Pioneer PL630- upgrading the phono cable?


I have a Pioneer PL630 with an upgraded Audio Quest 404B (essentially a Hana Umami Red) Moving Coil cartridge. I still have the OEM phono cable and am considering replacing it with a higher end cable /ground to reduce RF interference and to lower capacitance, and provide the best possible signal to my Rega Aria preamp. Has anyone done this with their turntable (any higher end turntable) and does it provide a noticeable sonic improvement?

musicearlyadopter

Showing 5 responses by musicearlyadopter

No- this is more of a purist's question regarding the ability for me to perceive an audible difference if I replace the 44 year old OEM cable with a higher end aftermarket phono cable that offers better RF insulation, lower capacitance, and SUPPOSEDLY a more transparent sound to the preamp. 

For clarity, I replaced my Shure V-15 Type IV moving magnet cartridge with a much better Audio Quest Moving Coil cartridge.

To all, thank you for your insights- I have elected to leave the OEM cable in place and listen to the cartridge when I receive it this weekend. It is a rebuit Audioquest 404B which was commissioned and made by made by Scantech (later renamed to Lyra). I am told that the generator in this cartridge is the same as a Hana Umami, which is why I even mentioned that as an aside.

It is my understanding from reviewing the history of Audio Quest that they commissioned Scantech to make their very first MC cartridge - model AQ404B in 1982. It is good to learn that Excel had a role in later AQ models- thank you!

It is great- I am not sure my 70 year old ear could discern the difference in an upgraded audio cable- LOL!