2. analog
  3. 128197-18279

Where do I set loading on my Manley Chinook?

I’m a bit confused as to where I should set my Manley Chinook phono preamp.

My Dynavector 20XH cartridge has the following specifications:

DC resistance: 150 ohms / 5 ohms
Recommended load resistance: > 1Kohms / > 30 ohms

I think the Chinook has 3 separate sets of loading. One for DC resistance, and two (left and right for load resistance).

The first set indicate "Cart Cap" with settings of 50 pF, 100 pF, 200 pF.

The second set indicate "Resistor" with settings of 50 ohms through 800 ohms.

I currently have it set at Cart Cap = 50 pF, and Resistor = 26 ohm (resultant load).

Internal gain is set at 60dB. 

I certainly can play around with these but given the settings are in the back of the unit it requires good aural memory, time, and patience.

If I were to do this by ’the book’, where should I set these?
128x128jbhiller
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,444 posts
 
Thank you miner42!  I think that'll email them. I think that I followed the manual and specs and did my best. 

sbank, I read that manual over and over.  It doesn't really address bank 1 of switches--well, kind of.  terribly written is the manual, in some ways. 
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
The manufacturer suggested a range for a nominal system taking into account variations in cable impedance/capacitance. I would play within the range suggested and see if you have a sonic preference. If not, in the long run, I have always found, in my system, that increasing the load on a cartridge (meaning lower Ohm settings) is again, in the long run, what I have found I usually return to. Be confident that you can hear your preference. Remember there is no harm that can be done by choosing a "wrong" setting.

I had a Chinook (traded up to a Steelhead) and found the load settings to be easy to set.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,444 posts
 
After much trial and error, I'm back to 50pf and 47kohms.  Sounds the best.  Manley could do a better job with manual. 
andrew9405
225 posts
 
The manual won't state what sounds best to your ears. 
More to discover