Cable Management-Not only an aesthetic benefit

[ldgibson76]

I often wondered if whether or not proper cable management was just an aesthetic benefit or could it also contribute in some small way to improved performance of your setup.

For a long while, I just let my cables run willy-nilly in the back of the setup. Obviously it was an eye-sore. Everytime I looked back there, I would just shake my head and promise myself that I would one day, build up enough nerve and get back there and tackle/tame the beast! But then, one day I read an article stating that organizing your cables, depending on the configuration of your system, could actually improve overall performance.

Now I know that can be considered a "reach" at best.
But I have to tell ya, after I reorganized my cables, it just seemed like the system sounded a little clearer or more precise. I know, I know!
"placebo effect", "delusions of grandeur", etc,......
For some reason after I completed the job, the system just seem to sound better. Was it the separation of power cords and cables? Or maybe because the cables had a more direct path from source components to AVR? Or maybe, most likely, my imagination influenced by what I see, very similiar to when you wash your car and for some reason, it just seems to ride/run smoother! Who knows?

Below, are before and after photos. Believe me, I know I have a long way to go, but it does look a little better than before.

Does anyone have an opinion regarding cable management and if whether it's only an aesthetic improvement or could it also improve performance?



The very thought of wanting to straightening out this mess could make the weak-hearted throw up!
It was truly out of control!


First question should be, "What's with the flower pots?!
Well, I drank the kool-aid! Speaker cables off the floor due to possible static build up because of the carpet, which could effect sound quality! I know, ridiculous! Those were the first things to go!



Power cords, audio and video interconnects and speaker cables co-exsisted as one. There was virtually no separation of the power cords and interconnects. In some circles, that's considered "Sacrilege!" That taboo was addressed immediately!



When I first put this system together, my justification for the disaster behind my system was, due to the number of components and the rack configuration, there was no possible way to achieve proper cable management.
But then, I started seeing systems just as complexed, if not more complexed than mine with beautifully organized cable routing and positioning.
So after many weeks of having aspirations of getting behind there and doing a complete re-wire, I finally "Man-upped" and dove in there!
It took me approximately a total of 12 hours or 3 days of 4 hours shifts! and a lot of trial and error . Below are photos of the results of my labor!

Behind the TV Rack: More organization is in order here.


Overhead view of the rear of the TV rack. Some modifications have been made since this photo, so it is a little neater.


Illuminated magnifying glass and mini spot light so I can see what the hell I'm doing!


The Audio side rack. Notice the separation of power cords and interconnects.


Some of the audio cables are not of the desired length which required routing them pass the AVR's terminals and semi-looping them back.


Cable bundle exiting the audio rack.


I know, that's a thick bundle of cables! Evidence of old technology and a lack of efficiency.


The Video rack. Just like with the audio rack, the power cables have been relocated to the right side of the cable management area.


Most convenient place to position the Xbox 360 power supply.


Cable bundle leaving the video rack. That cable bundle should consist of only three, maybe four HDMI cables! A new Pre/Pro is the remedy and would eliminate alot of the cables!


Some refinement is still needed here.




Video cables routed to the TV.


Monster Cable M-Series M1000 HDMI and Key Digital Python HDMI cables.


Belkin PureAV HDMI 3 in 1 switcher. It has been very reliable component passing video without handshake issues, ever!


Digital audio x 10! Further evidence that a new pre/pro with HDMI connectivity should be the next upgrade.


As you can see, there's still some work to be done to get it really neat and organized, especially behind the tv rack.

This will remain a work in progress.