phono/preamp analog front end

@atmasphere  Just so I understand, you're saying that all phono preamps that have a loading switch inherently haven't effectively dealt with RFI issues in their design?  

@testpilot 

The Herron uses external loading plugs, although the designer feels it sounds best unloaded.

Interestingly I have always found my Herron to sound better with loading - and in fact at a loading usually very close to cartridge manufacturer recommendations.  I know some stages like Sutherland's Little LOCO uses transimpedance amplification so you never dial in the loading using a switch but there is still loading.  And then you have some Boulder stages that have fixed loading but with no switches.  It seems that @atmasphere is saying that only phono stages they don't present any cartridge load are properly designed...I'm still not totally understanding this, especially since the cart manufactures recommend a load.

@atmasphere  Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and provide the link.