Thanks all. Here is the sub cable I am using: a gray Monster Z High Resolution Video Interconnect Cable. About a meter long. "Video" cable can't be that much different than audio - can it? Maybe I'll go out and get a nice shielded audio cable.

Back to the original problem, it seems that the grounding on the cable splitter in the basement is fine, I might just need more shielding on the sub cable.

Interesting, yesterday, looking at audiophile sites. I came across a comparison of cables and Monster tested at the bottom, in one review, worse than the "stock" cables that you get packaged up with components. Maybe Monster is a bit like PIAA - great marketing but not the real deal (everyone see the bulb test in the latest Roundel?). And I came across an article that recommended that cables be up off the floor.

I'll look around today for a good sub cable and, ncx, thanks for suggestions on the line conditioner. Suggestions on a non-Monster sub cable?

__________________
Trex

I have to believe that using a true "audio" cable will make a difference.

Check this one out Monster 3 foot sub cable

I see you only need 3 feet of cable. In reality, your sub should be placed further away from your receiver. Towards the middle of the room against the wall, or optimally nearest to the "sweet spot".

FYI, I use Monster's Z sub cable. Mine is 18' long as my SW is placed against the wall towards the middle of the room.

My sub sits in the corner of the room as I heard that is optimal for maximum response.

When they built my house, I had them run the rg-6 cable from my media center area to the sub location which was only about 8 feet of separation, but the cable run ended up at 16 feet. I added the monster rca end connectors to the cable and all works great.


So if you can't find the perfect cable, you can always make your own.

Dennis

I'll be interested to see how you make out Trex. I haven't had any luck removing this hum. I have a fairly expensive line conditioner ($900), made by a defunct company, but it was rated very well when it was made. It removes the hum a little bit, but not much. Silly cable company.

I ordered an Impact Accoustics SonicWave Subwoofer Cable. 20% discount = $27.99 + $6.82 shipping = $37.76. I got the discount by going to the Impact site from audioholics.com - which, if it is not a front for a bunch of manufacturers, looks to be a neat audiophile site.

I'll try it and let you know how things turn out.

The Monster HTS2500 is available for $199.00 and the HTS 3500 for as low as $280. The 2500 is probably all that I need, but for $80 more...

Actually, none of my stuff is audiophile stuff. Denon receiver with Klipsch speakers and a DVD and VCR (which doesn't work but fills a space) and the Sharp LCD TV. No big deal.

__________________
Trex