Yes, that helps a lot. I've got two racks, one with the Niles preamp and amps, and one with the components, escient dvdm-100, denon avr3803, and audiorequest. The two racks are about 50 feet apart. I was guessing 100 foot run max. If I put the 791 in the rack with the niles, I would have three short runs into the block, and one long run into the 789/dinkylink which works the denon, etc. If I put the 791 in the denon rack, I would need three long runs out of the niles, but I could get rid of the 789. This is what your'e saying, if I'm getting it right?

I was hoping I could find a block that would take three mini plug inputs for the Niles for just the reason you stated, ie I will have to figure out how the Niles outputs IR and ground when hardwiring to a connecting block.

Am I wrong in assuming there is an industry standard when using the miniplugs? In other words will a niles emitter or receiver work on a Xantech block?

thanks