2. analog
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Importance of impedance matching cartridge with phono stage?

Hi,

I just received my new Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated (which I absolutely love), and my dealer sold me a barely used demo Gryphon phono board for it which I installed into my new amp.  When I checked Gryphon’s site, I realized the board they sold me was Gryphon’s PS2 model, and not the latest revision, which is the PS2-S.  The only change with the new revision appears to be that it now supports a variety of impedance load settings for MC cartridges, including 20/100/200/499/806 Ohms and even custom loads using resistive jumpers applied to the board.  In comparison, my version only supports 20 and 100 Ohm settings for MC cartridges.

My question is, how much should I care that my Gryphon phono board does not have these expanded  load settings?

If it matters, the dealer gave me the board for over 50% off retail value.

I know relatively little about analog (the last turntable I owned I got when I was 5) and am looking for some informed advice here.  I could ask my dealer or Gryphon but I think their response may be biased considering they will likely want me to keep the board.  Not to mention I don’t think the dealer was supposed to sell me the demo board; Gryphon seems to care about such things.

Thanks




nyev

Showing 1 response by gregm

gregm
3,395 posts
 
Hi. The quick response is that most people aren't even aware of this little detail (i.e.getting the loading correct) and live their lives complaining about the mediocre sound.The second point is that most cartridges play reasonably well @~100ohms  (capacitance???), hopefully so does yours.
The third point is that getting the loading correct is of primordial importance: you finally get to hear what your TT system is capable of...
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