What is the difference between R6 and R59 coax cable?

Question

I want to run an antenna coax cable from an outdoor roof antenna to a TV. What cable R6 or R59 is best regardless of cost. When is one used vs the other?

Answer 1

RJ-59 is the older generation cable. RJ6 is the newest one. RJ6 experiences less signal loss over long distances, and when used with splitters.



Most places only sell RJ-6 cabling now and it's appropriate for everything from being used for long runs in walls to short cable connections between the wall and the TV. If a splitter is needed, it's better to have a single 1 to many splitter, rather than several smaller splitters in serial. Each splitter will cause a drop in signal strength. Too many will start to affect digital TV and HDTV channels severely.



RJ-59 is not any cheaper, so don't even bother with it anymore.

Answer 2

If you want the best, Home Depot has some decent quad shield RG-6 and good connectors. I haven't seen RG-59 used in 20 years.

Answer 3

rg6 is a heavier gauge wire. I recommend using it over 59. Just remember you need to use the correct terminal fittings for the size cable you are using.