Using long 3.5mm cables instead of long rca cables

So I'm getting ready to finalize the logistics of my setup. I plan on retaining my car's stock amplifier, and so I will be using an amplifier integration harness to do so.

In an effort to keep my wiring clean since I have to run wires to the front of the car as it stands, I was wondering if anyone has used the following setup:

Audio Card -> 2x 12ft 3.5mm audio cable -> 2x 3.5mm/2 rca splitter -> 4x 2ft rca cable ->integration harness

The reason I ask is because: in the future I plan on getting a 4 channel amp, and this setup would allow me to retain the 4 short RCA cables for future use with my audio setup rather than long RCA cables that would be messy.

All input is appreciated

The only thing I would be concerned about is that most RCA cables I have seen are built better than the long 3.5 cables. The better cable is going to sound better blocking more of the unwanted noise involved with car audio.

yes, that would work fine, just as long as you don't get the cheapest audio cables available.

Interference would be the concern here. B-Ship is right about the general quality difference (primarily in shielding) between the two wire types. Also of note is that each splitter/adapter you use will introduce another possible fault into your shielding and audio feed. Really, if you can find well-shielded wires that have the appropriate connectors on each end for what you want them plugged in to, you will get the best results.

DEFINITELY keep Soundman's advice in mind when purchasing cables. Don't use cheap 3.5mm lines. Cheap lines won't even have a shield in them at all, but rather just the ground running along the signal wire (like standard headphones).

If you have the ability, making your own wires may not be a bad option. If you can find a shielded cable with 4 wires (minimum), you can put your own connectors on and get what you are looking to achieve on all fronts.

Using 3.5mm cables and then splitting them into RCA's at the very end means dragging only 2 cables instead of 4, which is an advantage. I always go to monoprice for quality cables - I think they have premium 3.5mm and those are very reasonably priced. I'd get the 3.5mm->RCA splitter there as well.

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Originally Posted by nivanov

Using 3.5mm cables and then splitting them into RCA's at the very end means dragging only 2 cables instead of 4, which is an advantage. I always go to monoprice for quality cables - I think they have premium 3.5mm and those are very reasonably priced. I'd get the 3.5mm->RCA splitter there as well.

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Would these 2x "premium" RCA cables suffice (instead of getting single RCAs?) http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

They look to be of good quality, and would come out to be cheaper than buying individual cables

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Originally Posted by Auvee Bloomberg

Would these 2x "premium" RCA cables suffice (instead of getting single RCAs?) http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

They look to be of good quality, and would come out to be cheaper than buying individual cables

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You wanted 12ft - those ones are 6. Otherwise, sure, they will work. I actually meant a 3.5mm M/M cable, like this one, but I think it's just as thick as your RCA cable.

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Originally Posted by nivanov

You wanted 12ft - those ones are 6. Otherwise, sure, they will work. I actually meant a 3.5mm M/M cable, like this one, but I think it's just as thick as your RCA cable.

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Thanks. I knew what you meant, I just wanted to confirm that the "2 cable" rcas would work as well as getting 2 of the "single cable" RCAs.

Looking at the reviews, the 3.5mm extension cable is thick and heavy, which is not the best when it comes to working in tight car spaces, but definitely more desirable than trying to shove 2channels of audio down a 2mm wire intended for headphone use. Thanks for the replies all!

actually, i prefer thick and heavy over thin when it comes to cabling-- the thick stuff does tend to be a little tougher to run, but lasts so much longer..

monoprices premium audio cables are realy beefy but still fairly soft and flexible. good stuff for your money.IMO