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How important is ext. adj. for cartridge loading

Hello Folks,

A New Phono Preamplifier will soon be introduced - MSRP around $1750 - $2000

A small "focus group" questionnaire - On a Phono Preamplifier how important is it to you that MC cartridge loading is adjustable from the front panel of the amplifier? How often do you "fiddle" around with loading ? Enough to warrant the cost increase, probably about $200 for the additional switches faceplate machining etc. pricing the preamp towards the higher end of projected price?

Same goes for MM/MC switching Would external selection be preferable to a internal Jumper setting ?

Is a MUTE function desirable on the front panel as well?

MC loading is at 100, 220, 330, 500 Ohms and 47K Ohms, do you think these are OK or would you like other values?

We have designed the unit so it can be used as a fully differential unit as well with one balanced input and one balanced output, you'd need two of them for stereo, do you find this desirable? Would you prefer this mode of operation to be selectable from the outside (switch on back) or would internal jumper selection be enough?

Thanks in advance for your thought on these questions

Peter
128x128pbnaudio
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
Front panel loading is certainly nice and allows you to adjust on the fly to improve the sound of any given record. Rear panel RCA plugs are a bit less friendly, but still allow an easy enough adjustment. Pulling the top and replacing a resistor sucks.
nikturner920
144 posts
 
Just to clarify, my desire for a mono switch is not for running a mono cart but for playback of stereo LPs (early stereo late 50s - mid 60s) that sound better in mono. Like Dopogue I lack this on my phono and line stages.

In general replacing resistors and moving jumpers sucks, micro-toggle switches at a minimum if you go internal for the settings.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I have never had it, have recently sold a Blue Circle which had rear panel RCA plugs and a Dynavector 75 which had internal switching which my aging eyes had fits with. Currently using a MF Kw phono stage with back panel RCA plug ins. I find these satisfactory, they have the advantage of you being able to customize loading plugs, but if good quality parts were used and the price increase was in the order of $200 or less I think many would be willing to pay for the connivence and quick comparison ability of front panel switching.
daverz
487 posts
 
A MONO switch also reduces surface noise greatly when using a stereo cart on mono records.

For the loading options, I find flexibility more important than convenience. The phono board in my BAT has plugs to allow me to use any resistors I want for loading.
ponnie
233 posts
 
Years ago (25 yrs. ago) when I bought my first really good preamp I had a PS Audio IVH. Remember the resistors you placed a certain value into the sockets to tailor the sound of the cartridge you were using. That was a very useful feature. It was my first time being exposed to it. I remember setting the loading on my Talisman S MC cartridge and It embarrased many more expensive cartridges during that time. I have had several other preamps over the years with and without loading cababilites and I did not have that success. I prefer some degree of
control or loading when using different cartridges. Some settings will brighten your sound and some would flaten your sound but there would always be a setting that was neutral and the sound simply played music perfectly.

So at least 60 db of gain, cartridge loading and cable resistance is important to me.
DB Audio makes a box that does just this at a very reasonable price. It was featured in one of the major stereo magazines this year I think Stereophile. Just my little old opinion.
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