1/4" vs RCA Cable

[scottn5388]

I've noticed many people using RCA cables (with RCA - 1/4" adapters on the ends) for all their patching. Is there some advantage to this? Is an RCA cable and 2 RCA - 1/4" adapters cheaper that a regular 1/4" cable? I've noticed cheap 1/4" cables seem to degrade over time. Do regular consumer RCAs hold up better and keep their quality?

Also...what is the difference between a Radio Shack RCA - 1/4" adapter and a Switchcraft or Neutrik one? Is the difference in quality noticable in adapters?

I hope I'm not being too selfish by asking all these questions, but one question always ends up leading to another. Thanks a bunch!

-Scott

 

[mixsit]

There are some decent RCA cables out there and it can be convenient to adapt them to either use. But anytime you can skip another connection, all the better. You want to have solid, clean connections. Some adaptors are just a flimsy spring contact inside, and some light weight cables are just not very durable.
Wayne