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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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bpoletti
1,530 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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cleeds
5,662 posts
 
bpoletti
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.
How do you know there is resonance in a cable?
How do you measure the resonance?
At what frequencies are these resonances?How does a cable "reduce the resonances?"
bpoletti
1,530 posts
 
@cleeds There is resonance in EVERYTHING! That resonance impacts sound quality and can interact with other components regardless of their isolated measurements.

If you consider what a resonance is, then you can answer your own questions.  I assume you are capable of that since a resonance is a resonance.

snackeyp's avatar
snackeyp
455 posts
 
I bought the Audio Sensibility Statement cable for my SME 20/2 w IV tonearm and have been enjoying the sound very much.  Very detailed sound without any grain or edge.  Some folk hate on cables with silver content in them but to my ears they make sense.  This cable makes sense, and it cost only around $400.  
invictus005
597 posts
 
I haven't heard anything better than van den Hul 501 for phono. 
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