Its just terminology, as far as I remember. RCAs at one point were often called phono jacks/plugs. Specialized cables that use DIN to RCA are sometimes called "phono" cables because many tonearms with changeable interconnects use a DIN at the tone arm end. Whether or not an IC is good for your tonearm-pre connection is a matter to do with system synergy, not terminology, as long as you can make the right connections.
"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?