Best phono cable under $500?
@chakster
@chakster
Phono cable advice.
What are some good phono cable options for around $150ish and under? So far I’m looking at BJ LC-1 and Zu Audio Mission cables. This would be for between my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Esprit and most likely (still looking) a MoFi StudioPhono preamp. I have an extra pair of Kimber Silver Streak cables but they don’t look insulated well enough. I’ll be running DH Labs Air Matrix from my preamp to KEF LS50 Wireless speakers. I’d like something I can grow out a little with as I incrementally upgrade things. Stylus (Blue 2M?) is probably next.
Thanks for any input.
Thanks for any input.
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- 106 posts total
Dollar for dollar, I have found nothing better than Anti-cables, at several different price points. Anti-cables only recently started making phono cables, by which I refer to cables terminated at one end with a Cardas DIN plug and at the other end with KLE male RCAs or Xhadow male XLRs. This is coming from someone who generally makes his own cables (me). But I cannot do it as well or for much less cost than can Anti-cables. ~$500 gets you very close to the very top of their line, for a one meter DIN to RCA cable. That's what I just bought, and I am blown away. |
@knollbrent Best phono cable under $500? The best cable is used cable, because it is already burned-in and cost 50% less than new. Once i paid $600 for $2000 Stereolab Master Reference Phono cable right here on audiogon. This is what i like about used cables (the price). Stereovox, Stereolab and now The Black Cat are all made by Chris Sommovigo. He’s a guy who invented Xhadow RCA and XLR mentioned by Lewm. Now his new connectors called the LoveCraft premium. But today i will never spend even $500 for a cable. I really like Zu Audio copper Phono cables, i also like Signal Cable Silver Resolution which i am using with Xhadow RCAs. My interconnect and speaker cables are Stereovox Colibri and Stereovox Firebird and i’m using them for decades. In my opinion phono cable itself is about $150, the rest is the cost of the connectors that anyone can choose (Xhadow, WBT, KLE, LoveCraft etc). In my opinion Xhadow RCA is the best connector in the world for DIYers. It does not require soldering of the signal (there is a screw), only ground. BTW here is some more info about Master Reference Phono cable from Stereolab, this model is discontinued. I don’t know why some cable manufacturers are making new models every year, probably clever marketing. |
The Duelund wire w/their RCAs are a giant killer. If you build them yourself, you'll be in it for $150. If Chris at www.partconnexion builds it, double that. |
- 106 posts total