Koetsu Urushi + MC step up transformer

Subbing the 47K load resistor with an 8M load resistor would only negatively affect the phono stage if the input tube or transistor cannot tolerate it. I'm not sure how it would work with a transistor input, but with a single-ended (as opposed to "balanced") tube preamp, the "load resistor" is actually the grid resistor as far as the input tube is concerned. (Actually, this is true for full balanced input as well, but it's a bit more of a complex topology.) The question would be whether that tube can tolerate such a high grid resistor. The typical tubes used for input in a tube phono stage (12AX7, 6922, etc) can tolerate a 1M resistor with no problem, depending upon the bias voltage. To determine whether an 8M resistor is problematic, one would have to consult a manual for the specs of the tube in question, and it would be prudent to know the bias voltge. But most likely - no problemo. As for the rest of the circuit, the value of that grid or load resistor would have no effect on RIAA equalization and should not effect the sonics except in that it affects the cartridge output, which is what we've been talking about. The only other thing that occurred to me was whether the behavior of the transformer will be unaffected when there's an 8M resistor (i.e., a very tiny load, almost no load) in it's secondary. But I think you're doing the right thing by leaving the 47K R in place, so the Urushi sees 278 ohms. You may be quite happy with that.

You're rationale for selecting the next highest load R below 47K sounds reasonable but tedious.

On the Jensen website you will find a white paper on use of Zobel networks with their transformers (which are excellent by the way). I don't see why the info is not also applicable to any other SUT, but it may be so if the design of the Zobel is based on the frequency response of their trafos in particular.

It is a transistor pre-amp, I don't have a schematic of the PF1, the instruction manual only states that it is the industry standard 47,000 ohms shunted by 100 pF. It describes how to lower the impedance with a parallel resistance but not how to increase it.

I cannot find a Zobel network diagram on the Jensen website but their MC transformer diagram adds a capacitor in series with the modifying resistor - that may be worth trying.

At the moment I'd rather not dig inside the pre-amp without some guidance, perhaps I should try contacting CJ for a schematic. Otherwise I'll wait and see if it burns with more use.

Have you yet tried connecting the trafo to the input with the standard 47K-ohm resistor in place, in other words with no other changes? Should at least work well. The networks etc are for touching up the response to make it as flat as possible; a Zobel or added capacitance is certainly not a requirement.

Yes, I've tried pretty much every combination of set up including directly connected with no other loading - which would be a 278 ohm load on the cartridge - it all sucks. And pretty much to the same effect, there doesn't seem to be much variation whatever I try.

Have I set up the rest of my system to over compensate for connecting the Urushi into a MM load, such that doing the "correct" thing into a MC load is now throwing the setup so far out of whack?

Can you be a little more descriptive? In what way does it "suck"? Do you lack gain even with the SUT? Is it bass heavy or exaggerated in the treble? Is it grossly distorted? Are both channels behaving in identical fashion? Etc...

Since I believe K&K are the importers of Lundahl, you may be able to get good advice from Kevin. He is very knowledgable.