Why ground cable is separate from RCA terminated zip wire inputs

[mzeitlin3348]

Is there an electrical signal reason why the ground cable is a separate wire from the RCA terminated left/right channel zip cord? as typically found on our vintage turntables.

My suspicion is the ground contact on a preamp is not normally right next to the phono inputs and allows for physical separation. But if my ground connection is next to the inputs - could I not just have the wire jacketed with the RCA inputs?

I am asking because I am preparing to custom make a phono cable and would like to include the ground cable running along side the signal cables for aesthetic reasons.

 

[Nashou66]

No reason you cant do that.

The reason some TT have a separate Gnd wire is for those pre amps or amp that do not have the Chassis Gnd connected to the
Line/Phono inputs outer connector, which are not many. Also some coaxial interconnect cables will also have a shield or drain wire that is connected
only on one end of the cable, that end should be connected to the Pre amp side not the source. As most Pre amps have the Chassis Gnd connected tot he RCA Gnd, where any EMI.RFI captured by the cable will drain to Gnd.

On My AR-XA and many others who own them we tie the Cartridge Signal Gnd's and the tonearm Gnd together right at the Turntable.
This makes for a silent hum free TT.

I might have some of it not quite right, but this is my understanding of it.


Athanasios

 

[Montycat]

Some are together, some are not. It makes no difference to function.

 

[mzeitlin3348]

Thanks for the fast reply - it will simplify my TT wire upgrade (mostly for aesthetics).