Cartridge loading

Phonostages will show different reactions based on their design. there is no Standard. Phonostage A with 100Ω will sound different compared to Phonstage B with 100Ω (for example). Simply try what is possible with yours and what sounds best, that's it. My choice for Benz is 47kΩ, but not many Phonostages can do that, some sound good, some are thin and analytical. Depends on Design...

Dear Wynnosu : Agree with Syntax post:
++++ " Phonostages will show different reactions based on their design there is no Standard......... try what is possible with yours and what sounds best, that's it. " +++++

Btw, remember that the IC cable has a impedance value too.

regards and enjoy the music,
R.

Your cartridge has internal ohm of 38. Normally 10 times the internal ohm would be the ideal setting. So it is 380 ohm in your case. Definitely try 300 ohm setting. 500 ohm (without plug) could be right depending on your system. I generally load higher to get a bit more top end, but that is my taste.

I agree with Audiolui, A novice or amateur needs some clear
quidance instruction. The 'experts' conditional: 'it depends' from 99+ variables is worthless for the others. One feels like leaved behind in a desert without water. But they, the experts themself, know everything better and need no advice whatever. Exampels: Syntax and Raul.
The so called 'rule' of 10 x internal value is such a quidance instruction. I used 500 Ohm for my Ruby 3 S and use now for the LP S. BTW the designer of (my) Basis Exclusive , Mr. Scheafer gives exactly the same 10 x 'rule' in the user manual.

Regards,

Oddly, as much as the comments above seem quite varied, I think they are all right. Loading recommendations are just that -- rough guides -- and following them closely does not necessarily result in the best sound. It is possible that something WAY off from the recommendation will be best in a particular set up; to the extent your gear allows for some experimentation, do so, because it cannot do any kind of harm to the gear.

I agree that the particular loading that sounds the best is greatly dependent on the interaction between the particular cartridge and phonostage.

From my own experience, once you get beyond something like 150 ohms, higher values (meaning less loading) have somewhat lesser effect on the sound. For example, the difference between 150 and 300 ohms is FAR less significant than the difference between 50 and 100 ohms. A recommendation of greater than 400 ohms means that the manufacturer is suggesting that very little loading is needed with the cartridge. With most phonostages, the difference between 400 ohms, 1,000 ohms and 47,000 ohms would be pretty slight.

I would NOT worry at all about the difference between the greater than 400 and the 500 ohms of the Einstein. Try the 1,000 ohm as well; I would bet that there would be little difference. If, at 500 ohms, the sound seems a little too sibilant, bright, or lacking in bass, then you may have to experiment with increased loading (a lower value, like 100 ohms). If that is the case, it would be helpful to consult with a dealer or repair shop unless you are willing to learn how to create your own loading plugs or solder in resistors; both are fairly easy to do, but, one would need guidance on the matter.