Optimal Loading for Shelter 501 mk2

FWIW, when I had my MkII I found that 100 Ohm was the best setting with mine, too.

FWIW, when I had my MkII I found that 100 Ohm was the best setting with mine, too. I also have the K&K phono stage.

I've tried the Buggtussel on several moldy-looking records. It helps, though I've yet to see it completely remove the spots on (in?) the vinyl. Definitely better than not using it, though it won't return a moldy record to shiny black either. Maybe a B+.

I am pretty much with Dougdeacon on this as I have my Shelter 901 loaded at 36 ohms going into my Bent Audio step-up and Trumpet phono and it sounds best to me.

When I first experimented with cartridge loads last year I was convinced that 22-25 ohms was best in my setup (901 >> BentAudio Mu >> c-j MM phono). I was wrong.

It turns out I was compensating for other setup errors. My arm was too high. That emphasizes HF's of course, so I was unknowingly loading the cartridge down to compensate.

Since January or February we've been setting VTA (SRA to be precise) for every record we play. There's only one ideal SRA for any given record, so it's essential to dial that in before trying to fine-tune your cartridge loading.

The following protocol seems sensible:

1. Start with a load value used by others with setups similar to yours;

2. Optimize SRA and VTF for several familiar records of complex music, the guidelines on Lloyd Walker's website are excellent;

3. Now fine tune your loading using the same records.

This seems like the logical order for making these mutually dependent adjustments. Comments?