Thanks all for the feedback, here is an update: I spoke with Lenard at ARC-the preamp is factory set for 49.9k ohm, having resistors soldered onto the board. Adding resisters in parallel accross the rear of the RCA jacks is not a problem. Based on extreemly beneficial phone support from Ngarch (thanks Neil!), I experimented with various resisters ranging from 100 ohm to 225 ohm and settled on 163 ohm, providing fair deeper and tighter base and much much sound staging air and presence. As gain goes, the Helikon is doing a fine job without additional step up.
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!
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