Optimal Loading for Shelter 501 mk2

Oy. Now you went and got me started, Doug. :-)

The site that Doug refers to says the "load" should be "within 100 ohm for a head amp" and "within 20 ohm for a step-up" (for both 501MkII AND 901)

There are few things with this information that have never been explained to my satisfaction (not to mention conflicting load figures on at least two other sites).

First, does "within" mean not above? Not below? Or, is it merely a poorly translated way of saying "about"?

Second, what is exactly meant by step-up? I have a phono stage that has a step-up wired directly in an MC section, internal to the unit. Is that considered a step-up? It isn't in the normal sense of, say, running a step-up trannie through the MM section of a preamp.

Third, I do not know if "within 20 ohm for a step-up" is actually referring to load or whether it refers to the upper limit of the "static" impedance of the transformer, not the load impedance.

I will say this. I load my 501MkII at 100 ohm and it sounds great. That said, I have found certain LP's that sound much more dynamic loading at 300 ohm (which I can do with a flip of the switch). I cannot go below 100 ohm (unless I want to do some soldering) so I do not know if I am missing out on something better. My guess is that if you load at 100 ohm you will be thrilled in most all circumstances. Whether small changes will result in big improvements probably depends upon your ear and your equipment.

Yes, my use of the word "dynamics" was misplaced. I will say though that my experience in load changing has been somewhat different.

On certain LP's that have little bass info and not much in the way of complex mixing, say a female vocalist with an accompanying pirce or tow, things can sound a bit less "thin" using the 300 ohm setting. A slightly reduced soundstage but better upfront "presentation" of the vocals.

Conversely, on certain LP's with a ton-o-bass and/or many different pieces in the mix, things are best at 100 ohm.

That said, this occurs on certain LP's only and may be due more the recording than the load setting. About 90% of the time I just leave it at 100 ohm.

FWIW, when I had my MkII I found that 100 Ohm was the best setting with mine, too. I also have the K&K phono stage.

Williamdc, kudos to you for building your own K&K. I wimped out and had Kevin custom build one for me. Fine piece, indeed.

Looking at several of my recent posts, I can confirm that "within" does not mean SPELL CHECK! :-(

Actually, to quote J. Geils, first I look at the purse. Of course, a full purse would be essential in considering your doubtful remedy. :-) Toes, however, are secondary.

And, absent the purse or not, I'd at least be able to look at my table without hurling. And I don't mean me ancestor's sport.

Jyprez, can you kindly provide the information or link to where Shleter recommends 47K for the Shleter 501? Thanks

I see, thanks. Must be an updated sheet, as mine does not include that third ("EQ") line.

FWIW, when I had my MkII I found that 100 Ohm was the best setting with mine, too.