Thanks for all the input. Re: loading the MC cartridge. I had been running it at 47 kohms (don't laugh), and found the sound a bit harsh. My original dealer (now out of business) never educated me on matching and I never educated myself until the sound just didn't feel right.
I contacted Garth at Musical Surroundings, and he suggested the range I indicated above as a starting point, but cautioned that I may choose to go lower - let my ears be my guide. His thoughts were based on:
1. His personal experience
2. His contact with other ClearAudio customers and
3. His personal preference to make less of a reduction than more, given I was starting at 47kohms!
He did mention ClearAudio's preferred phono stage settings during our conversation, but he mentioned 800 ohms. Here's an excerpt from his e-mail:
"Yes 10x coil impedance is the rule for minimum resistive loading, thus you can go as low as 350 ohms. Clearaudio phono stages load at 800 ohms, one reason I suggested it. And 350 is a very radical change from your 49k ohm load. If your system is on the ultra bright side, yes go for 350."
My phono stage requires that the resistors be soldered in - so to me it is a bit of a hassle. I chose 600 ohms because I felt my system was not THAT bright and it was in the middle - a sort of compromise/place to start.
I have to tell you to my stone ears, I was satisfied, save for the noise I mentioned.
As I let the MC-4 settle in, I plan to listen and let my ears be my guide. I just may make some adjustments in the future.
Thanks to everyone.
Brent
I contacted Garth at Musical Surroundings, and he suggested the range I indicated above as a starting point, but cautioned that I may choose to go lower - let my ears be my guide. His thoughts were based on:
1. His personal experience
2. His contact with other ClearAudio customers and
3. His personal preference to make less of a reduction than more, given I was starting at 47kohms!
He did mention ClearAudio's preferred phono stage settings during our conversation, but he mentioned 800 ohms. Here's an excerpt from his e-mail:
"Yes 10x coil impedance is the rule for minimum resistive loading, thus you can go as low as 350 ohms. Clearaudio phono stages load at 800 ohms, one reason I suggested it. And 350 is a very radical change from your 49k ohm load. If your system is on the ultra bright side, yes go for 350."
My phono stage requires that the resistors be soldered in - so to me it is a bit of a hassle. I chose 600 ohms because I felt my system was not THAT bright and it was in the middle - a sort of compromise/place to start.
I have to tell you to my stone ears, I was satisfied, save for the noise I mentioned.
As I let the MC-4 settle in, I plan to listen and let my ears be my guide. I just may make some adjustments in the future.
Thanks to everyone.
Brent