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Optimum MM cartridge loading

I see that most phono preamps do not have an adjustment for 100K load, which is what some MM cartridges like (such as the Grace F9). I only see 47K on the phono preamps I have looked at. Also being able to set the capacitance would be helpful, at either 100 or 150pF. Are there any "affordable" phono preamps that have these adjustments built-in? If not, how can I go about adding the desired loading and capacitance to an existing phono preamp? My Musical Fidelity X-LPSv3 has neither of these adjustments on it. I am open to replacing it with a unit that provides adjustments.
tube540
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,534 posts
 
Hello

Our Liberty Audio B2B-1 can be fitted with any load you'd desire, standard is 47K ohm / 220 pF but if you'd want 100K Ohm 100pF or 150pF thats an easy change.

I'm working on a 3 input from the front adjustable Gain (4 settings) Capacitive Loading (6 settings) and Resistive loading (12 Settings) as well as Mono selection and Mute - The Liberty Audio B2B-2 (Direct from Factory Price $ 2495) Its still a little ways out till completion.

Meanwhile please read the writeup from the nice folks at Stereophile on the B2B-1

Thanks

Peter
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rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Tube540: EAR 324 has all you need/ask for MM/MI cartridges and is affordable

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
tube540 OP
13 posts
 
Peter -- thanks, keep me posted on your phono stage. Raul -- thanks for pitching in. I was hoping you would see this and respond. After looking at the specs of the EAR 324 I can see this is one versatile phono preamp for BOTH MM and MC cartridges. Are there any others out there that have the 100K setting and adjustable capacitance like the EAR 324?
dhl93449
438 posts
 
$6000 is "affordable"?

I guess I live on another planet.
lewm
6,770 posts
 
I think the most cost-effective solution is the K&K audio TOTL phono stage, balanced version. For a bit extra you can have it with adjustable loading, and in my opinion, balanced phono is an advantage as well, for around $3K or less, in factory-assembled form, I think. Talk to Kevin Carter about your needs, and he can make it happen. (No affiliation.)

Further, if there's sufficient room on and in the chassis, it's no big deal to install adjustable loading for R and C yourself. The trade-off is said to be in terms of noise; the switch required for adjustment is going to introduce a very tiny amount of noise. I don't hear it even on my very high gain MC phono stage, so it really should not be a problem at the lower gain levels needed for MM.
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