Old Gyrodec and some issues.. Analog Gurus Please chime in!!


Hey All, 

I just bought a new-used(very used) Gyrodec w/ Zeta tonearm and Sumiko Talisman Virtuoso (B) cartridge. I am have a couple of issues that I need to solve. 

1. Due to limitations of my room the TT will need to be placed about 15 feet from my main preamp/amp. This is a very low output cartridge, I believe like .26 mV. Given this fact is it possible or advisable to run a long interconnect (12-14 feet) from the phono preamp to my main system? 

2. I need recommendations for a good phono-stage that can push this tiny signal. My budget for new/used phono stage would be around $500. Or should I look into a good higher output MM cart? Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

3. Recommendations for the tonearm cable (the cable running from the tonearm to the phono stage) It looks to be a 5 pin DIN connection. Budget is $150-ish. 

Thanks for your thoughts and advice in advance!!!!
128x128birdfan

Showing 1 response by jbrrp1

I'm not necessarily advocating that you lay out big bucks for wire, but I must point out that roberjerman's blanket assertions that basically any wire will do because there are no sound quality improvements to be had is definitely "misinforming" and misguided, in my experience.  I have used variously with my SME V arm the Van den Hul 501 cable that came with it, and then a series of Straightwire Maestro, Cardas Golden Ref, Silver Breeze, and Stealth Hyperphono - - they each sound distinctly different, and they more or less represent in order a progression of unmistakably improved sound quality in my system.  If one couldn't hear the differences and improvements that I have heard, I wouldn't know what to think or say.

So, don't think the wire won't influence the end point sound quality.  What the right "jump off point" is for a particular wire selection is certainly much to be debated, and is a personal decision of taste and budget.