Rek-O-Kut low noise phono splitter/2x turntable output-capacitance? Worth matching cables?
Hi, I recently purchased two Rek-O-Kut low noise phono switches ( http://www.decibelhifi.com.au/rek-o-kut-low-noise-stereo-switch/ ) in order to be able to split my phono signal into two, one to go direct to my mixer's phono input (for playing regular vinyl) and the other to my Serato SL3 DVS box input (for DVS / control vinyl use). I needed to do this as the AD/DA stage on the SL3 box seems to be dodgy (it reduces output level and causes some audible quality issues) - the phono pre is the same as on Rane mixers though so apparently the phono pre is fine, just the DAC is a bit shoddy.
So to get around this I got the switch/splitters. They work well but I have a few questions for someone more knowledgable than me..
1. Grounding - currently due to the number of ground spades in action, I send two spades (the turntable grounds) to the mixer post and connect a ground wire to each of the Rek-O-Kut units and send that to the SL3 post (I could try to quad stack them on a single post on my mixer - Xone 92 - but that would be VERY hard to get stable/solidly connected on a single post). Is this ok? Do I need to extra grounding from the Rek-O-Kut's to the SL3/mixer or is just using the two turntable grounds enough?
2. Cables - should I bother matching cables/connectors? Is there any benefit to matching cables and connectors (I mean brands and models not cable lengths - I already have the lengths of cables the same)
3. Cables/connector capacitance - with the splitter and additional two cables for each turntable output, what does this do to the cable capacitance? I am using a fairly low capacitance Mogami cable out of each turntable and KLEI copper harmony connectors (don't know the capacitance of the connectors) https://www.redco.com/Mogami-W2965.html / https://kleinnovations.com/kle-innovations-klei-products/klei-harmony-plug/klei-copper-harmony-phonorca-plug/
With the splitter, is the capacitance added between ALL the cables output of each turntable, so 1.2m from turntable to splitter, 50cm to mixer and 75cm to SL3 box? With some also added from the splitter itself potentially?
Or can I consider each output of the splitter to be a separate capacitance, so one output would be 1.2m + 50cm and the other 1.2m + 75cm? Back to the matching connectors/cables question, is it at least worth matching the cables and connectors in this instance? The cables perhaps more importantly than the connectors? I was considering to get Neutrik connectors for the interconnects as the KLEI went up from $60 AUD for a 4 pack with postage to $115 since I got the last lot and would need 16 connectors in total.. Neutrik at least are around $12 each so would only be around $150-200 including the cable compared to a lot more for KLEI connectors. Has anyone done much comparison of capacitance between RCA connectors?
One last related question, I noticed that there are lower capacitance cables such as the Beldon 9271 and Beldon 1505F. Could anyone say whether or not these might make better phono cables for turntable output (in my case for Technics 1200 mk2) compared to the Mogami 2965? Also if the Beldins would both fit through the retaining clip in the Technics 1200? I notice they are different types and sizes of cable designs but I'm really a noob still to all the technical side of turntables. I'm hoping I made a decent decision with the Mogami cable. I noticed that Blue Jeans use some of the Beldin for their low capacitance cables (which seem thicker than the Mogami but lower capacitance).
I'm sorry if it's a bit of an overload of questions, just really keen to try to figure out any issues that might pertain to using these switch boxes. I thought best to ask the community before contacting Rek-O-Kut to see what they say :)
So to get around this I got the switch/splitters. They work well but I have a few questions for someone more knowledgable than me..
1. Grounding - currently due to the number of ground spades in action, I send two spades (the turntable grounds) to the mixer post and connect a ground wire to each of the Rek-O-Kut units and send that to the SL3 post (I could try to quad stack them on a single post on my mixer - Xone 92 - but that would be VERY hard to get stable/solidly connected on a single post). Is this ok? Do I need to extra grounding from the Rek-O-Kut's to the SL3/mixer or is just using the two turntable grounds enough?
2. Cables - should I bother matching cables/connectors? Is there any benefit to matching cables and connectors (I mean brands and models not cable lengths - I already have the lengths of cables the same)
3. Cables/connector capacitance - with the splitter and additional two cables for each turntable output, what does this do to the cable capacitance? I am using a fairly low capacitance Mogami cable out of each turntable and KLEI copper harmony connectors (don't know the capacitance of the connectors) https://www.redco.com/Mogami-W2965.html / https://kleinnovations.com/kle-innovations-klei-products/klei-harmony-plug/klei-copper-harmony-phonorca-plug/
With the splitter, is the capacitance added between ALL the cables output of each turntable, so 1.2m from turntable to splitter, 50cm to mixer and 75cm to SL3 box? With some also added from the splitter itself potentially?
Or can I consider each output of the splitter to be a separate capacitance, so one output would be 1.2m + 50cm and the other 1.2m + 75cm? Back to the matching connectors/cables question, is it at least worth matching the cables and connectors in this instance? The cables perhaps more importantly than the connectors? I was considering to get Neutrik connectors for the interconnects as the KLEI went up from $60 AUD for a 4 pack with postage to $115 since I got the last lot and would need 16 connectors in total.. Neutrik at least are around $12 each so would only be around $150-200 including the cable compared to a lot more for KLEI connectors. Has anyone done much comparison of capacitance between RCA connectors?
One last related question, I noticed that there are lower capacitance cables such as the Beldon 9271 and Beldon 1505F. Could anyone say whether or not these might make better phono cables for turntable output (in my case for Technics 1200 mk2) compared to the Mogami 2965? Also if the Beldins would both fit through the retaining clip in the Technics 1200? I notice they are different types and sizes of cable designs but I'm really a noob still to all the technical side of turntables. I'm hoping I made a decent decision with the Mogami cable. I noticed that Blue Jeans use some of the Beldin for their low capacitance cables (which seem thicker than the Mogami but lower capacitance).
I'm sorry if it's a bit of an overload of questions, just really keen to try to figure out any issues that might pertain to using these switch boxes. I thought best to ask the community before contacting Rek-O-Kut to see what they say :)
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