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RCA cable sequence (phono stage)
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Jethro View Drop Down
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    Posted: 10 Nov 2025 at 5:55pm
Hi all,

Quick question for you.

I have a turntable, phono stage and amp, and 2 sets of RCA cables.

I understand that any system is at the mercy of its weakest link, but was wondering if there is any appreciable difference in which order I use the cables (of different brands/qualities).

My assumption (always dangerous) would be to use the higher quality cable first (TT > Phono stage) to get the best signal in at the start. 

The cables in question are
(1) Chorus Straight wire interconnects (natty purple, 100cm)
(2) Fisual S Pearl phono SPPH (serious grey, 75cm)



So, my questions are:

A - which cable is better?
B - does it make a difference re the order?
C - are they letting the side down?
(Hypothetical last question as I'm done spending for now!)

Any comments or inputs greatly appreciated

Many thanks,

Jethro

Ortofon 2m Blue (MM) > Argon TT4 mk2 > GS Gram Amp 2 > Audiolab 6000A mk1 > Tannoy Mercury M2's



Edited by Jethro - 10 Nov 2025 at 6:08pm
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patientot View Drop Down
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Points: 1778 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote patientot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Nov 2025 at 6:47pm
Rather than focusing on the brand name of the cable or how much it costs, you need to focus on the technical specs.

For any turntable cable, the cable needs to be well shielded with shields connected at both ends. Good cables have multiple layers of shielding.

For the electrical loading of an MM cart, the cable that matters the most is the one that goes out the back of the turntable into the phono preamp INPUT. That cable should be low capacitance. If you do not know the capacitance spec then I would ask the manufacturer to provide it. Worst case you can try to measure it but that's more of a hassle.

I do not recommend people use "mystery spec" cables, no matter the brand.
SL-1200 MK7 (modified) + Reflex M + PSU-1 used with AT150-40ML, AT VM610 MONO, AT VM95ML, Stanton 680mkII + Ogura, and Shure M35X cartridges.
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Chris Firth View Drop Down
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Points: 1665 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Firth Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Nov 2025 at 6:59pm
Originally posted by patientot patientot wrote:

Rather than focusing on the brand name of the cable or how much it costs, you need to focus on the technical specs.

For any turntable cable, the cable needs to be well shielded with shields connected at both ends. Good cables have multiple layers of shielding.

For the electrical loading of an MM cart, the cable that matters the most is the one that goes out the back of the turntable into the phono preamp INPUT. That cable should be low capacitance. If you do not know the capacitance spec then I would ask the manufacturer to provide it. Worst case you can try to measure it but that's more of a hassle.

I do not recommend people use "mystery spec" cables, no matter the brand.
Sage advice indeed!
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Jethro View Drop Down
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Points: 14 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jethro Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Nov 2025 at 7:07pm
Hi,

Thanks for the info, i'm not very tech savvy on these things yet.

I found this info about the Chorus (On google) - i don't think they are a current model
  • Insulation: Sintered foam PTFE
But no idea what that really means in practice.

The capacitance specifications for the Straight Wire Chorus interconnects are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results. However, the cable is known for its low capacitance design, achieved through specific materials and construction methods to ensure optimal signal integrity

again, google AI was the source...
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Fatmangolf View Drop Down
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Points: 9695 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Fatmangolf Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Nov 2025 at 8:20pm
I share David's views on manufacturers (not) sharing their cable specs and on turnable to phono stage considerations. Low capacitance is good for MM because you adjust from there. Too much and you get a peak in the treble that can't be fixed later in the chain. However shielding is also important to keep interference out.

In the absence of published cable specs you could try swapping their order in your system. Note any change in the sound like high/mid/low balance, hum and other noise.
Jon

Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC.
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