What's this pick-up cable? - World-Designs-Forum

Carosio · #1 13th January 2012, 06:37 PM

I recently purchased an RB 300 tone arm which was fitted with this unusually thin arm-to-amplifier lead. Apparently, the arm was sent away to a specialist to be re-wired, but can't get further information due to the previous owner now being deceased. He also owned high-end decks so I would think he would have been discerning enough to have chosen a reputable specialist to do the job. I would appreciate it if anyone can recognize this type of cable.

http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/v...io/PUcable.jpg

Richard · #2 14th January 2012, 11:24 AM

Hi,

Impossible to say from the pic could be anything. Perhaps unscrew a phono plug and have a look at the end see if it's silver, copper etc and if the dielectric is ptfe, pvc etc. Then check capacitance. Even then it's only personal preference as to whether you like it though so I wouldn't worry too much.

What is more important is that the arm seems to have been rewired so it has a separate earth lead and not earthed via one of the phono braids as is standard and caused noise.

colin.hepburn · #3 14th January 2012, 11:51 AM

Have a double check for any numbers or lettering along the cables length as this can be difficult to see due to fading or sometimes any letting can just be stamped or moulded in to the ptfe, pvc etc which can be mised due to being in this case white

Carosio · #4 14th January 2012, 10:38 PM

Thanks, I've been working this weekend but will have a further look on Sunday night, I have a capacitance meter so will check value.

A Stuart · #5 14th January 2012, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carosio

I have a capacitance meter so will check value.

Can I take it for granted that you plan to unplug the cartridge first

?

Having burnt out the coils on one when I omitted to resolder one earth lead inside my phono amp, this is a sensitive point of mine.

Alastair

Carosio · #6 15th January 2012, 08:39 PM

At the moment, there is no cartridge fitted.

The capacitance through to the cart. tags is about 156pf. It does look as though it is silver (solid core) cable, also the braid appears silver, there is no marks visible on the outside. The standard of soldering is surprisingly poor, but could have been the previous owner, although I can't see why he would want to alter anything after having the arm re-wired.

http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/v...osio/wire1.jpg

http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/v...osio/plug1.jpg