Are you a vinyl enthusiast wondering how long your turntable cables can be without sacrificing sound quality?
Look no further!
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of turntable cabling, including the ideal gauge for phono and line cables, the impact of cable capacitance on frequency response, and the maximum recommended length for external phono and line cables.
Plus, we’ll provide tips on how to extend your RCA cables without compromising HD quality.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of turntable cabling.
How Long Can Turntable Cables Be
When it comes to turntable cables, the length can have a significant impact on the sound quality. The longer the cable, the higher the internal cable capacitance, which can affect the frequency response of the cartridge.
For phono cables, which are used to feed the cartridge from the tonearm, it’s recommended to use at least AWG 33 gauge wires with isolating insulation. The cables should also be kept short, ideally no longer than 3 feet for external phono cables.
For line cables, which are used to connect the turntable to an amplifier or receiver, a gauge of 14 AWG is ideal. However, these cables should not exceed 100 feet in length to maintain optimal sound quality.
It’s important to note that different cartridges have different capacitance loading requirements, so it’s essential to choose a cable length and gauge that matches your specific cartridge.
If you need to extend your RCA cables, it’s possible to splice them together using heat shrink and stripping the outer insulation from both ends. However, it’s important to keep in mind that well-made component cables can only go up to 100 feet while retaining HD quality.
Understanding Turntable Cabling: Phono Vs. Line Cables
When it comes to turntable cabling, it’s important to understand the difference between phono and line cables. Phono cables are specifically designed for use with turntables and are used to connect the tonearm to a phono preamp. These cables have a very low capacitance (under 80 pF by meter) and low resistance, which is necessary to handle the weak signals produced by the cartridge.
On the other hand, line cables are used to connect the turntable to an amplifier or receiver. These cables are typically RCA cables with a gauge of 14 AWG, but it’s important to keep the length under 100 feet to maintain optimal sound quality.
One thing to keep in mind is that different cartridges have different capacitance loading requirements, which can affect the choice of cable length and gauge. It’s important to choose a cable that matches the specific requirements of your cartridge for optimal sound quality.
When extending RCA cables, it’s possible to splice them together using heat shrink and stripping the outer insulation from both ends. However, it’s important to keep in mind that well-made component cables can only go up to 100 feet while retaining HD quality.
The Ideal Gauge For Phono And Line Cables
The ideal gauge for phono cables is at least AWG 33. This is because the weak signals from the cartridge are easily affected by surrounding electrical fields, and the wires need to be small to avoid affecting the quality of playback. Additionally, the internal cable capacitance of phono cables can have a significant impact on the frequency response of the cartridge. Therefore, it’s recommended to keep phono cables short, ideally no longer than 3 feet for external phono cables.
For line cables, a gauge of 14 AWG is ideal. This gauge provides enough thickness to minimize resistance and preserve sound quality, while also being thin enough to avoid affecting the weight of the cable. However, it’s important to keep line cables under 100 feet in length to maintain optimal sound quality.
It’s important to note that different cartridges have different capacitance loading requirements, so it’s essential to choose a cable length and gauge that matches your specific cartridge. Additionally, if you need to extend your RCA cables, it’s possible to splice them together using heat shrink and stripping the outer insulation from both ends. However, it’s important to keep in mind that well-made component cables can only go up to 100 feet while retaining HD quality.
The Impact Of Cable Capacitance On Frequency Response
The internal cable capacitance of turntable cables can have a significant impact on the frequency response of the cartridge. Capacitance is the ability of a material to store an electrical charge, and in the case of turntable cables, it refers to the amount of charge that can be stored within the cable itself.
The longer the cable, the higher the internal cable capacitance will be, which can lead to a reduction in high-frequency response. This is because the capacitance of the cable can cause a rolloff in high frequencies, resulting in a loss of detail and clarity in the sound.
To maintain optimal sound quality, it’s recommended to use cables with low internal cable capacitance. The minimum capacitance for a good phono cable is about 22 pF per foot, and for line cables, it’s recommended to use a gauge of 14 AWG or lower.
It’s also important to consider the loading requirements of your specific cartridge when choosing a cable length and gauge. Different cartridges have different capacitance loading requirements, so it’s essential to choose a cable that matches your specific cartridge for optimal sound quality.
Maximum Recommended Length For External Phono And Line Cables
For external phono cables, it’s recommended to keep the length no longer than 3 feet to maintain optimal sound quality. This is because longer cables have a higher internal cable capacitance, which can affect the frequency response of the cartridge.
As for line cables, it’s recommended to keep them under 100 feet in length. While well-made component cables can go up to 100 feet while retaining HD quality, going past 16 feet could result in standard definition video, with the odds of lower quality increasing as the cable gets longer.
It’s important to note that different cartridges have different capacitance loading requirements, so it’s essential to choose a cable length and gauge that matches your specific cartridge. Additionally, it’s recommended to use high-quality cables with low capacitance and resistance to ensure optimal sound quality.
If you need to extend your turntable cables beyond the recommended length, it’s possible to use a phono preamp and feed the line level signal to the amplifier or receiver. However, you will need a line level input to take the signal off the phono preamp.
Tips For Extending RCA Cables Without Compromising HD Quality
If you need to extend your RCA cables, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you don’t compromise the HD quality of your sound.
First, it’s essential to use high-quality cables. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper options, investing in quality cables can make a significant difference in sound quality. Better materials result in better sound and greater longevity of the cable.
Secondly, it’s recommended to use balanced cables instead of unbalanced cables like RCA if you need to run the cable across a long distance. Unbalanced cables can result in signal degradation over long distances, which can cause a loss of high frequencies.
Thirdly, if you need to extend your RCA cables, it’s best to do so in small increments. Adding a few extra feet won’t significantly affect the sound quality. However, if you need to run the cable across your entire house, it’s best to use balanced cables and keep the length as short as possible.
Finally, it’s important to match the cable length and gauge with your specific cartridge and amplifier/receiver. Different cartridges have different capacitance loading requirements, and using the wrong cable length or gauge can result in a loss of sound quality.
By following these tips, you can extend your RCA cables without compromising HD quality and enjoy high-quality sound from your turntable.
Conclusion: Finding The Perfect Turntable Cable Length For You
When it comes to finding the perfect turntable cable length for you, there are a few factors to consider. First, determine the loading requirements of your cartridge and choose a cable length and gauge that matches. For phono cables, it’s recommended to keep them no longer than 3 feet to maintain optimal sound quality.
If you need to extend your line cables, it’s possible to splice them together, but keep in mind that longer cables can negatively impact sound quality. It’s also important to consider the layout of your Hi-Fi system and avoid running cables parallel to power cables.
Ultimately, the perfect turntable cable length for you will depend on your specific setup and personal preferences. Experiment with different lengths and gauges to find the combination that produces the best sound quality for your ears.
