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Inexpensive Phono Cables Recommendations

I would appreciate a little advice from the Forum concerning phono cables recommendations.

As a threshold matter, I realize that the subject of phono cables has been exhausted on the Forum. So, please note that I have done my own research by reading through quite a few threads and have a general sense about the importance of phono cables. Although, asking an open-ended question about cable recommendations is a little like asking for "best speaker" recommendations (over 1300 posts on A'gon so far and still counting), it seems that the Cardas name comes up frequently.

I have two general questions: (1) How important are the I/C cables from the phono pre TO the line stage?? If important, I would appreciate some inexpensive suggestions that will yield a lot of bang for the buck. The cable I/Cs will need to run 10-12 feet from the phono pre to the line stage AND are RCA single ended. (2) I would appreciate some inexpensive suggestions for phono cables from the TT TO the phono pre. The phono cables will need to run roughly 5-6 feet from the TT to the phono pre and are also RCA single ended.

I realize that recommendations can be equipment specific, so here's a summary of the relevant equipment. Cartridge: (a) currently using a DV 20X2H MC, output voltage is 2.3 mV; but also (b) trying to buy a VPI Zephyr MI, output voltage is 2.4 mV, Zephyr looking to see 47K ohm impedance and 100-200 pF capacitance. TT is VPI Classic 1 w/ upgrade Classic 3 tone arm. Phono pre is an ARC PH-7, selectable input impedance (incl 47K ohm) and 200 pF capacitance. Linestage is an ARC Ref 3.

As can be seen from the specs listed above, the VPI Zephyr is looking to see between 100 and 200 pF of capacitance (I assume that's a "ceiling," not "floor"), BUT my PH-7 will present the cartridge with 200 pF of capacitance. So, on the surface, it appears that the cable I/Cs between the TT and the PH-7 should probably not present significant additional capacitance, or else, I assume, there may be a degradation of sonics.

Thanks.

P.S. I am embarrassed to disclose what I am currently using for phono I/Cs, but just assume that they are NOT strings held tauntly between Campbell Soup cans.

Oh. . . very important fact -- I do NOT use a ground wire and there is NO hum.
bifwynne

Showing 5 responses by bifwynne

bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Cmalak, Not quite sure how it's relevant, but my CDP and line stage are connected with Kimber Hero XLR cables, and the line stage and the power amp, the same. It seems to me that if the critical connect is from the TT to the Phono Pre, then I'm talking about a 5-6' run. My sense is that I would like to keep the cost to around $200 or less for the TT to Phono Pre leg.

However, if the Phono Pre to line stage leg is important, I don't know, I guess maybe $400 or less. I'd rather it be a lot less. The main thing is I don't want to shoot myself in the foot with something as simple as cable after investing so much in the VPI CLassic, cartrdige & Phono Pre.

Thanks again.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Hi Macdadtexas. I was able to source a practically new VPI Zephyr cartrdige for a fair price. Not a steal, but fair. Frankly, I bought the Zephyr in part because of A'gon comments like yours. As you might pick up from my posts on other Foruum threads, I have had a hard time setting up my new Classic TT. I've suffered through several cartridges until I was able to pick up the Zephyr. I should get it later this week. I hope it works as well as reported by A'gon folks like you on the Forum.

Anyway, I am looking to pick up a decent, but not too expensive, cable to link up the VPI to my phono pre. At that point, I hope I can end the TT fiddling and enjoy some great old vinyl.

Thanks.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
To All: thank you very much for the suggestions. I will collate the advice, check around and make a final decision.

As I mentioned in the OP, I am using plain vanilla-all purpose RCA cables. Absolutely nothing special. Maybe two tweaks north of two soup cans and a string. I'm curious if a dedicated phono cable will sound better than my soup can and string set up.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Thanks Braab -- I agree 100% with you. I am very grateful for the advice from the other responders. My sense is that since the connection between the phono pre and line stage is working with stepped up voltage (e.g., 4-6 V), the connection between the TT and phono pre is way more important because the signal is so low (i.e., 2.3 mV or something like that). I gather from the advice above that key parameters to be mindful about are capacitance and impedance. Either can degrade a tiny cartridge signal to the phono pre.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Update: I'm glad I waited before coming back. I'd like to report on what I've done and the results. I read with great interest the various suggestions. There were so many, I became confused. I guess just TMI.

Ok, I've previosuly worked with a well respected technical engineer type who, a while back, built a cutomer buffer device for me. This man is a real gentleman and is very knowledegeable. So I called him and custom ordered 6' TT/phono pre cables for $140. I understand that the cables are made of very pure copper and the capacitance is 16 pF per foot.

Now the results. I am disappointed. The soundstage collapsed. The bottom literally fell out. Hardly any definition, slam or whatever from the midrange down into the basement registers. At one point, I thought I somehow blew my midrange drivers and woofers. It sounded like only the tweeters were operating and listening was very fatiguing.

I re-read the comments above and other threads that discussed cables. I suspected that even though I purchased quality cables, for some reason they were not compatible with the cartridge and phono pre combo. Oh, I wound up sourcing a practically new VPI Zephyr which sounds terrific.

This evening I reinstalled my soup can/string combos and the sound came back. The system sounds much better. When playing classical music, the house shook when the tympany come on line. Soundstage is great. And so forth and so on. FWIW, my old cables are $25 Radio Shack 12 foot Auvio I/Cs, which are shielded and have 24k gold plated RCA jacks, and made in China of course. I don't have any information concerning impedance or capacitance.

I intend to re-read the comments and suggestions posted above and try again. I'll report back.
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