The gauge of the rca extension cables won't make any difference. What is important, in addition to shielding effectiveness (which is hard to predict) is (as I mentioned earlier) keeping cable capacitance as low as possible, particularly if you will be using moving magnet or other high output cartridges. I suggest Blue Jeans LC-1, which provides very low capacitance per unit length at a relatively low price.
For purposes of minimizing hum, the kind of grounding wire you use is not critical, as Elizabeth indicated above. I suggest initially experimenting with whatever is handy, or whatever you can get cheaply and conveniently at Home Depot, Radio Shack, etc.
If and when you eliminate the hum, however, you may then find that you are picking up radio signals or other interference. To address that kind of problem, the best type of ground wire would be a "braided ground strap." Google that term for further info, if necessary.
Regards,
-- Al
For purposes of minimizing hum, the kind of grounding wire you use is not critical, as Elizabeth indicated above. I suggest initially experimenting with whatever is handy, or whatever you can get cheaply and conveniently at Home Depot, Radio Shack, etc.
If and when you eliminate the hum, however, you may then find that you are picking up radio signals or other interference. To address that kind of problem, the best type of ground wire would be a "braided ground strap." Google that term for further info, if necessary.
Regards,
-- Al