Yes, 100 ohms is too heavy a load (too low a resistance value) for your cartridge to provide good sonics, based on Benz' recommendations and on the cartridge's specified internal impedance of 38 ohms.
There will be a small loss of volume as a result of the heavy loading (a little under 3 db), but as Steve indicates the main effects on volume (as opposed to sonics) probably result from differences in phono stage gain. However, it appears that the gain of the Boulder when set to moving coil mode is specified as being greater than the gain of the Herron VTPH-2 (I am not aware of a VTPH-3), which is perplexing.
In any event, looking at the manual, you can change the loading to 1K (1000 ohms) by simply disconnecting the resistor on the "personality cards" for the left and right channels, for whichever of the two turntable inputs is being used.
You don't have to remove or disconnect the resistors entirely. Disconnecting one end is sufficient. You can do that by using a low powered soldering iron to heat the connection point on the underside of the card. When the solder loosens, you would lift the resistor lead away from the card using long-nosed pliers.
Alternatively, you could simply cut the resistor lead, and lift that end of the resistor away from the card. Of course, that method would make it difficult or impossible to reconnect the resistor at a later time, if that is ever necessitated by a cartridge change. But similar resistors are inexpensive and easily obtainable.
Best regards,
-- Al
There will be a small loss of volume as a result of the heavy loading (a little under 3 db), but as Steve indicates the main effects on volume (as opposed to sonics) probably result from differences in phono stage gain. However, it appears that the gain of the Boulder when set to moving coil mode is specified as being greater than the gain of the Herron VTPH-2 (I am not aware of a VTPH-3), which is perplexing.
In any event, looking at the manual, you can change the loading to 1K (1000 ohms) by simply disconnecting the resistor on the "personality cards" for the left and right channels, for whichever of the two turntable inputs is being used.
You don't have to remove or disconnect the resistors entirely. Disconnecting one end is sufficient. You can do that by using a low powered soldering iron to heat the connection point on the underside of the card. When the solder loosens, you would lift the resistor lead away from the card using long-nosed pliers.
Alternatively, you could simply cut the resistor lead, and lift that end of the resistor away from the card. Of course, that method would make it difficult or impossible to reconnect the resistor at a later time, if that is ever necessitated by a cartridge change. But similar resistors are inexpensive and easily obtainable.
Best regards,
-- Al