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MC cartridge loading: still baffled

I am using a low output moving coil cartridge- a retipped Linn Troika.  Recommended loading is 100-200 ohms which I have always followed.  My phono pre is an Ayre P-5xe and set to the highest gain.  Years ago, Michael at Ayre said most moving coil cartridges sounded best when loaded at 47k ohm using their phono pre.  I just got around to trying this setting and it does sound more open and better to me.  Lately, I am discovering that much of the dogma that I have been following isn't necessarily correct, at least with my system and to my ears.  Another example I found recently is that my arm/cartridge performs just fine with very little anti-skate force as opposed to just picking a setting equal to VTF as universally suggested.

Back to the loading question:  is the proper loading more a function of the phono pre or the cartridge itself?
jc4659

Showing 1 response by shangyien

shangyien
9 posts
 
It looks like there are some knowledgeable people on this thread, so I'll take the opportunity to add a few questions.

1. Can someone suggest a good test record?
2. Is tracking force adjustment for 33 rpm just as suitable for 45 rpm records.
3. Is the best tracking force for the outside of the record the same as for the inside and should tracking force be adjusted in the middle as a compromise?
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