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Is impedence so important for a pick/phono combo?

There are many opinion on this issue and I'd like to have them calrified.
There are sveveral MC cartridges that suggest a load impedence higher than the usual Pre-phono value.
For example the Colibrì XGW suggests a value of 500 Ohm against values fo 200 Ohm (ARC REF) 40 Ohm (Lamm LP2) and so on.
Steelhead and IO seem to handle this value.
Now, is the optimal load value so important in the process of choosing the Cartridge/pre-phono combo?
Thanks.
zender
rwd
695 posts
 
Hey Doug....you're right! I also checked the Benz M specification I had and it was something similar!!
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
Rick,
Have you tried to load the input of your ARC PH3se down to 500ohm? It may give you the same body and warm as the Rhea.
zender OP
6 posts
 
Is there a way to know exactly the optimal load impedence of a cartridge?
Thx
Zender
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Sidssp, great suggestion. There's certainly no valid way to compare two phono stages without loading the cartridge identically. A couple of resistors should go for a lot less than a Rhea, and resistors practically never shut down intermittently without a reason. ;)
rwd
695 posts
 
Good point Sid...however, I listened to my Helikon through the Rhea @ 47khtz also vs ARC PH3se and the Rhea was simply better at that load as well.
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