there was an effect. I
finally just assumed it was what it was and moved on to ther things.
The new device is a D-Link DSM-520 network media player and I just hooked it
up last week. It bridges media input from my computer network or the
internet to play on my audio system or TV. I was fully expecting a different
outcome when I hooked up the media player and was very surprised when the
exact same issue arose. The volume level differential (attenuation?) is
exactly the same with the media player as it was with the TV (no longer
connected) ((no remaining jacks on the Carver)).
I will continue to experiment with the volume settings and menus on the
D-Link to see if I've overlooked something obvious.
But thanks to all for eliminating the cable as a source of the problem. I'm
sure it is just a matter of working through all the variables till I find
the bugger.
It works just not the way I want. As Gareth says: "just live with it" may be
the best solution.
I'll post back if I find something.
Thanks All

[jakdedert]

TVeblen wrote:
Note also that because "cable is cable", premium brand-
names and botique prices don't buy you anything but
bragging rights and a thinner wallet. Buying Monster
cable is like hiring the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to
wash your car. Your car isn't any cleaner, but you paid
a lot more and got some entertainment factor.

Heh Heh. You got that right!
One of those "gonna do it right now" kind of purchases rather than waiting
for cheaper cable from Newegg.
I think Radio Shack calls anything over 6 ft a monster cable.


The above is not to say that all cables are the same. Especially in
your case, where you're carrying unbalanced audio a fair distance. Five
meters is not far, but some really cheesy cables might give you problem.
Since you don't report any noise in the signal--as long as you're
getting no high-end rolloff--it's reasonable to assume you're okay.

jak

[TVeblen]

Note also that because "cable is cable", premium brand-
names and botique prices don't buy you anything but
bragging rights and a thinner wallet. Buying Monster
cable is like hiring the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to
wash your car. Your car isn't any cleaner, but you paid
a lot more and got some entertainment factor.

Heh Heh. You got that right!
One of those "gonna do it right now" kind of purchases rather than waiting
for cheaper cable from Newegg.
I think Radio Shack calls anything over 6 ft a monster cable.

[TVeblen]

"TVeblen" wrote in message
. ..
thanks much to all for all the good information.
The volume level is the same on both channels and the sound is good (when
the volume is up).
The TV is a 5 year old Sony KV-34XBR910 and the audio outputs are the ones
you would use to hook up an AV receiver. I got the cables way back then to
set up a "poor man's surround sound system" as a whim. I recall playing
with every entry in the audio menu for the TV to see if there was an
effect. I finally just assumed it was what it was and moved on to ther
things.
The new device is a D-Link DSM-520 network media player and I just hooked
it up last week. It bridges media input from my computer network or the
internet to play on my audio system or TV. I was fully expecting a
different outcome when I hooked up the media player and was very surprised
when the exact same issue arose. The volume level differential
(attenuation?) is exactly the same with the media player as it was with
the TV (no longer connected) ((no remaining jacks on the Carver)).
I will continue to experiment with the volume settings and menus on the
D-Link to see if I've overlooked something obvious.
But thanks to all for eliminating the cable as a source of the problem.
I'm sure it is just a matter of working through all the variables till I
find the bugger.
It works just not the way I want. As Gareth says: "just live with it" may
be the best solution.
I'll post back if I find something.
Thanks All
Follow up: Found it. Volume lock in menu tree. Volume is now controlled by
the media player's remote. Thanks again to all for pointing me in the right
direction.
(Now I realize I need to revisit the TV menus again).

[Mark D. Zacharias[_2_]]

"TVeblen" wrote in message
. ..
I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold) to connect a TV
and/or Media Player to an old Carver receiver in another room. The volume
of the output is very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7
or 8 to get the same sound level that I would get with any other audio
device at a setting of 2 or 3. It doesn't matter if the source device is
switched or if I use an alternate line in port (that works well with
another device/cable).
Is 5m too long for an audio cable? Or is it just a bad cable?
TIA


My guess: you are connecting the cable to the Record Out jacks of the
Carver, and not the Playback or Line In jacks. Fairly common problem, and
could well load down the signal. Might also cause other symptoms on the
Carver, if for example you are listening to one source on the Carver while
the other unit is playing.

Mark Z.

[jakdedert]

Mark D. Zacharias wrote:
"TVeblen" wrote in message
. ..
I am using a 5m audio cable (Radio Shack Monster Gold) to connect a TV
and/or Media Player to an old Carver receiver in another room. The volume
of the output is very low. I must turn the volume on the receiver up to 7
or 8 to get the same sound level that I would get with any other audio
device at a setting of 2 or 3. It doesn't matter if the source device is
switched or if I use an alternate line in port (that works well with
another device/cable).
Is 5m too long for an audio cable? Or is it just a bad cable?
TIA


My guess: you are connecting the cable to the Record Out jacks of the
Carver, and not the Playback or Line In jacks. Fairly common problem, and
could well load down the signal. Might also cause other symptoms on the
Carver, if for example you are listening to one source on the Carver while
the other unit is playing.

Mark Z.


Already fixed, it was a low-source issue....

jak