Optimal loading for the Orpheus

Congrats on your O - its a lovely cartridge.

On different phono stages, I've tried values ranging from 80 Ohms to 250 Ohms using resistors from different manufacturers. I think the optimal value is a personal preference and can depend on how 'live' your room is on the top end. The higher values lending themselves to a bit more 'sparkle'. (Not a negative attribute here.)

On the ARC PH7 I used the 100 Ohm preset for quite a while and its simple to switch values with the remote - eventually I settled on 200 Ohms.

After trying different Caddocks, the "nude" Vishay S102s and several others, I settled on 170 Ohm Tantalum resistors for use in the Atma-Sphere MP-1. 220 was a tad tipped up. The S102s are nice and clear, but so are the Tants and they've a wee richer timbre.

Tim

I appreciate the great feedback. I am upgrading from the Temper V to the Orpheus. I use a Sutherland PhD phono stage. To Jtimothya: I tried a variety of loadings for the Temper V using blank configuration boards I got from Ron Sutherland. I settled on 60 ohms using the Vishay S102's. I also tried some generic tantalum resistors (too bright), Caddocks (nice sound but too rolled off) and Kiwame's (a little too 'Koetsu'). I was anticipating loading the Orpheus in the 60-90 range. I have a few Vishay's in this range.

I can't wait to get the Orpheus given the great threads and plaudits you all have generated over the past 2 years. I have read them all back to the Temper V dissertations(nB. SirSpeedy- I know you were a great fan of the V)through to the Orpheus which ultimately pushed me to upgrade. Extremely useful stuff!

I've settled on 250 ohms with a Temper V. Resistor is a dale metal film. No interest yet in moving to an o.

Dear Hickory: +++++ " I am upgrading from the Temper V to the Orpheus... " +++++

well I respect your opinion but I don't think that is an upgrading, IMHO ( I know very well both cartridges ) it is more a cartridge change for something different that it is not necessary an upgrade or better quality performance.

The V is/was a low rated cartridge that IMHO and in the right tonearm is a great performer with a better tonal balance and natural response than the O. Of course this is only a subjective opinion.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Hickory - the Tantalums I'm using are AudioNote, definitely not bright. I've heard folks speak well of the Shinkoh Tantalums but I haven't heard those or the Kiwame. I concur with your comment on the Caddock if you're referring to a MK132 or TF020, though there are lots of different kinds of Caddocks - RalphK has an Orphues and he recommended the Caddock MM (fat body, gold leads), but I haven't been able to locate them.

I had the Temper W in my system for a month or so - a delightful cartridge. Imo, the Orpheus is an upgarde from from the W. I hear the O as more neutral (W is warmer), with 'deeper' tonality, and better top end extension. Could someone comment on the sonics of the Temper W vs the Temper V to help me gauge Raul's comment?

Tim