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XLR vs. Phono Cables

I am in the process of purchasing a new phono preamp -- the reason being is that my turntable is a distance from my preamp and I need a slight boost of signal. The wires must travel about 12 feet from my turnatble behind a television set to my preamp. This is probably not ideal, but I really don't have a choice.

Earlier I posted recommendations for phono preamps in the $500 to $1,500 price range. I received some very nice feedback. Some of the phono preamps have XLR support, while others only support standard phono cables.

Would I be better off buying a phono preamp with XLR outputs, or will standard phono cables be ok for my purpose?

Thank you.
-Greg
fremonthills
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
I second what Shardone wrote - Don't do it. Not only that levels are small but also low frequencies are boosted by phono stage. In addition cable's capacitance my interfere with your cartridge.
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fremonthills OP
15 posts
 
Perhaps I didn't make this clear, but the phono preamp will be placed right next to the turntable. The long cable will connect the phono preamp to the actual preamp. I believe this is the recommended way to do it.

TT -- 1' --> Phono Preamp ------ 12' -----> Preamp

What I'm wondering is whether XLR is preferred over standard phono cables for this 12 foot length of cable.

Sorry for the confusion.
-Greg
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
As I said in my post above..if your preamp/line stage is better at XLR then the preferred termination would be blanced...if and only if you're terminus/arm is balanced. If you have RCA's at the end of your turntable, use RCA's into the preamp. Wonderful results can be accomplished using either RCA or XLR. I would not use any adapters to change XLR to RCA or reverse. I tried that and could certainly hear any and all adapters...even the hundred dollar variety.
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Perhaps I didn't make this clear, but the phono preamp will be placed right next to the turntable. The long cable will connect the phono preamp to the actual preamp. I believe this is the recommended way to do it.

OK, now you have no problems other than deciding on cable. Stringreen has accurately answered the second half of your question. Time for you to enjoy some music.
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