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Phono cable/grounding/loading questions

Hi, I am finally settling with my analog set up which I run in balanced(RCA @ TT end with ground wire and balanced at phono pre-amp, balanced from phono to preamp..)configuration. I do have some questions that I need answered to convince me what is right. I have looked in to archives but have not found clear cut answers. So here goes:

1. Is the purpose fully designed phono cable always better than the regular ics used as phono cables?
2. If there is no hum present without ground wire connected at TT end, technically is it correct to do so? (When I connect the gorund wire, the presentation a little more articulate but on brighter side)
3. Could I use phono cable with RCA/RCA and use RCA/balanced adapter at phono preamp end? Would I be getting full benefit of balanced configuration this way?
4. My helikon cartridge loading with all new burn-in cables sits at 40 ohms currently and there is still peak (4-5 db) at 10 K hz. Rest of the spectrum very good but this peak is annoying at times. Why is this happening?
5. Bi-wire question: Is it okay to use biwire speaker cables with Jumpers or is it defeating the purpose? More importantly is this dangerous?

Sorry to load you with too many questions but I wanted have only one thread to put my mind to rest.

Thanks in advance!!
nilthepill

Showing 2 responses by viridian

viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
1)No, but usually yes.
2)Yes.
3)Yes. No.
4)What arm are you using, perhaps it is a resonance? How are you measuring this BTW?
5)Yes, yes and no.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Your methodology is pretty flawed, but you have a great table there. You are measuring your in-room frequency response, more or less. Try going from the phono preamp directly into a voltmeter or scope. This way you will be measuring the response of the phono system, not the loudspeakers and room. You may be quite surprised how linear it really is. You may also want to back off on the vta a touch to make the sound a tad mellower. If it is the in room response and not the phono then room treatments and speaker positioning will probably be the better solutions.
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