I was using regular coincident CST rca's ($300) which out performed my XLO signature 3.2 phono cable ($750). I am now using coincident extreme I/C's. You can probably pick up a used set of CST's for around $170. Great bang for the buck IMO.
Budget phono cables
I've searched the archives here, but most everything that gets recommended is at least $500. I need RCA-RCA, as I'm using a Well Tempered arm right now. The VPI is $200 but doesn't seem to have a very good reputation, and lacks a ground wire. Extremephono has this now:
http://www.extremephono.com/extremephono_crimson_tm.htm
but I can't find anyone who's used one. At present I'm using a decent quality shielded interconnect with a piece of 18 gauge for a ground, and it's quiet enough, but I can't help wondering if the .23mv from my Denon 103R isn't getting soaked up by the cable.
Are there any dedicated phono cables out there for less than $200? Or a regular interconnect that would suffice? Extremephono has 30 day return, but I worry it won't get burned in during the test period.
David
http://www.extremephono.com/extremephono_crimson_tm.htm
but I can't find anyone who's used one. At present I'm using a decent quality shielded interconnect with a piece of 18 gauge for a ground, and it's quiet enough, but I can't help wondering if the .23mv from my Denon 103R isn't getting soaked up by the cable.
Are there any dedicated phono cables out there for less than $200? Or a regular interconnect that would suffice? Extremephono has 30 day return, but I worry it won't get burned in during the test period.
David