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Inexpensive Phono Cables Recommendations

I would appreciate a little advice from the Forum concerning phono cables recommendations.

As a threshold matter, I realize that the subject of phono cables has been exhausted on the Forum. So, please note that I have done my own research by reading through quite a few threads and have a general sense about the importance of phono cables. Although, asking an open-ended question about cable recommendations is a little like asking for "best speaker" recommendations (over 1300 posts on A'gon so far and still counting), it seems that the Cardas name comes up frequently.

I have two general questions: (1) How important are the I/C cables from the phono pre TO the line stage?? If important, I would appreciate some inexpensive suggestions that will yield a lot of bang for the buck. The cable I/Cs will need to run 10-12 feet from the phono pre to the line stage AND are RCA single ended. (2) I would appreciate some inexpensive suggestions for phono cables from the TT TO the phono pre. The phono cables will need to run roughly 5-6 feet from the TT to the phono pre and are also RCA single ended.

I realize that recommendations can be equipment specific, so here's a summary of the relevant equipment. Cartridge: (a) currently using a DV 20X2H MC, output voltage is 2.3 mV; but also (b) trying to buy a VPI Zephyr MI, output voltage is 2.4 mV, Zephyr looking to see 47K ohm impedance and 100-200 pF capacitance. TT is VPI Classic 1 w/ upgrade Classic 3 tone arm. Phono pre is an ARC PH-7, selectable input impedance (incl 47K ohm) and 200 pF capacitance. Linestage is an ARC Ref 3.

As can be seen from the specs listed above, the VPI Zephyr is looking to see between 100 and 200 pF of capacitance (I assume that's a "ceiling," not "floor"), BUT my PH-7 will present the cartridge with 200 pF of capacitance. So, on the surface, it appears that the cable I/Cs between the TT and the PH-7 should probably not present significant additional capacitance, or else, I assume, there may be a degradation of sonics.

Thanks.

P.S. I am embarrassed to disclose what I am currently using for phono I/Cs, but just assume that they are NOT strings held tauntly between Campbell Soup cans.

Oh. . . very important fact -- I do NOT use a ground wire and there is NO hum.
bifwynne
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
To All: thank you very much for the suggestions. I will collate the advice, check around and make a final decision.

As I mentioned in the OP, I am using plain vanilla-all purpose RCA cables. Absolutely nothing special. Maybe two tweaks north of two soup cans and a string. I'm curious if a dedicated phono cable will sound better than my soup can and string set up.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I don't think that there's dedicated phono cable between phono preamp and preamp, but you can certainly benefit from balanced XLR cables between these compononents.
braab8
56 posts
 
Bif

to answer your last question,ABSOLUTELY, a dedicated phono cable (meaning from the tonearm to phonostage) will make a huge difference I should also point out if the rest of your system is able to let these differences show...which it should if your at this stage of the game.
So choose carefully and pay close attention.I would take some of the other posters advice and utilize the Cable company's lending library, that way it's harder to make a hasty decision,while you're setting aside funds (with each borrow) for the cable you do decide on.

just my 2 pennies
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Thanks Braab -- I agree 100% with you. I am very grateful for the advice from the other responders. My sense is that since the connection between the phono pre and line stage is working with stepped up voltage (e.g., 4-6 V), the connection between the TT and phono pre is way more important because the signal is so low (i.e., 2.3 mV or something like that). I gather from the advice above that key parameters to be mindful about are capacitance and impedance. Either can degrade a tiny cartridge signal to the phono pre.
hesson11
237 posts
 
I've been quite happy with the Blues cables from KABusa.com. $22 for a 1-meter pair.
-Bob
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