Maximum cable length for turntable with MM cart

[Fulci]

Hi!

I need to place the turntable (not yet bought) at 10 feet from the amplifier. Can I place some extension IC (I use Klotz AC110) or solder them directly to the tonearm in something like an SL-1210. Might be using either an AT440MLa or a Nagaoka MP110. Yet to decide...

So, what should be the maximum cable length to use with a MM cart?

And what if later I change for a MC Denon DL-160 or even a DL-103 (my amplifier has a phono stage for both), or upgrade to something like a 10x5, Benz Micro Silver or Gold or any other MC cart without a SUT?

Should a HOMC be any different from a LOMC?

Thank you all in advanced for your help!

[AlfaGTV]

I wouldn't even consider adding 10ft of IC's to the tiniest signal in the whole setup! But you may get away with installing your RIAA stage near your deck and then adding a couple of meters decent IC to reach your amp. It may even be a change for the better? With the phono stage well away from big power consumers like amps and such.

Regards
/Mike

[DSJR]

Moving coil types aren't so bothered by longer interconnects and a couple of metres should be fine of the cable is low capacitance and one piece with no joins. A good flexible mic cable (twin core - signal and return - with outer screen/drain wire connected at the amp end, is fine) should do it. I really wouldn't do this with fixed coil types personally, but you never know.

The ideal is really to put the phono stage as close to the cartridge end as possible. If the thing is well designed, it should be fine with a couple of metres of decent screened cables on the end of it.

[Fulci]

Well, my problem with external phono stage is an extra unnecessary expense and box to the rig. I don't mind getting one later if it's better than the one in my amp but just yet should be avoided. And if it's another piece of hifi equipment, I'd much rather invest in a step up transformer for a LOMC cart.

The Klotz AC110 has a capacitance of around 70pF/m. For 3m should around 200-250pF. Could that be too much for the Nagaoka or the AT440MLa?

[wobbleu]

I had a similar issue a couple of years ago - had to have my TT some distance from the amp for a while.

I was using a DL-110 HOMC cartridge into a Rega Mira 2K which meant I was having to turn the volume up a little higher anyway - adding in the cable extenders didn't make any noticeable difference.

I made the cables with Klotz LaGrange guitar cable with Neutrik Phono sockets/plugs at around 2 metres long - make all my IC's with LaGrange but normally just long enough to fit between the devices.

for info - I'm now using Rega Fono MC which gives me a bit of extra gain for the cartridge signal - but the TT is now in the rack.

[Fulci]

Thank you for your replies.

What about MMs?

[Audioman]

Thank you for your replies.

What about MMs?

To be honest stick to 1 metre cable to a phono input. I think you would be best aquire a used budget phono stage as a stop gap. The phono cable to your amp could then be several metres long. Frankly decent cable is going to be the most expensive item here.

[Fulci]

3m for a Rega Couple clone should cost under £15... I guess I'll start looking for a cheap phono stage, a Rega/Nad/Cambridge or something like it and upgrade later to a Lehmann...

Any recommendations?

[Fulci]

Hello everyone again. Sorry to bother again, don't want to star being repetitive.

[Geek mode on]

According to TNT-Audio, the MP11 gets it's best flattest response with a capacitive load of 620pF! http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/nagaoka_mp11_e.html

So, if my amp has a cap load of 85pF for MM carts, plus those 215pF for the 3m cable, don't know how much is the tonearm, but my guess is that it could probably work.

I will try it someday. If it doesn't work too well, I can always cut 1m from the cable, place an external phono pre between it, and use the rest for another interconnect...

Does anyone know the recommended capacitive load for the Denon DL-110/160 and 103? My amp's phono stage is 3300pF for MC...