Running LOMC with MM (47K) loading


This is the way I run my Zyx 4D and my Benz Ebony L before it. I have a JLTi phono preamp which allows me to do this. I have been satisfied with this pre since buying it new. Yet I may be in the market for a new (Different) one. However some I have seen may not offer this ability. One that has great reviews also  has the loading and gain all tied together. Not sure about Herron but it may be out of production. Not sure about others. 
 
The question comes  with @Atma-sphere comments on loading and circuit stability. He contends that the loading  damps (stops) the cartridge cantilever from moving as freely as it was designed (my words) And it is better IF you can run with no loading. But that requires a stable circuit which not all have. Apparently my JLTi has a stable circuit because I have been running LOMC's this way for a 10-15 yrs. 

That said, should I require this attribute to my next phono preamp? And might I be better off to send the JLTi to Joe Rasmussen  (Allen Wright's partner) for upgrade to Pre and new Power supply?. That will be the cheapest and that is likely to be the step I take. However the question still exists. If the damping is as per Ralph's assessment, it would seem that the stability of the  circuit is of greater importance than the ability to have a lot of loading options with unstable circuitry. Another question, Is loading a band aid for a  circuit which is not at an optimum? I am not an electronic tech so I am not  looking to stir the pot but  for my own  understanding  Thanks
128x128artemus_5
They are out of production, so your only option now is to find a used one.


Thanks @ big_greg

I have heard nothing but good about the Herron. BTW, is a new one on the drawing board for Keith? I emailed that ? to him but have no reply.
47 kohms is for moving magnets. I would use what is recommended by the cartridge manufacturer. My hana el calls for >400 ohms, I use 430. Not certain why you would exceed the value by 10's of thousands. 
@artemus_5 I just talked to him the other day.  He said he had wound down production and made no mention of a new one on the horizon.  Try calling.  If you can find one of his phono stages, they are excellent.
Quite a number of experts say that loading does NOT supply physical damping of the movement of the cantilever but it supplies electrical damping that reduces ringing of high frequencies.  Atmasphere and J. Carr of Lyra say that such damping is not required for most MC cartridges (because their resonant peaks are now well outside of the audible range) except if those peaks result in overloading of the phono stage.  

With the cartridges I have used with my phono stage (Viva Fono) I prefer no additional loading or very modest loading (meaning high value resistor) on the primary side of the step up transformer.  With the cartridge modestly loaded, the top end seems more open and airy and the decay of notes sound more natural.