"Phono" Cable - Necessary if you have RCA outs?


I have a VPI Aries/JMW 10.5 tonearm, which has RCA outs. I am using a .5 meter Kimber Silver Streak to connect to my CAT preamp. It seems to do OK, but my question is: are there any advantages to using a cable marketed as a "phono" cable, vs. using a standard set of interconnects? I see that most phono cables have the DIN connection, which I don't need, but some are also RCA at both ends. Any thoughts/experiences?
greggey

Showing 1 response by ramstl

Well,

I usually make my own cables and have found that a lighter gage cable, 22 to 24, works well for my phono. The signal is lower in level than your normal line level and I believe that the higher gage is friendlier to the signal.

That being said, most cable manufactures have this in mind when they manufacture their phono cables. They "are" specific to the needs of the phono level. Also, they may do some special sheilding, since phono levels are more prone to EMI and RF.

However, if you are having no problem with the unshielded Kimber and you enjoy the sound I would stick with it.

Just make sure you have your table grounded.