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Question for Platter spinners regarding IC

I am currently using an AQ Wildcat phono IC between my VPI Prime and Rogue Pharaoh Integrated.  I am interested in advice and opinions of installing an AQ Columbia IC in its place but cannot find any information regarding specs for either cable on AQ site or anywhere else. Nothing on capacitance, inductance etc. I realize I'll have to run a seperate ground using the Columbia. Does anyone have specs for both ICs or know where to find them. What may be a concern or blessing using a regular IC in place of a Phono IC? Any input is appreciated. 
Thanks
128x128gillatgh
sleepwalker65's avatar
sleepwalker65
832 posts
 
Turntable interconnect cables need to be ultra-low capacitance and should have both the signal and the “signal ground” leads shielded all the way to the phono stage. Most turntable interconnects rely on the “signal ground” as the shield, which is folly. Both conductors on each channel are signal-bearing. A true balanced cable with shielding to chassis ground is really what is needed. 
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
Thank you for your input. I called AQ but was on hold for quite a while before I gave up. I'll ask them via email next. Maybe I'll get a reply. I'm leaning on trying it and see how things go. It's an easy IC swap. I can always revert to what I have now. 
lewm
13,002 posts
 
Just try it.
if you like it , it’s good.

Sleepwalker, in theory you’re correct about the importance of shielding, but in specific cases it adds nothing except unwanted capacitance. You generally cannot have “ultra” low capacitance AND shielding in the same cable. Keeping phono cables short as possible is the best bet.

but don’t scare the OP out of doing is own experiment.
sleepwalker65's avatar
sleepwalker65
832 posts
 
Good cable has packing in it to reduce capacitance by spacing the signal bearing conductors farther apart from each other and the shield. Yes, keep them to a minimum length by all means. Btw, I think your caution might scare off people who would otherwise experiment to see what works and doesn’t work for themselves. There is a lot of money to save if you make your cables from quality materials and know what you’re doing. 
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
So I connected the Columbia's and auditioned for about 4 hours playing a variety of genres. Result is still inconclusive but the initial feeling is that the Columbia cable may have introduced a bit of sibilance. Further listening is warranted.
Overall impression is that the Columbia works very well as a Phono interconnect in MY system. It was an improvement over the entry level Wildcat cable without a doubt. 
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