MuxLab IMU-500020 - S/PDIF Digital Audio Balun (RCA to Screw Terminal)
Optimize your professional and home audio setups with the MuxLab IMU-500020 , a high-performance digital audio balun designed to overcome the distance limitations of standard coaxial cables. This passive device allows you to transmit high-fidelity S/PDIF digital audio signals over distances of up to 180 meters using a simple Cat 5e or Cat 6 twisted-pair cable, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution without sacrificing sound quality.
The MuxLab 500020 stands out for its compact design and screw terminal connection system. Unlike other extenders that require crimped RJ45 connectors, this model facilitates quick and easy on-site installation: simply strip the UTP cable and secure it to the terminals. It is the ideal tool for integrators seeking flexibility and reliability when connecting digital audio sources such as Blu-ray players, media servers, game consoles, or satellite receivers to home theater systems and AVR amplifiers located in distant rooms or centralized racks.
Thanks to its compatibility with surround sound formats such as Dolby® Digital, DTS® , and other S/PDIF standards, this extender guarantees flawless signal integrity. Its gold-plated RCA connector ensures corrosion-free transmission with maximum conductivity. As a completely passive device, it requires no external power supply, simplifying cable management in confined spaces and reducing potential points of failure in the system.
Main features
-
Long range extension: Ability to carry digital audio signals up to 180 meters, far exceeding the limitations of traditional coaxial cabling.
-
Simplified connection: Equipped with screw terminals (terminal block) that allow direct connection of Cat5e/6 cable without the need for RJ45 crimping tools.
-
High fidelity audio: Full support for S/PDIF signal transmission, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic and dts.
-
Passive design: It does not require electrical power, making it easy to place behind equipment, in false ceilings or junction boxes.
-
Robust construction: Fire-retardant ABS housing and gold-plated male RCA connector for superior durability and performance.
Benefits for the installer and the user
For the professional installer, the MuxLab 500020 eliminates the need for complex soldering or transporting expensive and heavy rolls of RG59/RG6 coaxial cable. Using standard network cabling (Cat 5e/6) significantly reduces material costs and allows for leveraging existing structured cabling infrastructure in buildings and offices.
For the end user, this balun ensures that the audio experience in their home theater or conference room is clear and free of interference, maintaining the synchronization and quality of the original surround sound, even if the source equipment is located at the other end of the property.
Use cases
-
Home Theater Systems: Connection of multimedia players or TV decoders located in a technical rack to the sound bar or amplifier in the viewing room.
-
Commercial Audio Distribution: Sending digital background music or audio signal for presentations in auditoriums, meeting rooms and convention centers.
-
Digital Signage: Synchronized audio transmission for information displays located away from the content source.
-
Educational Environments: Audio connection in large lecture halls where the projector and sound system are far apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need two units for it to work?
Yes, this type of balun is typically used in pairs: one unit at the source (transmitter) and another at the destination (receiver). Since it's reversible, the same model works for both ends.
-
Does this balun support analog audio (red/white stereo RCA)?
No, this model (500020) is specifically designed for coaxial digital audio (S/PDIF) . For analog stereo audio, you would need a different MuxLab model designed for that purpose.
-
Is electrical power required?
No, the MuxLab 500020 is a passive device and uses the energy from the audio signal itself to operate, so it does not need plugs or batteries.
-
Can I use old Cat 5 cable?
Yes, although Cat 5e or Cat 6 is recommended to ensure maximum performance and distance (180 m), the device can work with standard Cat 5 cable at shorter distances.
Project description
Passive coaxial digital audio signal extender (S/PDIF) capable of transmitting Dolby Digital, DTS, and PCM formats up to 180 meters using a single UTP twisted-pair cable (Cat 5e/6). The device features a 75-ohm gold-plated male RCA connector for the audio interface and a 100-ohm two-pole screw terminal block for the UTP cable connection, eliminating the need for RJ45 connectors. Supported bandwidth from 1 MHz to 25 MHz. Compact dimensions of 58 x 16 x 16 mm and a weight of 0.043 kg. Constructed of flame-retardant ABS plastic.
