As posted previsously in this thread, I had been waiting for updated 'prototype' RCA-RCA phono cables.
I finally got my 'low-mass' CT-1E phono. This was specially made for the RS Labs tonearm, which only sits on the armboard, so heavy phono cables will tip the arm.
I originally had some BIS cables, which were a stop-gap measure. When I went to Hovland MGII tonearm cables, I thought that was a huge improvement.
Rick later made up some prototype phono cables for me, which were some of the first cables using the conductor now used in the CT-1E cables. It used the older VD UltraClear connectors, but it was so much better than the MGII, especially in base response, which has been noted as one of the shortcomings of the Hovland. (Although it is still an excellent cable, especially at the price when it was available.) The 'prototype' CT-1/UC cables were great.
My latest cables are also unshielded, but use the latest connectors. The conductor is the same.
These cables were eerily quiet when I dropped the needle. I first thought something was wrong there was such a reduction in what I thought was phono-pre/amp/speaker hiss.
When the music started I first thought that the cables were slightly better than the ones with the VD connector, not as much improvement as I expected, although this was early in the first song. But then the kick drum came in, which had waaayyy more impact, and sounded more real than the last time I played this record. (Shawn Colvin, Steady On, Columbia LP) Not necessarily louder, but the feeling of the drum being really thumped. Then I was noticing more instruments in the background, and more singers, and more music.
The eery lack of noise took some getting used to, but once I got used to it, and stopped trying to listen to differences, I found the music so much more relaxing and touching.
And this was due to changing connectors. Great job, Rick.