How do I choose a tonearm cable?


I’ve been pulling my system together for several months and discovered that I need a DIN to RCA tonearm cable that’s longer than the one I have.  After trying to wrap my head around the myriad of options and reading head-spinning technical threads, I’m no closer to making a selection.  

Pricing runs the gamut.  I want to make a good decision, but I’m unwilling sell blood or stand on corners to pay for a piece of wire (besides, I’ve been spending all my money on albums that I can’t yet play).   

My system has been down for months with the amps being converted from stereo to monoblocks and new caps, fighting gremlins in my preamp (which died and has been replaced), added a power conditioner, and a phono stage that’s a stepping stone until get my endgame component.  

I want to get this tonearm cable figured out.  As it stands, I have a Blue Jean Cable cable coming off my Feickert Volare 25 with Hana ML and Auris 10 tonearm but I don’t know if the BJC is good, bad or otherwise.  I highly suspect that I can do better.

Looking for advice.  Thoughts?

patrickalston

If sound quality is important to you, then you might want to consider Nordost Heimdall, or one of the higher level Nordost cables.  The Hana ML cartridge is good, and you will want a cable that's good enough to make it shine.

@patrickalston 

"I want to get this tonearm cable figured out.  As it stands, I have a Blue Jean Cable cable coming off my Feickert Volare 25 with Hana ML and Auris 10 tonearm but I don’t know if the BJC is good, bad or otherwise.  I highly suspect that I can do better.

Looking for advice.  Thoughts?"

As you’ll see, the following originate from a manufacturer that actually has some cred regarding the subject and they won’t break the bank. I’m not sure if your Auris requires a straight or right-angled DIN but they provide both options. I’ve considered replacing the stock cable on my Luxman with their straight version. I think my Hana ML in the current configuration is still awesome by the way.

https://ortofon.us/products/6nx-tsw-1010-l-rca-5p-l-shaped

https://ortofon.us/products/6nx-tsw-1010-rca-5p

Cardas all he way. Agree with @mofimadness . I even had the internal wiring of my tonearm redone with Cardas. I suggest you check the dim configuration as there are straight DIN or angle DIN connectors. Cardas adapt configuration, length, etc. to different specs. Can't go wrong with Cardas. You will definitely hear the difference with the quality equipment you have.

what specific length do you need?

you need to check the location of the arm's din connector, especially if it is recessed within your tonearm’s post.

many are male, close to the end of the tube: a typical female din connector with a shoulder/wider portion, or even a right angle connector will work

 

I showed a long narrow version without a shoulder in my initial post above, they are harder to find.

I checked, in 2019 Pine Tree Audio charged me $150 for my 8 lf custom braided phono cable with long neck female din connector (I gave them the source) to rca with ground

Blue Jeans web site shows the shoulder type, straight or angled, you would need to write them if you need a long narrow variety.

The adapter, din to rca has an even shorter neck, and this version is male, you probably need female