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Matching cartridge to phono pre amp. pF!?

I’ve just discovered what pF is. Well, I don’t know what it is but I was told it was important. I have the 2m Bronze and Technics 1210GR. I wanted to upgrade  from the built in phono stage in my pre amp to a separate phono amp. I was looking at the Lehmann line. The Black Cube Se II looked good until I read the specs. Only 100pF. The 2m Bronze MM specs says it prefers 150-300pF. How important is pF and what happens if it’s a bad match. What makes a bad match? Too low? Too high? I’m not sure where to from here or what to look for.
tmac1700

Showing 3 responses by lewm

lewm
12,554 posts
 
McIntosh recommended 100pF knowing what interconnects and cartridge you are using? Or what? Because the best choice, if capacitance loading at the input is selectable, would depend upon those two variables.

lewm
12,554 posts
 
To the OP:  Are you saying that the specs for the Lehmann say it has 100pF of capacitance at its inputs?  If so, you need also to add in the capacitance of your phono cables.  Any phono cable is likely to have an intrinsic capacitance of at least 50pF, assuming a 3-foot length.  Upper end would be 150-200pF, so if you add 100pF to the cable ranging from 50-200pF, you are in the right ballpark for total capacitance.  How important is this?  It's nice to stay within the manufacturer's recommendations for the cartridge, but rules are plastic in this hobby.
lewm
12,554 posts
 
pF = picofarad, one-trillionth of a farad, the unit of capacitance. “Pico” = 10 to the minus 12 power.
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