2. analog
  3. 185240-96030

Benz Micro Glider Loading

Hello,

I have an original Benz Glider. The measurements that came with the cartridge is .9mv and suggested loading is 1000-47k.

I ran this into a Krell KSL w/phono stage at 1k with good results.

I’ve also ran this into a Rogue Audio Model 99 Magnum with tubed phono and Hagerman Piccolo head amp at 1k with good results.

Right now, I’m using a MoFi Studio phono pre and am running it at 1k.

I’ve tried higher and lower load settings and to my ears, 1k seems to be the sweet spot.

I’ve been looking at phono pre’s on Audiogon and USAudiomart. I noticed some of them don’t have 1k loading as an option.

Should this deter me from considering these units?

I noticed after doing some research that others have been running their Gliders at much less than 1k. I found that running it much below 1k kind of sucked the life out of the sound in my experience.

I should mention that I had the Glider retipped with a micro-line stylus profile. The original was elliptical.

Admittedly, I may not understand loading and how it works as well as others. I can only go by what sounds good to me.

nicktheknife

Showing 6 responses by nicktheknife

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@mulveling, 

I think I'll play with the loading again and reevaluate.  The MoFi has plenty of settings and maybe I'll find out that 1k isn't the optimum setting anymore for my ears. 

Thanks for the response. 

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@lewm,

Thanks for your response. I now dropped the MoFi phono pre down to 900 ohms. I know not much of a difference but it’s a start. Next down (or is it referred to as up?) is 500 ohms.

It would be nice to go with a phono pre with as many options as possible though.

Makes me wonder why a lot of them don’t have at least 7 or 8 options for loading.

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@atmasphere

I don’t want to appear ignorant but I’m not sure how the info you provided helps me in deciding what phono pre I should look for other than listening of course which really isn't an option when buying used.   One with a 1k loading option or not?

In my previous phono pre’s 1k or close seemed to work the best. Some phono pre’s don’t have this option as I’m sure you know.

I have two MC cartridges and one MM. I like to swap them out fairly often.

I guess I should be looking for something that’s more flexible/adjustable than some of the others out there.

 

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@mulveling 

I'll look into some of your suggestions.  I think I mentioned earlier that I had a Hagerman Piccolo that I built from a kit.   I liked it very much and wish I still had it.  

I also took pride in the fact that I built it and could put quality parts into it.

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@atmasphere 

Thanks for your response and patience.  I'm not as technically knowledgeable as someone as yourself but it's nice to soak up as much info as possible.

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@atmasphere, 

I borrowed a friend's Parasound JC3 Jr.  Already it made my analog rig with the Glider sound much better and it doesn't have a provision for 1K loading.  50- 550 or 47k for MC cartridges.  I'm using 47k at the moment and it sounds great so I'm beginning to understand what you were saying about a well designed phono stage and the 1k loading option not needed.

I don't know if the JC3 Jr. is considered well designed but it sounds pretty good from where I'm sitting.

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