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Knowing Nothing About Capacitance...

OK, I've had a table for 5 years now, have tried numerous phono stages and numerous carts, and am enjoying the hell out of my low-fi vinyl system. But after all this time, I'm still clueless about the relationships between cartridge specs and preamp specs.

For example, I'm now using an AT-OC9ml mk ii MC cart -- on the spec sheet it says that this cart's load capacitance is 20ohms. I picked up a vintage Denon integrated amp that I want to try -- it's MC phono section says that it's set for 100ohms. What does this mean? I know I can use the AT with the Denon, but I'm assuming that there will be some compromise in the match. (Whether it's an audible compromise, I have no idea.)

How does all this cart-preamp load matching work? Please keep it simple. I have a PhD, but it' not in anything like this. My scientific understanding peaked in 7th grade (40 years ago) and has gone downhill ever since.

Thanks,
Rich
winegasman
tvad
9,467 posts
 
With the cart's >20 Ohm load impedance, and the Denon's 100 Ohm loading, the match should be very, very close to being spot on, I would think.

If the load is too high, the bass could lack a little weight and the highs might sound tizzy. If the load is too low, the bass could get woolly and muddy and the highs could be rolled off. If you're not hearing any of this, then you're good to go.
winegasman OP
100 posts
 
Great! Thanks.

So why does AT make the OC-9ml with only 20 ohm impedance? The other carts I've seen are all higher. Is it advantageous at all?
rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Rich: I think that is the load impedance through a step-up transformer.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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