Benz Micro M2 loading


What are people using to load their Benz M2s? On my Pass Labs XOno I've tried 47 kOhm (too bright), 1000 Ohms (not right), and 5 Ohms (no). Right now I'm on 475 Ohms. Any feedback is appreciated.
jandrese9882

Showing 8 responses by piedpiper

"The better the cart. the lower the loading."

I don't know where you heard that but it is definitely not true. Loading has to do with electrical resonance damping and cannot be systematically approached even on the basis of impedance matching. Some designers would even say the opposite in that if the cartridge needs to be electrically damped it isn't designed properly. Of course, that's one extreme opinion. Your new Goldfinger is a high output, high impedance design that will not do well with a low load impedance.

Jandrese9882,

What was "not right" about 1k? That or there abouts ought to work.
I've also heard 25 times, which puts it at about 600, but neither are necessarily
so. Where did you get the 24 ohm spec? I thought it was higher.
Tvad,

go with your ears, as you are.

Radrog,

In your other thread you said you were loading it at 47k not 47. The internal
impedance of the Goldfinger is 32 ohms which is relatively high compared to
many MCs. This is how the Goldfinger achieves the relatively high output of
.9mV. This would typically require something around 300 to 1K, but again,
that's a theoretical guide.

Just as an example, I was advised to run the extremely low impedance
Transfiguration Orpheus wide open at 47k as it does not require to be
damped down even though its internal impedance is 2.5 ohms. George
Cardas advises to run the Cardas Heart, which has an internal impedance
more like your Goldfinger, at 47k or even higher.

Once your 'finger breaks in you might find that it can stand a higher load
resistance without sounding rough or bright. In the mean time I would think
that something in the area of 300 to 1k would be a likely range.
Keep your 300 until you can spring for a serious arm. The Basis Vector ought to be in your cross hairs.
In the mean time, the Michell Technoweight and Riggle VTAF are cost effective upgrades. As you point out, the rest of your system is worthy of better in the long run.

dealer disclosure.
First of all, increasing the loading means lowering the value of the load resistor. Since this "loading resistor" is between the hot and ground, lowering this value increases the "load" on the signal, thus reducing high frequency resonances and, in extreme cases, reducing bass and overall output.
other way around. read my post again. Increasing the load means decreasing the load impedance. Your heard your dealer correctly.
Rcruz,

based on your experience it sounds like you might prefer a higher value like 4-10k