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Phono cables

OK, I am vinyl newbie so this is probably a very dumb question. First of all I am in the process of putting a vinyl system together. My current system is completely digital with a Wadia CD player directly driving the amplifier (Rowland 302).

I have just purchased a Synergy IIi on Audiogon and I'm patiently trying to locate a Rowland Cadence phonostage. One I have the Rowland stuff, then I am buying a VPI table with JMW 10.5i tonearm and Dynavector cartridge.

My question is are phono cables that connect the turntable and tonearm to the phono preamp different that regular interconnects? I am currently using Cardas Golden Reference cables in my system and looking on the Cardas website they have phono cables that have single ended with ground on one end of the cable and some unusual single connection on the other. Rowland Cadence has only XLR input and outputs. Can someone please explain the differences in phono cables and what I may need if I'm every lucky enough to find a Rowland Cadence?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Phil
philb7777
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
The actual wiring is the same. Most arms use a special plug that fits into the bottom of the arm. However, you do not have to worry about that if you buy the VPI as they use a junction box that takes RCAs and let you use your regular interconnects. They have a balanced junction box available as an option at extra cost so you can use balanced interconnects between the table and phono stage. The arm itself is connected directly to the junction box by a cable supplied by them. You might also consider getting the Aries Extended table with the 12.7 arm, I just found out it is still available.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Balanced cables of course uses XLRs, I should have said that.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I'm not sure if Dynavector makes any moving magnet cartridges, but if the one you are contemplating is a moving magnet type you need to take the cable capacitance into account (as well as the input capacitance of the phono stage), and make sure that the total capacitance is within the range recommended in the cartridge specifications.

If it is a moving coil cartridge, load capacitance is non-critical. Load resistance is important, but that is provided by the phono stage and is essentially not affected by the cable.

Regards,
-- Al
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Cardas makes phono cables with RCA's on both ends. I just got a pair for my VPI and love them (I think they were $550). BIG upgrade from the VPI cables ($200).
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I am beginning to understand things better. For those Cadence owners out there, what cables are you using to connect turntable/tonearm to the Cadence? How are you dealing with the XLR only issues with the Cadence? Even though I don't have a Cadence yet, I'm trying to prepare once I get lucky and find one.
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