MC loading at 47K

Correct Chakster but as we have the same phono stage and get differing results it has to be something else.
My carts, my total system or my ears! LOL.

 I was thinking last night that results might to some degree depend upon the input capacitance of the first gain stage in your phono section. Both of my phono stages use a cascode input. In a cascode, the gain element that receives the incoming signal is isolated from the anode of a completely discreet separate gain element via a direct connection between the anode of the input tube and the cathode of a second tube. therefore there is very little or none of what is called  Miller capacitance. (Both tubes and transistors exhibit the phenomenon of developing a capacitance between the anode of a tube and the grid. Also between cathode and grid to a lesser degree..) And a transistor has analogous nodes. So if you are using a phono stage with a 12AX7 input tube, for example, The miller capacitance can be quite high, because it is in part a function of the mu which for a 12AX7 is very high. Cartridges connected to the grid of a 12AX7 in a common cathode topology would possibly do better with lower value load resistors. All of the above applies to triodes. Not many tube phono stages use pentodes anyway. Of course, you should keep the cable capacitance as low as possible also.

Dear @lewm  :  """  loaded one of my LOMCs at 47K ohms. The experience was a revelation, and I have never looked back. ""

That  means that you are loading your Essential 3160 at 47K?

R.

No.