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Phono cable recommendations - high performance good value cable

I know this is a loaded subject... but I did a search and there are posts from 6-7 years ago mainly on this...

So in this current time, what are good options for high transparency, ’honest’ interconnect cables for analog signal use. For context, I am using a VPI Classic 3 (with Koetsu Black or AT ART9 carts), so running RCA’s on both ends. Currently using Blue Jeans’ Belden shielded cables with teflon sleeve including ground wire...definitely a high value cable...

I tend to favor transparent, non-frequency-filter cabling - my ear prefers a slightly lively sound with big/wide soundstaging... - rest of my system uses Zu Varials and Gedes, if that gives you an idea. Have used Purist, Cardas and Nordost in the past... Purist is very smooth and slightly rolled off, Cardas very rolled off/saps energy from the music, Nordost quite transparent but flattens the soundstage some. Speaker cables are Mapleshades, very transparent...

For TT use, I sometimes run a Cinemag or other MC transformer, so that creates the need for add’l IC runs between TT and Xformer and phono preamp to line stage... so whatever small signal cabling used would have additive effects for shaping the sound.  Most critical of course is the first run off the cartridge, I realize... need shielding I think early in the chain...though I have read that some feel shielded cables rob a little transparency.

Final note, by and large I am not a fan of mega buck cabling... each time I have tried in the past, I have felt that money spent on expensive cabling does not yield a good return...

Thanks in advance for any thoughts and recommendations.
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richmon
252 posts
 

I'm running a VPI prime with the AT ART9.

Grover Huffman's take on phono cable features is superior shielding is desireable for the low current application of TT to preamp with moving coil.  Here's the blurb from his website:

Also available my state of the art Phonograph cable both in DIN and standard RCA. Utilizing a painstakingly developed active carbon, tungsten, nickel shield that minimally affects the low voltage signal of moving coil cartridges. Additionally a second shield of active woven copper mesh combine to make this cable impervious to any interference.  

All I can tell you is mine sounds fantastic and images like a champ. He has a 60 day no-risk return policy. 

http://www.groverhuffman.com

williewonka
3,082 posts
 
My first move away from "conventional cables" involved Stager Silver Sonic IC's - great bang for the buck

I then upgraded the RCA's on the Stagers to KLE Innovations Silver Harmony - excellent upgrade. more clarity, better bass control and better image

Then I tried KLE Innovations gZero3 IC's - a vast improvement.

I've gone as high as the gZero20 and each model provides discernible improvements

The entire KLE Innovations lineup are a little on the expensive side - but they work - much better than the competition. 

Regards - Steve
nycjlee
286 posts
 
Had great results using balanced phono cable by Audio Sensibility. 
529proaudio
18 posts
 
I'm in the same boat, looking for a great bang for the buck phono cable. The cheap one I got with my VPI Scout Prime is picking up all sorts of interference resulting in a bad hum at higher volumes. I have a $100 Pro-ject Connect-It cable on order but wondering if I can do better for a little more $$$. Suggestions welcome!  
lewm
13,344 posts
 
If a cable is picking up "interference" that indicates you need a cable with better shielding.  There might be no other problem with the cable you are using besides lack of adequate shielding.  However, if you really do have "hum" at high volumes, that may be due to inadequate grounding somewhere in the system.  This has nothing to do with interference or shielding, unless the cable is running near a transformer or some such device that radiates EMI, in which case shielding would help. "Hum" has a fairly strict definition, a monotone with a frequency of around 60Hz to 120Hz.  If that's what you've got, check out your ground connections or try re-routing your cable between the tonearm and the phono input.

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