Cartridge Loading for a phono pre amp
Hello,
I have recently acquired a phono pre amp recommended by Michael Fremer. It is “THE VINYL”, from QHW audio, Spain. It got a great review. I have a Benz Micro Glider rated at 1.1MV. I have no idea how to set the dip switches for MC Load impedance for this cartridge. The options I have are as follows: 47K, 1K, 560R, 470R, 100R, and 47R. I have a solid state amp and pre-amp, and also have a sub that I use, rarely.
Any advice would be most appreciated!!
I think your Glider is the SM ( medium output level) with 24 ohms resistance and recommended loading is 240 ohms or higher. If 100 ohms loading is too low and 470 ohms is too high, you can turn on both 470 ohms and 560 ohms to get approximately 250 ohms loading. https://benzmicro-northamerica.com/benz-micro-glider/
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This is something you need to just try and see for yourself—there is no “correct” value. Given the quite high output of the cartridge, the 24 ohm source impedance of the cartridge reported by imhififan sounds about right. I would expect anything from 47k to 470 to be the best sounding. But, if the cartridge still sounds bright, or thin, or in need of more bass, an even lower value might sound better. I would only be surprised (and mildly so) if 47 ohms is the value thar sounds best. |
Why not try 47K? I believe Mr Luschadek (founder of Benz) recommended that. I ran my Ebony L on 47K which sounded more open. I run my Zyx 4D that way also. From my understanding of Ralph’s (Atmasphere) explanation, the loading or not loading is dependent on the phono stage’s stability. Try it on 47K. Then try it on Benz’s recommended loading. See which one you like better |
