This is the most sensitive cable in the system for the reason you mentioned--very low signal. I think most agree that cables do make a difference, and in my experience this cable it's a difference x2 or more. Shorter is better which is why most are 1 to 1.5 m, but also the quality of the cable is very important, and price goes up with length. Thus if you can get by with a 1 or 1.5 meter you should. The cable length from a phono pre to the pre amp is much less critical. I have my phono pre close to the turntable, but then run a 2.5 meter cable to the pre-amp.