I did a lot of experimentation with my various AQ cables (most of which were standard RCA ICs) between a Bob's Devices 1131 SUT and phono stage (Rogue Ares Magnum), all RCA-to-RCA. The phono cable from table to SUT was an AQ Wild LP. The SUT cables tried:
- 0.5m Colorado
- 0.5m Niagara
- 1m Sky
- 1m Fire
- 0.5m WEL Signature LP (phono cable custom made with RCA and grounding spade on both ends)
This slot was VERY sensitive to changes in cables. All differences, heard between these cables in normal interconnect slots, were significantly amplified here -- especially with the 1m lengths. The 1m Sky and Fire's sonic signatures each became far too apparent (Sky turns a bit to mud, especially in midbass, and the Fire becomes too forward, fast, and aggressive) -- whereas in other slots I find the 1m Sky to be very good, and the 1m Fire to be quite excellent.
The 0.5m Colorado did decent, though it always suffers a lack of detail relative to silver cables up the line. The 0.5m Niagara did great, and was easily the best contender amongst these cables for price/performance in this slot -- it had a very nice touch of natural warmth, and an even overall frequency response, with good detail.
The custom WEL LP phono cable was sent to me by AQ in lieu of the custom Wild LP I ordered, since they were temporarily out of parts for the latter! It improved dynamics, punch, and imaging over the 0.5m Niagara while retaining the excellent natural sound. Strangely, I've also tried another WEL LP from my TT, and preferred the old Wild LP there -- maybe it has to do with differences in wire gauge being optimal for one slot vs. another -- the WEL LP has audibly much more "air tube" rattle than Wild LP.
I'd guess that capacitance is the enemy in this SUT => phono stage slot, and so smaller gauge wire (typical of most phono cables) and shorter lengths is key. Also, I found that the extra grounding wire is not really necessary -- grounding from the TT's cable to SUT should be good enough. That said, I ended up typing the WEL LP's grounding spade to the phono stage, leaving the SUT end's spade unconnected -- and this made a very slight difference for some reason.