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Help with phono cartridge loading/ARC SP6B preamp

My new Lyra Helikon has a recommended load between 100 and 47k ohm, and as I'm running it directly into my phono stage (no step up needed) I have been listening during the break in period without load. I assume my preamp is factory set at 47k ohm, do I have to remove the factory load resistors prior to installing the new load resistors (100 ohm or more)? If so, can anyone tell me where these factory installed resistors are located? A quick search of the preamp indicates they are not soldered to the RCA terminals where I plan on installing the new load resistors so they must be soldered directly to the circuit board? Can anyone with Helikon ownership experience suggest the ideal load? Thanks!
badboss429

Showing 1 response by sidssp

sidssp
1,077 posts
 
The phono stage of the ARC SP-6B was designed for MM, not MC. It is not a resistor loading problem. It just doesn't have enough gain to use with the Helikon. There are two ways to solve this. (A) You can connect a separate MC phono stage to the SP-6B AUX input. Or (B)front-end the SP-6B phono input with a step-up transformer. Since the phono stage of the SP-6B is really very good if you have good tubes, I would go with option B.

Hope it helps.
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