Phono Cable Sink-End Termination
Phono Sink Termination identifies the plugs at the end of a phono cable that connects to the phono stage.
Typical arrangements use an RCA pair or a supported balanced XLR connection. This is separate from the tonearm-side termination. The destination must be a suitable phono input unless phono amplification and equalisation have already taken place earlier in the signal path.
Phono Cable Sink-End Termination — Phono Cable
Match the plugs and wiring to the phono stage’s input configuration. A connector adapter can change physical format without providing the required electrical arrangement. Keep the channel identification and any grounding lead consistent with the equipment’s instructions when making the connection.
XLR termination alone does not make every cartridge, tonearm or phono input compatible with balanced operation. Likewise, RCA plugs do not identify whether the signal has already been converted to line level. Check the source-to-input path and the cartridge’s loading requirements. The plug description does not state capacitance, shielding effectiveness or a guaranteed reduction in hum.