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A question of loading...

I have just replaced my aging tube preamp with a new model. When I was using my older model with tube phono stage, I would run my Lyra Kleos and other MC cartridges with a load of 750 ohms. So, I assumed that with my new tube phono stage, which also utilizes a transformer in the phono stage and is also built into my new preamp, that the same cartridge loading would apply. I listened to the Kleos for about a week with this loading, and frankly, while it was fine, I wasn’t bowled over. Tonight I decided to experiment, so the first thing I did was to run the cartridge straight in, with no loading plugs. WOW, the increase in overall musicality and soundstage width was eye opening! Lesson learned is that not all gear is going to react the same when it comes to cartridge loading, particularly if there is a transformer involved and even if you are using the same cartridge from one phono stage to the next! An eye opener, anyone else experience something like this?
128x128daveyf
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rauliruegas
13,104 posts
 
Dear @solypsa : I think closed a few years ago. Excellent electronics designs.


http://www.klyne.com/pages/system7.html


this was its phone:

Klyne Audio ArtsOlympia, WA 98501(360) 273-8477
and here you can read the cartridge loading through Klyne  unit:

https://www.techtrader.ch/auction/2016/03/Klyne-7-PX_B-3.5.3-manual.pdf


Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith
964 posts
 
As I posted elsewhere recently, with my Lyra Etna Lamda and Manley Steelhead, unloading to 25 does produce a very euphonic lively sound with more "space" in all directions. But I can hear distortion-the type of distortion one hears when there is too much 2nd harmonic. It is very pleasant but you know it is not right. It is the audio equivalent of a carnival mirror. Too much loading and the sound becomes lifeless. 100K killed the sound. You have to strike a balance. For my Etna, it is 50K. But there are so many variables-VTA, cantilever-suspension break-in, the preamp, the tonearm cabling. I use Reed 3P arms with the cryo treated Firewire that runs straight from clips to RCA's. 
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rauliruegas
13,104 posts
 
Dear @daveyf : This is a " little " diferent point of view of M.Huber designer and owner of FM Acoustics about MC loading:

https://www.fmacoustics.com/products/phono-linearizers/fm-223/

just download the data sheet information at the end of the page.

His unit is a unique design.

According that that loading of the Etna Lamda at 50K says the design problem that Manley unit has as any other phono stage design where the owners needs that kind of loading values to achieve a decent sound reproduction.

In my system unit that just does not happens and that’s why I never need to use that kind of loading figure. I tested it and that's why I said that.

R.
fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith
964 posts
 
I do rue your gas, Raul. 
There is nothing in Daveyf's posts to indicate he is using an Etna Lambda or a Manley phono stage. You seem to be confusing me with him. Second, there is nothing in your link that even remotely addresses the issue. Are you inebriated when you post sir? It would explain much.
//S// Fsonicsmith Eating Raul. 
dover
2,262 posts
 
@fsonicsmith 

Your 1st email above is impossible to decipher

unloading to 25 does produce a very euphonic lively sound
25 what ? - 25 ohms or 25kohms ?
If you mean 25ohms you are loading the cartridge, not unloading it.
If you mean 25kohms, then you are indeed "unloading it", relative to say 100ohms.
Too much loading and the sound becomes lifeless.You have to strike a balance. For my Etna, it is 50K. 
This statement is oxymoronic.
 "too much loading and the sound becomes lifeless" - I agree with this if you mean loading down to 50, 100 ohms etc.
"For my Etna, it is 50k" -  50 kohms is unloading, its higher than the standard 47k.






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