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How are phono cables different (related to hum issue)?

Wrestling with frustrating humming for weeks on a new TT. Finally inserted the cheap stock phono cable, and the hum is nearly gone. Was using spendy phono cables bought separately prior. So what's the sitch here? Shielding? Cheaper = carrying less signal? I was using the ground wire with both (and tried without, twas worse). Glad the hum is gone, the sound is duller but removing the hum makes it almost worth it. Of course now I need the color back, but not the hum. 
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robelvick's avatar
robelvick
619 posts
 
@scott_w

I had the same problem for a long time, and tried many different arrangements without any luck.

After reading many forum posts, I found a recommendation for Blue Jean Cables LC-1 interconnects and gave them a try. Low capacitance, and double braid shielding. No more hum, EMI, RFI, nada! No lack of air or detail in my system either, just great sound and no more annoyances.

I also don't need to use any grounding wires either.

$38.75 for a 3 foot pair on Amazon.
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b4icu's avatar
b4icu
558 posts
 
Hi
A phono cable shall have an additional GND wire with a spade, to connect to a screw on the Amp's side. Ordinary RCA to RCA may have the hum noise problem you say you have.
The extra GND wire is essential. 
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speedskater
23 posts
 
Actually the Blue Jeans Cable, LC-1 might not be the best choice for some phono cartridge to pre-amp input combinations. In some cases the total cable capacitance can affect the high frequency response of the combination. The LC-1 has less than 1/3 the capacitance of many common TT cables.
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