Cartridge loading for Pass Labs Xono

I have an Xono and AirTight PC-1, (.5mV). I have set the gain to lowest setting and the loading to 22 ohms. I'm surprised this low setting sounds the best, but it is a good combination of clear, clean highs, rich mids and deep, full, articulate bass. I also just switched from the balanced to the single-ended outputs from my Xono to Pass XP-20. The RCA circuit is simpler and sounds better.

I'm using a Koetsu Urushi Black, 0.4V output. The gain is set to lowest level and the loading is "now" set to the Koetsu recommended 30 ohms (listed on Elusive Disc specifications). When I dropped, after reading Peterayer's post here, from 71.35ohms to 30 ohms it was necessary to increase the VTA. The sound now has fantastic full bodied mids with inner detail, strong defined bass and rich clean highs.

dynavector xv1s (0.3mv) with vpi 10.5 tonearm and reference superscoutmaster, arc ref 3 line stage, pass x250.5 amp, magnepan 20.1s. i load with 30 ohms and gain at 71db. the gain and load is dependent on the combination of all links in the chain from cartridge to speakers in addition to being a personal preference.

At the suggestion of Dlenslem, who likes to set up his Koetsus 0.4mV at 1K with a VTF of 1.92-1.94 gr, I tried 1K and 1.92 gr. It was apparent immediately there was more energy/dynamics and much better imaging but I was unable to get enough timbre for me at 1K and after trying many VTA and VTF combinations dropped the impedance to 475 ohms with VTF at 1.922 gr which works for me. Just to check I tried 120 ohms and played with the VTA but imaging and dynamics weren't as good so I'll stay at 475 ohms/1.922 gr.

Thanks Dlenslem for your knowledgeable suggestion/help which resulted in a great learning experience and much better sound!!!