Thank you Ttbolad for your response. I have to admit that I was a bit concerned about the load disparity between my cart and the phono pre you mentioned, which is clearaudio's top of the line phono stage...The Balance Reference. My phono-pre is the next step down, the Balance +. From the manual:
After listening again last night to recording I am very familiar with, I am experiencing a more balanced fequency presentation by the cart.
So it seems to say that it adjust's for the load. The switch I have selected is the one for MC, 510ohm. I guess that is the worst case scenario if in fact the unit doesn't automatically adjust for loading. If that is the case, is 500ohm's for the phono pre a terrible mismatch for the cart at 100 ohms ? In the meantime I will inquire with clear audio's distributor (Musical Surroundings). More audiophile nervosa to contend with...LOL
The Balance+ represents the revised version of the legendary Balance phono-preamplifier. Highest
quality components in the power supply provide a clear audible, improved sonic experience.
Another special feature of this preamplifier is the automatic adjustment to any kind of connected MCcartridge
load, which means, that the maximum capability is always achieved without additional
switches.
Select cartridge type operation mode:
Use the switches on the bottom of the Balance+ housing as follows:
MM-operation: Both buttons load/gain non pressed
(load impedance = 47 kOhm)
MC-operation: Both buttons load/gain pressed
(load impedance = 510 Ohm)
After listening again last night to recording I am very familiar with, I am experiencing a more balanced fequency presentation by the cart.