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Do 5-pole DIN tonearm connectors deteriorate the sound?

I am in the process of completely rewiring my new Woody tonearm (https://vtaf.com/woody-tm-universaltm-tonearms.html#/), sitting on a custom-made Lenco-recreation by Peter Reinders (http://www.ptpaudio.com/solid9.html). My new cartridge for this set-up is the Audio Technica ART 1000.The signal goes from the TT into my Supratek Grange phono-stage/preamp via a custom-made phono cable that is foil-shielded and also carries the TT grounding wire. Currently I have issues with hiss and a deep background hum, indicating bad shielding of the tonearm wires and some grounding issues. So, I decided to completely re-wire the Woody and the phono cable. The latter is currently soldered directly to the tonearm wires (34 AWG copper). I also have a ProJect 10 Carbon TT with a BenzMicro LPS cartridge. This TT has an internal 5-point DIN connector linking the tonearm wires to the phono cable.

Here is my question: has - in the experience of this esteemed forum - the 5-pole DIN connection a noticeable effect on the sound? After all, we are talking about very low voltages here, so - at least in theory - a direct connection from the phono cartridge to the preamp would be ideal. However, because of the small wire gauge (34 AWG 6N silver by Zavfino), I would probably run into resistance and capacitance issues for a 3 feet run. I would rather put the DIN plug in place to have a clean transition between the TT-wires and the phono wire, but I am not sure if this would lead to a sonic compromise. Of course, I could just try both configurations and try to hear a difference, but first, I am interested in the science behind this question, and second, I don't really have the time for trial-and-error.

Your input will be highly appreciated.

128x128reimarc
duckmanst3
52 posts
 

An interesting read here: 

https://www.originlive.com/technical-support/tonearms-support/tonearm-faqs/

lewm
12,503 posts
 

In theory, one would think that any connector is worth eliminating when possible, and I have two tonearms with direct wiring from cartridge to phono stage, but in the case of other tonearms I also own and use and that do use the DIN connector, I cannot honestly say I hear any "problem", when I have compared the SQ of the very same cartridges in the very same audio systems, mine that is, comparing straight through connection to DIN connection. Is it possible that there is the tiniest loss of fine detail? Yes, but as connectors go, I think the Cardas DIN connector, if you’re using both male and female halves, is a very good one.

I read the referenced section on the Origin Live website regarding solder joints vs DIN connections, and I have no beef with that, but I do wonder at the concerns related to resistance of the wiring. In many phono stages, especially but not only tube phono stages, a resistor is deliberately inserted in series with the signal, right after the phono input. This is usually to prevent oscillation of the first amplification device and in tube units is typically 100 ohms or so. So why be concerned about a few ohms of resistance in the wire when the signal is going to encounter a much larger in magnitude series resistance inside the phono stage, before any amplification or RIAA filtering?

dover
2,182 posts
 

My preference is to keep the DIN in place because that allows me to run 2 differently configured phono cables - I have 1 specifically designed  for MC cartridges and a second one specifically designed for MM cartridges.

Retaining the DIN allows you to optimise the cable for your cartridge/phono stage.

For me this flexibility outways the disadvantage of having a DIN connector.

Another alternative is to solder the tonearm wires directly into the phono cable to eliminate the DIN connectors.

 

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,221 posts
 

I am of the opinion that you want as little as possible between the cartridge and your phono stage. I want one wire, cartridge clips to XLRs (or RCAs).  The Schroder arms do not even have a solder joint in the way. They use Litzed wires which are a PITA to solder. 

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