Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - What cable?

I have a Denon receiver that has 3 "zones" - the main zone and 2 others. The other 2 zones have pre-amp outputs (RCA). One of them has composite video output, too. I need to run cable/wire to other rooms in the house for the other 2 zones, probably a run about about 30-40 feet each by the time we get through the walls. I'll put my own ends on the cable, but I don't know what sort of cable to use? Stranded? Phone wire? Dunno.

Thanks,
Jim

Well, first of all, I need to ask, to make sure I am understanding you correctly, is that you want to use the zone 2 and zone 3 outs to other rooms, one for audio only, and another for audio and video? Is this correct? For the video feed, RG-6 cable would be the way to go, then terminate it on both ends with RCA, and to a wall plate in the remote room. It all depends upon your system design for the audio feeds as to which type of cable that you should use. For the audio, since they are only pre-outs, we need to determine where they will be connected. The zone that provides audio and video, will the audio lines be connected to a display as well? If so, RG-6 can be used again for this application. But, if the audio feeds are going to be run to an external amplifier, then connected to external speakers in the remote room, it can vary. If the amplifier(s) are in the same location as the denon, then a 16-2 stranded wire can be run to the remote rooms. But, if you want the external amp(s) located in the remote rooms, then, again RG-6 cable with RCA ends would work for this application as well. Let me know if you have any more questions or do not understand, as I often am not very good at explaining things without enough feedback.

Thanks for the reply.

Both Zone 2 and Zone 3 are different rooms than where the Denon amp resides. RG-6 cable is tough to pull through the walls, but I can do it if necessary. How do I get RCA plugs on the end of RG-6 cable?

The audio feeds will go to external amps, and then out to speakers in the remote locations. The video feed will go to a monitor in a remote location.

Jim

You can use regular compression F connectors with F to RCA adapters, or direct RCA compression connectors for RG6

The direct RCA compression fittings would be preferred for this, since for every adapter that you put onto a cable after it has been terminated will create signal loss. On another note, I also forgot to mention that for line level audio, a 22/2 pair coauld also be run, just be sure to use shielded cable, then termination is simpler, you can go to radio shack, or any generic parts supplier, like mcm.com and get some solder on RCA ends. If you still opt to run the coax, or have already ran it, check out libertywireandcable.com (http://www.libertywireandcable.com) I believe that is the correct link for the website.