Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to take your turntable setup to the next level?
You may have heard about the Incognito tonearm wires and their supposed ability to elevate the sound quality of your system.
But do they really make a difference?
In this article, we’ll explore the topic and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
From upgrading counterweights to rewiring tonearms, we’ll cover it all.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of turntable upgrades.
Do Incognito Tonearm Wires Really Make A Difference
The short answer is yes, Incognito tonearm wires can make a noticeable difference in the sound quality of your turntable setup.
But let’s take a closer look at why that is.
First, it’s important to understand what tonearm wires do. They are responsible for transmitting the electrical signal from the cartridge to the phono preamp, which then amplifies the signal and sends it to your speakers.
The quality of these wires can have a significant impact on the overall sound quality of your system.
Incognito tonearm wires are known for their high-quality construction and use of premium materials. They are designed to minimize signal loss and interference, resulting in a cleaner and more detailed sound.
Many users report hearing improvements in clarity, detail, and overall tonal balance after upgrading to Incognito wires.
However, it’s worth noting that the impact of tonearm wire upgrades can vary depending on the rest of your setup. If you have a low-end turntable or speakers, you may not notice as much of a difference as someone with a high-end system.
Additionally, it’s important to consider other upgrades you may want to make before investing in tonearm wire upgrades. Upgrading your cartridge or phono preamp may have a more significant impact on sound quality than upgrading your tonearm wires.
What Are Incognito Tonearm Wires?
Incognito tonearm wires are a type of tonearm wire upgrade that are specifically designed for Rega-based tonearms. They feature a continuous cable run from cartridge tags to Phono/RCA plug, with a solid brass slug situated at the base of the arm pillar to which all earths are connected. This grounding of various components of the arm assembly leads to a single external ground wire.
The external section of the cable is run through a Faraday cage assembly, inside which, protected by a spiral polythene tube, run the left and right channel signal leads. The signal wires are Cardas Pure Copper Litz tonearm wire, connected to non-magnetic gold plated RCA/Phono connectors and high-quality Cardas gold plated on solid brass headshell tags.
The Incognito re-wire kit is known for its ability to lift the performance of Rega-based tonearms to undreamed-of levels. It has been praised for curing issues such as lumpy, tucked-under bass, splashy treble, and mid-prominent balance. Users have reported significant improvements in clarity, detail, and overall tonal balance after upgrading to Incognito wires.
While Incognito tonearm wires can make a noticeable difference in sound quality, it’s important to consider other upgrades you may want to make before investing in them. Upgrading your cartridge or phono preamp may have a more significant impact on sound quality than upgrading your tonearm wires. Additionally, the impact of tonearm wire upgrades can vary depending on the rest of your setup.
The Science Behind Tonearm Wires And Their Impact On Sound Quality
The science behind tonearm wires is rooted in the principles of electrical conductivity and shielding. The wires must be able to transmit the electrical signal from the cartridge to the phono preamp with minimal signal loss and interference.
Upgraded tonearm wires, such as those used in the Incognito cable, typically use premium materials like Cardas Pure Copper Litz wire and high-quality gold-plated connectors. These materials have a higher conductivity than cheaper alternatives, allowing for a more efficient transmission of the electrical signal.
Additionally, Incognito tonearm wires are designed with shielding in mind. The signal leads are shielded and held at a fixed distance from the screen, which helps to minimize interference and reduce noise.
The impact of tonearm wire upgrades on sound quality can be significant, but it’s worth noting that it may not be as noticeable as other upgrades like cartridge or phono preamp upgrades. However, for those with high-end systems, upgrading tonearm wires can be a worthwhile investment in achieving a cleaner and more detailed sound.
It’s also important to note that not all tonearms are created equal when it comes to wiring. Some stock wiring within tonearms can be of poor quality, which can limit the potential for sound quality improvements. In these cases, upgrading to high-quality tonearm wires like those used in the Incognito cable can make a significant difference.
How To Install Incognito Tonearm Wires
If you’ve decided to upgrade your tonearm wires to Incognito, here’s how to install them:
1. Begin by removing the old tonearm wires from your turntable. This will likely involve unscrewing the headshell from the tonearm and carefully detaching the wires from the cartridge.
2. Take note of how the old wires were connected, as you’ll need to connect the new wires in the same way. This may involve soldering, so make sure you have the necessary tools and experience before proceeding.
3. Once the old wires are removed, it’s time to install the Incognito wires. The Incognito loom is designed to be installed in a single run of cable from the cartridge tag to the phono plug, replacing both inner and outer cables with a single uninterrupted cable.
4. As you install the new cable, be sure to keep it away from any other electrical components in your turntable to minimize interference.
5. The heart of the Incognito assembly is a solid brass slug located at the base of the arm pillar. This is where all earths are connected, grounding the various components of the arm assembly leading to a single external ground wire.
6. The external section of the cable is run through a Faraday cage assembly inside which, protected by a spiral polythene tube, run the left and right channel signal leads.
7. Finally, connect the new wires to your cartridge and phono preamp using high-quality gold connectors. Make sure everything is securely attached and properly grounded before powering up your turntable.
With your new Incognito tonearm wires installed, you should notice a significant improvement in sound quality. Enjoy your newly refined turntable setup!
The Cost-benefit Analysis Of Upgrading Your Turntable With Incognito Tonearm Wires
When considering whether to upgrade your turntable with Incognito tonearm wires, it’s important to weigh the cost and potential benefits.
The Incognito rewire kit is a single run of cable with no joints, designed specifically for Rega-based arms. It costs around 150 GBP, which may seem like a lot for a small piece of wire. However, many users have reported significant improvements in sound quality after upgrading.
The benefits of upgrading to Incognito wires include improved clarity, detail, and tonal balance. However, it’s worth noting that the impact of this upgrade can vary depending on the rest of your setup.
Before investing in tonearm wire upgrades, it’s important to consider other potential upgrades that may have a more significant impact on sound quality. For example, upgrading your cartridge or phono preamp may be more beneficial in some cases.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade your turntable with Incognito tonearm wires will depend on your personal preferences and budget. If you value high-quality sound and are willing to invest in upgrades, then upgrading your tonearm wires may be a worthwhile investment.
Other Turntable Upgrades To Consider For Ultimate Sound Quality
While upgrading your tonearm wires can certainly improve sound quality, there are other turntable upgrades to consider as well.
One of the most noticeable upgrades you can make is to your cartridge. A high-quality cartridge can deliver a significant improvement in sound quality, with improvements in clarity, detail, and overall tonal balance. However, keep in mind that cartridges can be expensive, with some options exceeding $1000.
Another upgrade to consider is the subplatter. Upgrading to a high-quality subplatter can improve speed stability and reduce noise, resulting in a clearer and more detailed sound.
Record clamps and isolation platforms are also popular upgrades. These accessories can help reduce vibrations and resonance, resulting in a cleaner and more focused sound.
It’s also worth considering the phono preamp. A high-quality phono preamp can significantly improve sound quality, especially if you’re using a moving coil cartridge. Look for a preamp with low noise and distortion levels, and make sure it’s compatible with your cartridge type.
Overall, there are many turntable upgrades to consider if you’re looking to achieve ultimate sound quality. While tonearm wire upgrades can certainly make a difference, it’s important to consider all of your options before making a decision.
