@quincy
The Liberty offers 64 dB gain in MC mode, with load settings of 100/220/330/500. Until now the 100 and 220 settings have been just fine for all my previous cartridges, which have ranged from Ortofon Winfeld, ZYX 4D, Shelter 501, Transfiguration Spirit III, and a couple of others.
The Musical Fidelity Nu Vista M3 internal phono stage is set at 47K loading, even on the MC side. Output is 70 dB. Now the top end of the Urushi is the most open sounding on the Nu Vista, it seems that the 500 ohm load in the Liberty is too low for the cartridge. Truth is I never owned a cartridge that required this high a load, although the Koetsu literature provides such a wide range on load recommendation, 80 to 1000 ohms, to be of little use.
So my thoughts are that a SUT is going to be needed to move this project forward. Looks like a 1:20 or 1:25 ratio transformer is going to be needed. Since I will also be changing out the tone arm cable on the GST 801, I would prefer to spend my money wisely, and get value for the dollar spent.
What I hear from the Urushi is a very enticing mid band, and expansive presentation of space. Bass response if adequate, but not as authoritative as the Winfeld. I just need the top end to open up and be a bit more present, at the moment the sound is quite reticent.
The Liberty offers 64 dB gain in MC mode, with load settings of 100/220/330/500. Until now the 100 and 220 settings have been just fine for all my previous cartridges, which have ranged from Ortofon Winfeld, ZYX 4D, Shelter 501, Transfiguration Spirit III, and a couple of others.
The Musical Fidelity Nu Vista M3 internal phono stage is set at 47K loading, even on the MC side. Output is 70 dB. Now the top end of the Urushi is the most open sounding on the Nu Vista, it seems that the 500 ohm load in the Liberty is too low for the cartridge. Truth is I never owned a cartridge that required this high a load, although the Koetsu literature provides such a wide range on load recommendation, 80 to 1000 ohms, to be of little use.
So my thoughts are that a SUT is going to be needed to move this project forward. Looks like a 1:20 or 1:25 ratio transformer is going to be needed. Since I will also be changing out the tone arm cable on the GST 801, I would prefer to spend my money wisely, and get value for the dollar spent.
What I hear from the Urushi is a very enticing mid band, and expansive presentation of space. Bass response if adequate, but not as authoritative as the Winfeld. I just need the top end to open up and be a bit more present, at the moment the sound is quite reticent.