What is the best way to bundle audio cables?

Question

Right now, the cables behind my audio receiver are tangled beyond recognition. I need to organize them...

How should I bundle my speaker wire to minimize RF and EM interference? I've heard that a "8-shaped" bundle is good.

Is there any truth to this claim? If so, explain.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I've never heard of the "8 shaped bundle" but if it's how I think it is, I don't see how it would clear things up. Maybe just un-tangling them and re setting them all up in a better way?

Answer 2

Keep power cables separate from Line Level cables(inputs, & record outputs)

and speaker cables away from Line Level cables.

In other words keep the different types of cables away from each other.

This also goes for FM antennas> separate them all as well as possible.

If you have HUM, you most likely have a cable that has a compromised (bad or going bad) Ground or loose connector.

Bundling wires, even the same kind CAN induce hum, as it turnes it cable bundle into a coil (like a Guitar Pick-up).

Try buying several extra good quality cables of each type, and switch them out one at a time, and you may find that one or more cable is compromised and is causing the trouble> and throw it away!

Make sure that the outlet the system is plugged into has a Good quality Surge Protector!> not just an outlet strip<

Make sure the circuit that is being used to power the system is not also carrying lights with dimmers, florescent lights, or any thing other than sound equipment. >LIGHTS & MOTORS CAUSE HUM!

Also make sure that your not using several circuits to power several INTERCONNECTED items!

>ie: VCR, DVD, CD, PHONO on one circuit, and Receiver, TV, Cable Box on another (GROUND LOOP).

Many times a moderately expensive Surge Protector will solve hum in a sound system(not a $10.00 one, but maybe $25.00 and up)

I use a TRIPPLITE that cost more than $200.00,

but it has been well worth it! ( I have a $50,000.00 studio

sound system), as it not only filters noise that comes

down the line, but it protects from surges & spikes.

(Duke Power calls them "LINE VARIATIONS"), but they will burn up delicate electronics in a heartbeat!

If your wires are bundled, it will be hard to clean up the mess and noise!

Even sharp bends in wires and cables will degrade the performance of even the best system, and make change outs (new DVD player) hatefull as well as put extra strain on the rest of the wires. and they wonder why they failed.

Answer 3

any cable with an electrical current passing through will create an electromagnetic field. however when you bundle them in a single loop, because the currents are going in the same direction they will resemble a very big cable with a lot of current, so the magnetic field will be much larger (this is in part how an electric motor works). the best way to avoid this would be to remove excess cable so there would be no need to have loops. Really i'm not convinced about the benefits of having the cable in a figure 8 pattern, because it's just like having two loops really. i would try to avoid loops, or at least keep them away from the actual hifi and the speakers.

generally components in your hifi and speakers will be magnetically shielded, to prevent any interference like that, however if you hear a buzzing noise when your mobile phone is near, than it's possible they're not shielded, as your mobile phone is a source of electromagnetic interference. if you're worried about electromagnetic interference it is also worth noting that wifi routers, mobile and cordless phones and microwaves are all sources of electromagnetic radiation. hope that all helps