I would absolutely rule out the splitter approach, and I would suspect
that the switchbox approach is likely to result in a significant degree
of sonic compromise.
Keep in mind that with the splitter approach you would be connecting the two cartridges to each other, as well as to the phono stage. With that approach, the most major of several issues that would result is that instead of loading the 2M Black with the recommended 47000 ohms you would be loading it with the VERY low impedance of the 103R.
With the switchbox approach, among other potential issues, both the added cabling and the box itself would increase the amount of capacitive loading that is applied to the cartridge that is being used. The input capacitance of the EAR 834p doesn’t appear to be specified, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the total of all of the capacitances resulting from that approach would exceed the range of 150 to 300 pf that is recommended for optimal sonics in the case of the 2M Black. And I wouldn’t be surprised if there were adverse effects on the signals from the 103R as well.
Regards,
-- Al
Keep in mind that with the splitter approach you would be connecting the two cartridges to each other, as well as to the phono stage. With that approach, the most major of several issues that would result is that instead of loading the 2M Black with the recommended 47000 ohms you would be loading it with the VERY low impedance of the 103R.
With the switchbox approach, among other potential issues, both the added cabling and the box itself would increase the amount of capacitive loading that is applied to the cartridge that is being used. The input capacitance of the EAR 834p doesn’t appear to be specified, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the total of all of the capacitances resulting from that approach would exceed the range of 150 to 300 pf that is recommended for optimal sonics in the case of the 2M Black. And I wouldn’t be surprised if there were adverse effects on the signals from the 103R as well.
Regards,
-- Al