Cartridge Loading- Low output M/C

Al, Thanks for bringing up the question of metering. I do own a Sencore LC meter that can measure down to the pF level. If I want to measure the capacitance of a cable, do I just place the Sencore probes on the hot and ground of the cable, with the other ends (hot and ground) unterminated? That seems right, but I am not sure.

I also think this might be a good place to summarize the points made by Ralph, Al, Wyn, etc.  First, no one is saying that there is only one correct load for a typical LOMC cartridge with very low internal resistance.  Second, I think Wyn has conceded that his first model for the behavior of such a cartridge when driving a phono stage was based on some usually false assumptions: (1) that such cartridges have coil inductance as high as 0.5mH, and (2) active RIAA correction in the phono circuit, which is atypical of most of the “best” phono stages capable of working well with such cartridges without a SUT.  Assuming inductance in the low micro Henry range and passive RIAA, we should keep associated capacitance as low as possible.  Under all these conditions, it is not inconceivable that a high resistive load, e.g., 47K ohms, might sound better than the more typical values of load resistance used by us audiophiles, e.g., 100R.  In my case, I can say that the difference between 100R load an 47K is not huge by any means, but once I had tried 47K for at least 2 or 3 of my LOMC cartridges, I’ve developed a preference for it.  What I hear is as predicted, highs seem more open and extended.

@catcher10, Why 475 Ohms? Why not 1000?
BTW, I have no report on 100K yet. Too much new digital music to listen to at the moment. 

Dear @catcher10: """  I tend to agree but then I assume it is because you have to load at a lower setting, which is not good for the cantilever, you run the chance of stiffening the cantilever. """

that was in reference to those Morrow cables. Now, I understand what that loading electrical can or could has some effect on the cartridge compliance and you said that exist a chance to.....

I think that to really stiffening the cantilever something really extraordinary has to happens.

How did you measure and what found out when changing from 500 ohms to 100omhs loading about that cantuilever stiffness that puts it on risk and how can we know when that could happens. Which the loading window limits to play inside in safe way. If any.? which is the role of the cartridge suspension dampers in all this load subject. How can be affected?

I ask that because not only my personal experiences in my system for years but what other audiophiles in their systems experienced when I was at their places. Different systems with different LOMC cartridges. They never reported anywhere a cantilever problem with their cartridges because a 100ohms load not me either.

How can I be aware of it?

Your anwers truly appreciated. Thank's in advance.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.

cantilever problem/tracking habilities.

@2channel8 I use 475 ohms because of the cable cap rating and the suggested range by Lyra. Lyra suggests for a 50pF total capacitance loading range should be 510-270 ohms and for 100pF total capacitance range should be 390-200 ohms. My cable is 1.5m and total cap is 60pF, add a small amount for tonearm wiring so I reduced my starting number some. Upon listening sessions anything above 475 ohms seemed too open and bass was restricted, and by open we mean too much high end, not sound stage. Staging actually shrunk some.....
Yesterday I changed my loading to 100K ohms, just to see and listened to about 4 records. It sounded just fine but......I lost resolution and dynamics, as well as sound stage. Any surface noise seemed to be the same. It was like listening with my high cap cable loaded at 121 ohms, so 475 ohms is much closer to being correct from Lyra's mathematical suggestion. This is why my feeling is a phono stage with variable loading is key if you want the best sound possible. I have never tried 1000 ohms, it seems out of the range that Lyra suggests.

@rauliruegas I don't have test bench gear to make any measurements, if that is what you are asking for then I have to bow out, I can't tell you any specific measurements I am getting in my setup when loaded at 121 ohms, 475 ohms or 100K ohms.
JCarr also suggested that can happen if you load the phono stage too low, making the cartridge work harder. It's why he says the use of a lower cap cable allows you to load the phono stage higher resistance values.

If your cantilever does not move freely, I believe it will not ride in the groove easily, it will not read both walls easily and this is when you lose/reduce resolution and also staging draws in.
I only say this because my listening experience tells me this, in my case a 475 ohms loading gives me the highest resolution, dynamics and soundstaging possible as compared to 100-121 ohms and just recently 100K ohms. For my setup, cable, cartridge, tonearm 475 ohms is the optimal setting. Most of this due to how Lyra builds their cartridges, so for me it makes sense. This is why you need to try different settings and listen, but you should understand what is going on at 100 ohms vs 1000 ohms vs 100K ohms.

Cheers