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
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. 
Sleepwalker, So we can agree not to “scare” people.  Your point about letting people experiment for themselves was exactly mine.  I wondered whether you were quoting me in fact.  The OP just needed to know that he would do no harm to his system by his performing his little experiment, a very little one at that.

Gillatgh, You never mentioned what cartridge you are using.  It makes a big difference between MM and MC types.  MM types are very sensitive to capacitance in that some of them do best with ADDED capacitance in parallel with the input; high-ish capacitance in the cable is not necessarily a bad thing, but there is such a thing as too much, if you’re using an MM. (That’s why I think it is shameful of AQ doesn’t give you the info on their cables.) MC cartridges with relatively low output are much less sensitive to capacitance, except to keep it low as possible.  The manufacturer of a good MM cartridge should stipulate the best capacitative load. But I have found in this hobby more often than not that rules are made to be broken or ignored.
@lewm 
Cartridge is MM Ortophone 2m black, yesterday's listening session was enlightening.  It was obvious immediately that the Wildcat was lacking in some aspects. Sounded a little colder or duller, not really sure what to call it. The Columbia was more lively and open but also imparted a perceived sibilance, especially noticeable on older 1970s albums. 180g reissues were less noticeable. I'll play with the cables for a while and in the meantime shop around for a better phono interconnect at reasonable cost. 
After this little experiment I'd  be interested to hear recommendations of ICs to try from the community
"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 placed..."

gilltgh-
consider checking out https://www.thecableco.com instead of getting suggestions from a mixed bag of opinion here. 

Since the cable thing is already a contentious subject, allowing your own ears to judge what's "best" may be the answer.

As long as the IC's are shielded to help prevent excessive noise, they will work. How they "sound" is another thing. Tech specs can't ensure a subjective call.

Making it a science project IMO, guarantees only needless riff on a thread from the wisdom and know it alls.

I use Nordost thru my entire system, including my VPI.
VPI seems to be in the Nordost camp since they use it in some of their offerings.

Before driving yourself mad with cable insanity, I would ensure having the highest performing phono stage and cartridge for your VPI. 








To the OP, I would not be too quick to blame perceived sibilance on the new cable.  There are a myriad of other causes, such as VTA, VTF, the cartridge by nature, etc., that may contribute to or cause sibilance. It’s possible that the superior performance of the new cable has simply revealed sibilance that was masked by the previous cable.  Or that sibilance is on the LP itself. Try increasing VTF by 0.1 or 0.2g.

If you like what you have right now, I advise sticking with it for at least several weeks or months so you get a fixed idea of the sonic character of your system with this cable in place.  THEN you might want to play around, if that sort of thing appeals to you.  In that event, the idea of borrowing cables from the Cable Company (mentioned by tablejockey above), where you can have a free home trial, is a good one.

And for a countervailing opinion, I have found that the low to medium price Nordost cables make my ears bleed. In fairness, I have never heard their megabuck top line cables.