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Mark Levinson No 52 Preamp phono stage custom loading

The ML site has a download for HIFI news article, for the phono stage, it states:

"Custom input loads, should one be required, can be configured using internal solder-less connections by your dealer."

The ML user manual is not much help either:

"R Load: This setting offers a choice of resistive loading values for the Phono input:
• 47k ohms: The most commonly specified value for most phono cartridges.
• 3.3, 5.0, 7.7, 10, 33, 50, 77, 100, and 330 ohms
• Other: Enables the use of a custom-installed load. If you require a custom load to match your phono setup, contact your authorized Mark Levinson dealer for details"

Does anyone know about how the custom loading is done or has anyone done this? Sounds like jumpers or something, but I cannot find any info on how to accomplish this, thanks.
dnicol
dnicol OP
19 posts
 
It dawned on me that I should be able to also set the load to the option of 47K, and then use loading plugs. Example 900 ohm resistor used on a loading plug (1 male RCA to dual female RCA) would give me ~900 ohm resistive load?
elliottbnewcombjr
5,249 posts
 
what are your cartridge(s) signal strength and internal resistance?
dnicol OP
19 posts
 
SS Hyperion. I want to be able to resistive load between 470 and 1000 ohms. Loading plugs using 47K stage setting would be easier maybe to find what I like. Then I would use the internal screw terminals (if they exist in the No 52).
bpoletti
1,538 posts
 
@dnicol  

If you're talking about plugs that have a female input to a male output with a 900 ohm resistor from hot to ground, then that will work.  

But before you do anything, try listening to your cartridge with no additional loading.  I've been using MC carts, including some expensive ones, for years without any added loading.  You might be satisfied with the sound without any loading.
dnicol OP
19 posts
 
@bpoletti Thanks. I have been listening to the cart using a different stage that has variable loading, and no loading, etc., Soundsmith's loading recommendations for me are pretty spot on. The ML stage may be better, might be worse or lateral, but I will never know unless I can load it the way I want, and in the end if it has an internal custom loading option, for me that would be the best way to load after I find how the cart reacts to a different stage.
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