Mark Levinson No 52 Preamp phono stage custom loading

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).

@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.

@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.

You are MUCH better off using the ML option, because every resistor type has it’s own sonic signature. I have tested extensively in my own phono stage, and the results range from sublime to unlistenable. The worst was the most expensive resistor and the 2nd best was the cheapest.

The clear winner, to my ears and with my system (ESLs, custom SS class A electronics, air bearings, Koetsu) was nude Vishay. Costs less than $50 the pair, and it makes the biggest difference in the system, at least as much as your ML phono section. Does ML still use aerospace MAT series transistors from Analog Devices for small signals? I use complementary MAT’s and nude Vishays wherever I can from phono to power amps.

I use a loading of 500 ohms for the Koetsu for most material, but more if it’s organ and less if the cartridge is cold. Why not get a few pairs, say 100, 500, 2K5, 10K and test? It’s the best use of money you can make - but beware, the nudes are FRAGILE.

Do let us know what works for you and that lovely new Hyperion.

All of this IMO. YMMV.

Should have added, that's 500R with no SUT, just straight in.