Having low phono cable capacitance is important with MM cartridges, but it's not likely to be an issue with MC, unless perhaps you're using some odd cable. As for RF, you may get better results by using a shielded cable, but on the other hand you may not - the only way to know is to try.
Pioneer PL630- upgrading the phono cable?
I have a Pioneer PL630 with an upgraded Audio Quest 404B (essentially a Hana Umami Red) Moving Coil cartridge. I still have the OEM phono cable and am considering replacing it with a higher end cable /ground to reduce RF interference and to lower capacitance, and provide the best possible signal to my Rega Aria preamp. Has anyone done this with their turntable (any higher end turntable) and does it provide a noticeable sonic improvement?
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If it's a cable that was OEM to go with the Pioneer TT, chances are that you can easily do better without spending a lot of money. On the other hand, there is no urgency. Why not listen to the OEM cable for a few weeks, then purchase a reasonable cost modern alternative? Do you live in an area with high RF pollution? If not, shielding may not be necessary, and without shielding, capacitance can be lower than with. That's if capacitance is of concern. |
@cleeds many MM want some cap while MC don't. So my experience is somewhat reversed. @musicearlyadopter so your cart is a high output and not electrically similar to the Umami you reference? If so the reference was a distraction from the topic at hand.
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I have upgraded phono cables in nice but non-audiophile turntables a couple times. I could never hear a difference. The last was in an AR turntable with a pretty good cartrige. I am a big advocate of carefully choosing interconnects, cables, and power cords, and have done so multiple times over the last fifty years as I have built and upgraded my system. That has been my experience. Yours could be different. It will also be depended on how good the rest of your system is. |
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