2. analog
  3. 138904-4374

Phono cable advice.

What are some good phono cable options for around $150ish and under? So far I’m looking at BJ LC-1 and Zu Audio Mission cables. This would be for between my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Esprit and most likely (still looking) a MoFi StudioPhono preamp. I have an extra pair of Kimber Silver Streak cables but they don’t look insulated well enough. I’ll be running DH Labs Air Matrix from my preamp to KEF LS50 Wireless speakers. I’d like something I can grow out a little with as I incrementally upgrade things. Stylus (Blue 2M?) is probably next.

Thanks for any input.
asahitoro
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Phono cable must be shielded, good cables have low capacitance anyway, so we don't have to worry about it. 

With unshielded cables anyone can listen to a radio in the speakers, it's a free bonus of unshielded cables, i don't think this is what we need.

My experience with unshielded cables is very bad, so i would never buy unshielded cable for phono use. 

Have you noticed that the OP is using wireless speakers ? It it a bluetooth technology or radio wave ? I think this is killing the analog, no matter which cable he will use. 

andysf
268 posts
 
I took Chakster's advice and got some Zu Mission phono cables off the Ebay auction for $40.00 for my Technics table.  I doubt there is a better deal for phono cables anywhere.  At some point I would like to upgrade them but for now they are fine.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@andysf congrats, i think i paid $150 on auction for the same cable with shipping, but it was long time ago. That cable easily compete with $400 cables, so if you paid $40 it’s a steal :) I like they way Zu Audio sells overstock or discontinued items on ebay. I also use Zu Power cables, i think you can buy some of them too (for a decent price) for your gear.
invictus005
597 posts
 
Zu phono cable looks to be well built, but some of the stuff they write online screams ignorance (hi Raul). Crimped center conductor? Graphite infused epoxy potting?

Real professionals solder cable connectors using Sn62 solder. That is the law.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
RCA connectors filled with epoxy, they are not removable, many top dollar cable manufacturers do the same. To remove stock RCAs user should cut them off. As i said earlier Zu Audio was a cable manufacturer in the beginning, company name was Zu Cable. These guys knows everything about cables. Balanced cables also available from Zu Audio. Their speaker cables are also highly acclaimed.

P.S. I use Cardas Solder usually, when we have to fix something. 
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