Turntable Cables for Low-Level Phono Signals
Unlike standard RCA interconnects, turntable cables are engineered specifically for phono-level signals, which operate at much lower voltages and are highly susceptible to electrical noise. Most turntable cables include an integrated earth wire that connects the turntable chassis to the phono preamplifier, helping to prevent ground loops and audible hum. While turntable cables often use RCA connectors, they differ from standard RCA cables in their grounding and shielding requirements due to the much lower signal levels involved.
In a typical vinyl system, turntable cables run from the turntable outputs directly to a phono preamp input, where the signal is amplified and equalised before being passed to the main amplifier. In systems where the phono stage is built into an amplifier, the same connection principles apply. While RCA connectors are commonly used, not all RCA cables are suitable for turntable use due to differences in shielding, grounding and signal sensitivity. Turntable cables are always used in conjunction with a phono preamplifier, which boosts the cartridge signal to line level and applies the required equalisation before playback.
