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MC cartridge loading: still baffled

I am using a low output moving coil cartridge- a retipped Linn Troika.  Recommended loading is 100-200 ohms which I have always followed.  My phono pre is an Ayre P-5xe and set to the highest gain.  Years ago, Michael at Ayre said most moving coil cartridges sounded best when loaded at 47k ohm using their phono pre.  I just got around to trying this setting and it does sound more open and better to me.  Lately, I am discovering that much of the dogma that I have been following isn't necessarily correct, at least with my system and to my ears.  Another example I found recently is that my arm/cartridge performs just fine with very little anti-skate force as opposed to just picking a setting equal to VTF as universally suggested.

Back to the loading question:  is the proper loading more a function of the phono pre or the cartridge itself?
jc4659
jc4659 OP
564 posts
 
@atmasphere  thank you for (repeating) your thorough explanation!  

Thanks to all for your input as well!

JC
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Jc, if your anti skate is not set correctly the unloaded channel will only miss track at higher groove velocities so at regular velocities things might sound sort of normal. But, there are more than tracking considerations. For the best performance/low distortion the coil (or magnet) should be placed symmetrically in the magnetic gap. With the anti skate set incorrectly the cantilever will drift to one side or the other and this will not be the case. Again, in the run out area, between the grooves the arm should drift VERY slowly towards the spindle. Use whatever weight or setting of your anti skate that accomplishes this. This will assure you of the lowest distortion, best channel separation and best tracking your cartridge can achieve when it hit the cannons in the 1812 Overture. 
shangyien
9 posts
 
It looks like there are some knowledgeable people on this thread, so I'll take the opportunity to add a few questions.

1. Can someone suggest a good test record?
2. Is tracking force adjustment for 33 rpm just as suitable for 45 rpm records.
3. Is the best tracking force for the outside of the record the same as for the inside and should tracking force be adjusted in the middle as a compromise?
lewm
13,315 posts
 
1.  There are at least a dozen useful test LPs.  Depends upon what you want to test for. The Cardas LP is a good one to have.2. Yes.3. Are you kidding?
lewm
13,315 posts
 
Another way to set AS: Start with the very lowest amount that your tonearm permits, but not zero.  Gradually increase from that starting point until you have no audible tracking distortion in the R channel.  (R channel distorts with zero AS, so you want the minimal AS that eliminates any such issue.)  Others will have other views.  This is no more nor no less vague than Mijo's method.
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