Dear Nilthepill: 1 - Usually are better but not always. The regulars, that come with the tonearm, are usually good but not the " best ". The tonearm manufacturer only ( till today ) give us and starting/first cable step on the very long cable ladder and certainly not the " best one " because its tonearm has to have a precise level price point and if he choose a higher price cable his tonearm could be out of price market.
2 - In my experience the whole system has to be grounded at one and only one point ( usually at the phonolinepreamp through a dedicated true earth ground line. ) to avoid ground loops and to avoid what is happen when you grounded at the TT end.
3 - The only way to take advantage of a balanced operation phonolinepreamp is that the cable from tonearm to the PLP has a balanced connector/connection.
4 - Viridian give you the right answer about.
5 -I agree with Dave about.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
2 - In my experience the whole system has to be grounded at one and only one point ( usually at the phonolinepreamp through a dedicated true earth ground line. ) to avoid ground loops and to avoid what is happen when you grounded at the TT end.
3 - The only way to take advantage of a balanced operation phonolinepreamp is that the cable from tonearm to the PLP has a balanced connector/connection.
4 - Viridian give you the right answer about.
5 -I agree with Dave about.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.