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Question about Cartridge Loading

Hello All,

Out of all the different audio components, seems like the phono amp is still something that I am trying to understand.

I have read much about it here on the forums, google and YouTube.

But I haven’t really come across a simple answer as to how different resistance (ohm settings) affects the sound and that is what I am trying to get to and understand.

I have very basic electrical knowledge but understand that the different cartridge loading values: 100, 200, 300, 47K, etc are different values of resistance.

By the way, I understand Gain. Higher the Gain, the louder it will be (ever so slightly).

Also, I am not worried about capacitance settings since I use a MC Cart.

So, in the most simplest terms, what I want to understand is if for example, if a 100 ohm setting is chosen on a phone preamp, does that mean the audio will be more open because there is less resistance compared to say a 600 ohm setting?

Would 47K damp the sound even more because it is a higher resistance value compared to 100 ohm.

In my mind, resistance means to push back or down, so I would think a lower ohm setting mean that audio output would sound more free/open not as veiled, perhaps more bass.

Am I thinking about this the correct way?

I know it’s probably not as simple as that.

Currently, I can’t seem to detect much different in the different load values with my phono pre-amp.

Anyways, any feedback would be welcomed.

As I said, I am looking for simple answers like: lower ohm setting equals more open sound and higher ohm setting equals more veiled sound (I’m sure I am totally wrong about that as there are many variables involved).

Thanks

Jay

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Showing 1 response by mijostyn

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

Jay, I always use the cartridge manufacturer's suggestion and stick with it but, my phono stage requires removing the bottom and soldering in resistors to change the load. Just use what you think sounds best to you. It is your system and your ears. 

With experience you will know what you want to hear. When you are not sure you tend to second guess yourself. As an audiophile you owe it to yourself to listen to as many systems as you can at dealers and shows to get an idea of what systems can do. You'll have to dweedle through a bunch of bad systems but when you hear a good one you will know it for sure. If you want to get first rate service at a high end store just drive up in a 911. A Yellow one works best:-)

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