How important is ext. adj. for cartridge loading


Hello Folks,

A New Phono Preamplifier will soon be introduced - MSRP around $1750 - $2000

A small "focus group" questionnaire - On a Phono Preamplifier how important is it to you that MC cartridge loading is adjustable from the front panel of the amplifier? How often do you "fiddle" around with loading ? Enough to warrant the cost increase, probably about $200 for the additional switches faceplate machining etc. pricing the preamp towards the higher end of projected price?

Same goes for MM/MC switching Would external selection be preferable to a internal Jumper setting ?

Is a MUTE function desirable on the front panel as well?

MC loading is at 100, 220, 330, 500 Ohms and 47K Ohms, do you think these are OK or would you like other values?

We have designed the unit so it can be used as a fully differential unit as well with one balanced input and one balanced output, you'd need two of them for stereo, do you find this desirable? Would you prefer this mode of operation to be selectable from the outside (switch on back) or would internal jumper selection be enough?

Thanks in advance for your thought on these questions

Peter
128x128pbnaudio

Showing 4 responses by nikturner920

Mono Switch, even on the back, would be a great feature.

Not that I listen to that many true mono records, but there are a large number of early stereo rock and jazz records with horrible L-R pan that sound great in mono.

I would have preference for exterior loading but putting them in the rear is fine if that is cheaper.
Just to clarify, my desire for a mono switch is not for running a mono cart but for playback of stereo LPs (early stereo late 50s - mid 60s) that sound better in mono. Like Dopogue I lack this on my phono and line stages.

In general replacing resistors and moving jumpers sucks, micro-toggle switches at a minimum if you go internal for the settings.
If you have a mono cart with a single RCA output on the leads and you run this into one channel of the input then select the 'Mono' switch that sums the signal and sends it to both channels gain stages...isn't that 'real mono'?

I guess I want fake mono for my stereo cart, but seems like that is compatible with a true mono cart.

At the $2500 level for a phono stage I want something that will grow with me through different, having all the flexibility to make it work in different systems would help justify the cost.
I would be up for Beta testing as I am actually looking for a new phono stage at the moment and having a mono option is one of criteria.