Arms, Cartridges & Phono

A phono cable is built for the tiny signal from a cartridge: lower capacitance, heavier shielding and a dedicated ground wire to prevent hum. A regular RCA interconnect can physically fit, but it is not optimised for the job.

Moving magnet (MM) cartridges have higher output and work with standard phono inputs. Moving coil (MC) cartridges have much lower output, need more gain, and reward better cabling because any noise picked up is amplified along with the music.

Usually yes. Most turntables and tonearms require the earth lead to be connected to the phono stage's ground terminal to avoid hum. All of our phono builds include a proper ground arrangement, matched to your setup.

Standard lengths run from 0.5 m to 5.0 m in 0.5 m steps, with quality RCA terminations and the earth lead configured for your turntable and phono stage. Keep the run as short as practical for the quietest result.

Match the preamp to your cartridge type first: MM or MC, and for MC check the gain and loading options. Then match your budget to how resolving the rest of the system is. We are happy to talk it through before you buy anything.