Phono Cable Question . . .

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited October 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Hey Guys,

I'm upgrading my phono cable. Can I just use an MIT Shotgun S3 RCA and then just run a cheap wire from one ground to the other?

Mike
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  • TSWisla
    TSWisla Posts: 446
    edited October 2009
    I asked my audio guy if this was ok (I had the exact same question) and he said that the cables are not the same. To get the best sound you need to get a tonearm cable specific for TTs. If you are on a budget, VPI makes an awesome shielded cable for around $200 depending on how long of a cable you need. Call Music Direct, they will help you out.

    http://www.musicdirect.com/product/74572
    Zu Soul Supreme
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2009
    TSWisla wrote: »
    I asked my audio guy if this was ok (I had the exact same question) and he said that the cables are not the same. To get the best sound you need to get a tonearm cable specific for TTs. If you are on a budget, VPI makes an awesome shielded cable for around $200 depending on how long of a cable you need. Call Music Direct, they will help you out.

    http://www.musicdirect.com/product/74572

    Funny, I asked my audio guy and he said there's no different between a good RCA cable and a phono cable with RCA's on either end that has a ground wire as well.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2009
    Signal's view: http://signalcable.com/silverresolutionphono.html
    Same high quality conductors as our standard Silver Resolution analog interconnects but with smaller gauge size (24 AWG effective) optimized for Phono applications, this is one of the finest sounding phono interconnect by any standard!
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited October 2009
    interesting. Is there such a thing as Phono-type IEC connector standard? My TT is a Technics 1200MKII with a NON detachable RCA cable. The link from SignalCable above make it appears so.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • TSWisla
    TSWisla Posts: 446
    edited October 2009
    The signal from your TT is not the same as other signals, that is why you can't use the aux on your pre. As with other applications, the ordinary RCA will work, but for the best sound, you need a cable specific for that type of signal. My 0.02.
    Zu Soul Supreme
    Coincident Frankenstein mkIII
    Esoteric K-07
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2009
    TSWisla wrote: »
    The signal from your TT is not the same as other signals, that is why you can't use the aux on your pre. As with other applications, the ordinary RCA will work, but for the best sound, you need a cable specific for that type of signal. My 0.02.

    I could totally see how that would be possible; however, the guy who told me happens to know a helluva a lot about this hobby. I'd say he's an industry expert. I'm gonna pose the question to him again and ask exactly what you are telling me.
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  • TSWisla
    TSWisla Posts: 446
    edited October 2009
    I have heard and read both sides of this argument many times and am always interested in discussing them further. Please let me know what your guy says.
    Zu Soul Supreme
    Coincident Frankenstein mkIII
    Esoteric K-07
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  • Jed Leland
    Jed Leland Posts: 183
    edited October 2009
    Hello,
    It somewhat depends upon the type of phono cartridge you're using. If it is a moving iron or moving magnet the high frequency response can be effected by the total capacitance of the tone arm wiring, turntable connecting cable and the input capacitance of your phono pre-amp. If you are using a moving coil cartridge then the effects of cable capacitance is much less. Check with your cartridge manufacturer and see what the recommended load should be. Then you'll have a better idea of what the connecting cable should have in terms of total capacitance.
    Cheers, Ken
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