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Budget phono cables

I've searched the archives here, but most everything that gets recommended is at least $500. I need RCA-RCA, as I'm using a Well Tempered arm right now. The VPI is $200 but doesn't seem to have a very good reputation, and lacks a ground wire. Extremephono has this now:

http://www.extremephono.com/extremephono_crimson_tm.htm

but I can't find anyone who's used one. At present I'm using a decent quality shielded interconnect with a piece of 18 gauge for a ground, and it's quiet enough, but I can't help wondering if the .23mv from my Denon 103R isn't getting soaked up by the cable.

Are there any dedicated phono cables out there for less than $200? Or a regular interconnect that would suffice? Extremephono has 30 day return, but I worry it won't get burned in during the test period.

David
armstrod
cmo
471 posts
 
David,

I'm, not sure how much they are new but the Cardas phono cables are very good bargains. I have used Kimber Silver Streak RCA interconnects as well and thought they were pretty good. You can always find them used on Agone. If you need a gound most any plain 'ol wire will work.

Chris
armstrod OP
613 posts
 
Cardas Cross phono, which is the least expensive, is $278 new at Audio Advisor and appears to be only RCA-DIN. I'd probably have to special order RCA-RCA.

The Kimbers look like they're not shielded, and I would think shielding would be especially important for a phono cable. If silver is the right material, how about the Signal Cable Silver Resolution? Good price, shielded, and Frank has a great reputation here...
photon46
1,086 posts
 
I've been using the Signal Cable Silver Resolution as a phono interconnect between my VPI Scout/Garrott Optim FGS and Music Reference preamp with great results. For the money, it's hard to imagine doing better. It spent about 2 weeks burn in time between my preamp & amp before I moved it to the phono duties.
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