Rega P10/Apheta 3 connected to Luxman EQ-500.

I am using the balanced out on the EQ-500 and have plenty of gain on either MC low or high. It seems like the 40 ohm indicated for the high setting would be a closer match to Rega Alpheta 3 recommended settings?

I have the exact same set up except with P8.

The alpheta 3 has a recommended input load impedance of 100 ohms. According to the EQ-500 manual the input impedance on the MC low setting is 2.5 ohms. Is this a mismatch to be concerned about?

the maximum capacitance setting on the EQ-500 is also 300 pF but the recommended setting per Rega for the Alphets 3 is 1000 pF. Is this a potential issue with sound quality? I have mine set to the 300 pF max.

Thanks clarifying Dover. I will measure to get actual on the 2.5 setting.
 

I can’t hear much difference in sound quality between the Low and high MC settings just a bit of gain difference so I will likely run at low as recommended. I have to be cognizant of too much gain in my system as the Cary SLP-05/pass X250 combo has alot of gain even for my relatively inefficient speakers. I am still running through threads trying to wrap my head around cartridge loading and impedance settings and how they are reported by the manufacturers. 

lldd…I have only been using this set up for about 2 weeks but thus far I am extremely happy with this combination. I have not tried a multitude of phono stages. I had been running through the Rega Aria previously. Soundstage is much deeper and highs are smoother and incredibly real. I recently replaced the rectifier with a NOS Mullard and that is still burning in but seems to be a nice addition.

i initially had some concerns about using tubes for both my pre (Cary SLP-05) and phono stage in terms of immediacy and slam. I have not found that to be the case. On good recordings cymbals are crisp and bass tight. Horns and vocals are literally like a live show in terms of prescience and intimacy. ( Kind Of Blue UHQR/ MoFi; Diana Krall Live in Paris/Turn Up The Quiet; Patricia Barber Cafe Blue one step). Beautiful sense of air and space.

On rock/jazz i.e. Electric Ladyland box set or Beck Blow By Blow 45 rpm plenty of slam and super wide soundstage.

I have not yet gone back to the Aria to do direct comparison but will as soon as mullard tube breaks in but I also have not had a reason or inclination  to do that as the highs and sound stage are definitely much improved.

The EQ-500 definitely sounds better after some warm up, at least 30 minutes. YMMV but through the 3.7 maggies and REL s510’s this is a winner for me.