Phono interconnects

hochpt21

I wanted to try something different than the stock cables from my TT. It has rca jacks so I can hook up any interconnect to it.

I switched in some Signal Cable Analog 2's, and I feel that it veiled the sound slightly.

Can anyone recommend a good interconnect to run between my TT and phono stage for under $75? I probably only need less than 2 feet.

My goal is the clearest, truest sound possible. Maybe even a bit forward to balance the laid back B&K and the LSi's.

Thanks,
Paul

Dawgfish

I'm having good luck running Pepster's Mogami braided ICs with my turntable. They are very detailed and neautral. I don't feel they over-emphasize any portion of the audio spectrum. I'm also running a Grado cartridge with mine (Reference Statement), so I know it matches well with the Grado house sound. Give Pepster a PM.

hochpt21

Dawgfish wrote: »

I'm having good luck running Pepster's Mogami braided ICs with my turntable. They are very detailed and neautral. I don't feel they over-emphasize any portion of the audio spectrum. I'm also running a Grado cartridge with mine (Reference Statement), so I know it matches well with the Grado house sound. Give Pepster a PM.

I will do that.

Speedskater

One thing about traditional TT phone cartridge to RIAA pre-amp systems is that the interconnect is part of a tuned circuit that is sensitive to cable capacitance. So you don't want a real long or real short cable. Also you don't want a very low or very high capacitance per foot cable.

Dawgfish

^^Correct.^^ Pepsters cable fits that bill nicely.

hochpt21

Speedskater wrote: »

So you don't want a real long or real short cable. Also you don't want a very low or very high capacitance per foot cable.

I thought it was the shorter the better.

What is the ideal length and capacitance? Or does it depend on my setup?

Dawgfish

Some of it does depend on your setup but generally lower capacitance is preffered, somewhere in the 30-100 pF/Ft range. Also must phono ICs you are see are 3-6 ft, but I think that is done to make it easier to fit in a wide range of system setups. My phono IC from Pepster is a little over 2ft. It sounds really good in everything I have used it with (I've tried it on CDPs and SACDs I've had also), but I like it best with my TT with the Grado Cart. Check this site out also for some good choices for your budget; www.kabusa.com

dromunds

I'll second Dawgfish's recommendation of Pepster's cables. He's the man.

chumlie

Tell him ya want the chicken & cornbread special. NOT the balogna brand.

Systems

dromunds wrote: »

I'll second Dawgfish's recommendation of Pepster's cables. He's the man.

Yours was a "first" for me Don (1 and only I have ever made with a DIN plug)!:cheesygrin:
Thanks for the feedback.

EndersShadow

Ohhhh minty fresh.... when were those born?

and PM me the cost, I think this is something I could do with my Technics....

Obsession18

Does your phono pre-amp have the ability to alter the capacitive loading, if so you can try that to see if you get your highs back.

Dawgfish

I think the OP has RCA terminals with his TT so he can use RCA to RCA termintations. That is good to know that you make RCA to DIN cables for tables that don't have the RCA jacks. I may be interested in getting one of those for my 1200 also.

EndersShadow

Dawgfish wrote: »

I think the OP has RCA terminals with his TT so he can use RCA to RCA terminations.

Yeah that was my assumption as well, that or he's using a phono pre and wants RCA's from that to his pre.

Dawgfish wrote: »

That is good to know that you make RCA to DIN cables for tables that don't have the RCA jacks. I may be interested in getting one of those for my 1200 also.

Yup, I would love to pretty up the stock Technics TT cables myself but am hesitant to open up the tonearm and all that due to all the horror stories I hear (and I am TT stupid to boot).

If I can have pep make a cable for me thats plug and play then it saves me that headache and nets me a super quality cable from a spiffy awesome fella to boot. I call that a Win-Win

hochpt21

Yep, I have the RCA terminals on my TT.

Pep has made a few PC's for me, but said he wouldn't be able to get to making me some interconnects for awhile.

He mentioned helopilotdoug. Any of you used his cables before?

Does your phono pre-amp have the ability to alter the capacitive loading, if so you can try that to see if you get your highs back.

hochpt21

Right now I have the loading set at 47k, which the manual says should be the only one used for MM carts. But I will definitely mess around with it.

The gain is set at 60.

Obsession18

hochpt21 wrote: »

Yep, I have the RCA terminals on my TT.

Pep has made a few PC's for me, but said he wouldn't be able to get to making me some interconnects for awhile.

He mentioned helopilotdoug. Any of you used his cables before?

Unfortunately your pre-amp doesn't have a variable cap setting, only a resistive setting. I have used the cap setting on my pre-amp to tone down the highs to my liking.

zingo

Maybe silver wire for a quick, detailed, forward sound?

EndersShadow

hochpt21 wrote: »

He mentioned helopilotdoug. Any of you used his cables before?

I have not, however I know of at least 15-20 folks running his cable's on high dollar systems and they are VERY HAPPY with them. I have talked to doug before many times and he's a great guy to talk to, and even better to deal with.

I know he's made some one off stuff for a couple guys and went WAAYYY above and beyond their expectations.

I am in line to demo some of his stuff against my Kimber Kable gear in the future and look forward to the results!

Systems

IMHO, I would try a pair of Mogami 2549 IC's first and go from there.
I think you could find a set on Ebay, or from some of the pro audio dealers.

Or just order the wire and rca plugs and send it to doug or someone to put together, or he may be able to suggest something better, and have it on hand.
That would give you the option of better rca connectors, and it does sound better with better rca's.:cheesygrin:
I don't have any Mogami at the moment, and about the time it would take to arrive, I will be going out of town for a while.:redface:

If you know someone close that can solder, it would be an easy build.
You should try it yourself Paul.
Solder pens are cheap, and there are plenty of how to videos on Youtube.

I was really impressed with the 2549 with the cheapest Furutechs installed, and I have heard a few sets in my time.:cheesygrin:

hochpt21

zingo wrote: »

Maybe silver wire for a quick, detailed, forward sound?

Yea, I run exclusively SignalCable at this point, so their silver resolution line may be a good pick.

hochpt21

http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Interconnects/Kimber-Kable/Silver-Streak/Interconnects-12-quot/86647

What about these?

Systems

hochpt21 wrote: »

http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Interconnects/Kimber-Kable/Silver-Streak/Interconnects-12-quot/86647

What about these?

Sorry Paul, I just saw this.:redface:
I think that is a really great deal on those and pretty sure they would work well and you would be happy with them!

Systems

After being audited by your "Uncle Sam" and having to work all that SHINNIZLE OUT!
I have my doubts I will be going anywhere.
So If you want to try something, or have something in mind(I do:biggrin:), just give me a shout.

I had big plans to take a trip, but the Police State intervened!:redface:

There are not enough smilies on this earth to express how I feel about our current tax situations!:evil:

I did finally get the refund in the mail today, but it took 8 weeks after E-Filing it!:evil::evil:

chumlie

Better hurry Paul before pep gets gone.

Systems

chumlie wrote: »

Better hurry Paul before pep gets gone.

If I had your money Charlie, I would have already been gone!

That said I have some really EXCELLENT components on hand here, that I was not planning on using for another 3 weeks until after my trip, that now is prolly a no-go!

In my grandfathers time, you were innocent until proven guilty.
Not so much anymore!

Will Rogers said it best about taxes:
Get all your money together, make a "big wad" with it, put it in your pocket.
Jump in the nearest creek.
When you come out of the creek, any dry money in the "wad" is yours to keep!:cheesygrin:

Systems

I would recommend the Vampire locking rca's for Phono (which I have a ton on hand here).
Your choice, silver or copper solid core 6N OCC wire (tons on hand).
Or Cardas, or Furutech, I have all on hand here (tons).
Unless you want to try the Mogami2549 which I would have to order, and is DAMN good with the Furutechs.
Up to ya.
Keep in mind the below IC's are made from scratch.
I even insulate my own wire, OCC 6N bare wire.
But I would still make a good deal to try first if you like.:cheesygrin:

Systems

I've made a few with the Vamps for myself I would not part with!:cheesygrin:

hochpt21

Sneakily messaging while watching tv with the wife.

Pep ill message you. Sounds good.

Systems

Or LOK locking Silver or LOK locking Gold, I got 'em in hand.:cheesygrin:
Or braided 2534 Mogami, which is pretty sweet!

RCA plugs?
I got em just to make your mouth water, Vamps, Cardas, Furutechs,Lok (all my favs)!

hochpt21

Ok...Ok...you got me all steamed up.

PM sent.