ToneArm Cable Length

[Badwithpeople]

Hello everyone,

I recently upgraded my turntable to a Townshend Rock 7 after using a Pro-Jet 5.1 for about 10 years. The Rock is a major improvement and I am now listening to more vinyl than ever. One issue I am having is the tonearm cable. The cable that came with the Rock is rather short. This forces me to keep my pre-amp, a Mac C1100 w/built-in MC phono stage, on the shelf below. I would prefer to place the Mac two rows down. I would like to order a longer cable, a 5 pin DIN to RCA, to contact the TT and Mac. How long can I go? I doubt I would need more than 1.2M. Also, the current plug has a 90 degree angle at the din end. When I look up similar cables they list different terminations with 90 degree horizontal and 90 degree vertical. What's the difference? Googling hasn't helped me answer this question.

My other alternative is to place a dedicated phono stage between the TT and Mac. I have read great things about the EAR 834P. Does anyone here now how it would compare to the phonotage in my Mac? I like the EAR because of its small footprint, I don't ant to take up another whole shelf. Any info or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

-Andy