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Advice on Phono Cables for VPI TT?

Any experience out there for low level phono cables for use on a VPI Aries or TNT? I understand that VPI has a new phono cable made of the same JMW wire. They also speak highly of Kimber TAK copper. Right now I'm temporarily using FMS Zero, with Audio Magic Spellcaster II off and on. I've heard that line level ICs are not really intended for phono, and that I'd get better results with a dedicated phono cable. The JMW doesn't use a DIN connector, so I'd have to order RCA to RCA from either VPI or Kimber. Any advice or recommendations welcome. Thanks.
michaelm704

Showing 2 responses by findoc

findoc
35 posts
 
In my experience, the best phono cables for use with VPI tables are silver cables--Bear Labs, Siltech, Kimber, Wireworld should be at the top of your list. Any RCA-RCA cables will do, JMW armbase uses fixed RCA connectors; no DIN or XLR connections possible. Make sure the silver cables have proper shielding though, especially if using an MC cartridge.
findoc
35 posts
 
spotdoc,

system is all-tubed, so maybe that's why? I find silver cables, as a general rule, to sound better in tube systems than copper or silver-plated copper wire. There are always exceptions of course, but this has been my experience. The myth that silver is bright-sounding is just that; a myth. Good silver cables in fact are smoother and less grainy than copper! The one thing copper does seem to have on silver though, again as a general rule, is better deep bass slam.

Anyway, with VPI/JMW my experience is what it is--use silver cables. Harry (and Listener mag) are right about one thing though--you absolutely must hear a genuine NOS Denon 103D cartridge in the JMW arm. Wowee!! I wish I had a backup :-(
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