phono/preamp analog front end

Just so I understand, you're saying that all phono preamps that have a loading switch inherently haven't effectively dealt with RFI issues in their design?  

Generally, yes, more to the point they've not sorted out how that peak affects the phono section. The loading resistor detunes that peak and so gets rid of the RFI and so the phono section sounds better (usually less bright). But the tradeoff is now the cartridge cantilever is stiffer so not performing as designed.


The thing is, if you talk to digital guys, they complain about ticks and pops. It turns out that many ticks and pops are generated by the phono section if it has poor RFI immunity and poor overload margins. This BTW is an epidemic in phono preamp design; I would think that anyone interested in LP playback would perk up their ears on this one!

sorry, fellas, but this is not my problem or concern

@atmasphere , with your statement above, I feel much better about my Allnic H1500se phono stage which I always felt was the best phono stage I have ever had in my system and it has no provisions for adjusting the load, I always wondered why. I quess my question to you is, should I feel good about that fact for the reason you stated? Thank you for your time and enjoy the music

I quess my question to you is, should I feel good about that fact for the reason you stated?

If its designed competently for LOMC cartridges, then there is no need for 'cartridge loading', so yes.

sorry, fellas, but this is not my problem or concern

If you found that you don't need to worry about cartridge loading in your system (doesn't sound bright with stock loading, and reducing the loading value does not help), then yes- I agree. Nor does the Classe DR6 have any such provision. But if you are looking at newer preamps the comments I made bear directly on this.

The Herron VTPH2A is in your price range. It sounds great, and I always hoped it was competently designed but never knew for sure until now- no loading switches!