Phono Preamp loading for Hanna EL

Yeah, start high. A lot are 47k standard. This will be dynamic, fast, extended, and detailed. But it may be a little too hot or edgy on top. If so this is called ringing, only in this case its electrical, and reduced by loading the cartridge down with a lower impedance. Sounds backwards to load down by decreasing resistance, but that's because the load in this case is current. The lower impedance requires more current and since current output is fixed it changes the sound to a bit softer, more rounded and full as opposed to sharp and fast. This can sound fabulous in the right amount, but taken too far can become dark and lifeless. So you just try one, then another, and go with whatever sounds best to you.

You could try the cart specs as a starting point (sounds crazy I know).  >400 ohms

What is internal resistance of Hana EL? I would start with 47K and go down from there in increments but not lower than 10X the internal resistance. That’s a rule of thumb.

I should have added that probably the internal resistance of the Hana cartridge is about 40 ohms, which is why they recommend a load of greater than 400 ohms, in keeping with the rule of thumb I mentioned. 

@lewm 

I should have added that probably the internal resistance of the Hana cartridge is about 40 ohms, which is why they recommend a load of greater than 400 ohms, in keeping with the rule of thumb I mentioned.

Close.  It's 30 ohms.  So agreed.