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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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noromance's avatar
noromance
9,763 posts
 
I tried an Audio Sensibility ’Impact’ phono cable and did not like it. It added some coloration, reduced fine details and introduced a slight smearing over the standard issue Jelco JAC 501 cable. I used it for over a long weekend but hadn't the patience to let it "burn in" any longer.
hdm
1,062 posts
 
"I tried an Audio Sensibility ’Impact’ phono cable and did not like it. It added some coloration, reduced fine details and introduced a slight smearing over the standard issue Jelco JAC 501 cable. I used it for over a long weekend but hadn't the patience to let it "burn in" any longer."

Shows you what a subjective hobby this can be. My experience was exactly the opposite. To be fair, though, I was using the Jelco JAC 506, which is the balanced version (same wire but balanced and different connectors, XLR's obviously). 

I bought one of Steve's cables for a 2nd tonearm/mono setup that I was doing and was so impressed with it that I bought another and stopped using the 506 (if anyone wants it, it would be available at a reasonable price). 

It was a pretty fair, apples to apples comparison as well: I had cryoed the Jelco cable and it was also burned in on an Audiodharma cable cooker by Gene at Takefive Audio. The Audio Sensibility cables are also cryoed and I paid the nominal fee to have the Impact(s) burned in (Steve also uses the Audiodharma) as it is well worth it IMO, especially with something like a phono cable.

I found the (balanced version at least) Impact to be a pretty big step up from both the Jelco and a previous balanced cable that Gene at Takefive had made for me a number of years before using Cardas wire and phono DIN with Vampire XLR's. 
argon66
26 posts
 
I have a VPI Prime with a Soundsmith Zephyr Star. I have had good results with Morrow phono cables. They have several grades to choose from and even offer payment plans on the pricier models. I think my current cable is a ph4. Check them out. 
straycat
33 posts
 
I am also after such cable (initial post). I read a lot of good things about Silver Breeze. I wonder how it compares to other cables such as VdH 501 Hybrid or Stealth Hyperphono. 
bpoletti
1,552 posts
 
It's all about cable resonances.  The very small signal from the cart and from the transformer will and does generate resonances in all the components.  A cable must either reduce the resonances or let them pass.  Every cable hs different resonances so what works well in one system and set of components over a given distance might not sound good in another set of circumstances.

So the bottom line is to try several different cables to see what works best in YOUR system.

Personally, I use Herron Audio interconnects throughout my system.  They work extremely well for me.  I'm using all Herron Audio components and do not use a step-up transformer.  These cables may no longer be available (check with Herron Audio).  

But that's just MY system.  YMMV and probably will.
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