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Is impedence so important for a pick/phono combo?

There are many opinion on this issue and I'd like to have them calrified.
There are sveveral MC cartridges that suggest a load impedence higher than the usual Pre-phono value.
For example the Colibrì XGW suggests a value of 500 Ohm against values fo 200 Ohm (ARC REF) 40 Ohm (Lamm LP2) and so on.
Steelhead and IO seem to handle this value.
Now, is the optimal load value so important in the process of choosing the Cartridge/pre-phono combo?
Thanks.
zender

Showing 4 responses by rwd

rwd
695 posts
 
Allow me to add some comments...first I want to say that I am no tech person but I understand TWL's response (I hope).
I have had an opportunity, this weekend, to listen to the Aesthetix Rhea phono per-amp. This phono amp allows you to set load and gain very easily. I have a Helikon cartridge that is recommended for a load of 100 to 47khtz (??). I had been using my ARC PH3se previous...and it was loaded at 47khtz.

Big difference when I went to the Rhea and set it at 47khtz and then went to 500!!! There it was..body, warmth, foundation.

Alas, the Rhea started to act up.....it just shut down for no reason??? I had a call into Musical Surroundings and my dealer...they are also surprised. So...here I am...lovin the Rhea but with some serious doubts. The ARC has functioned for me for 2-3 yrs now with NO problems.

Jim White.....any comments??
rwd
695 posts
 
Hey Doug....you're right! I also checked the Benz M specification I had and it was something similar!!
rwd
695 posts
 
Good point Sid...however, I listened to my Helikon through the Rhea @ 47khtz also vs ARC PH3se and the Rhea was simply better at that load as well.
rwd
695 posts
 
Hi Sid.....The Rhea is quite good and I am disappointed that I cannot hear it at home since this problem has occurred.
I did speak to Jim White at Aesthetix (very nice man) and he told me that the unit that I had borrowed for the dealer is one of the first run units. These units were a bit susceptible to static (even minor static) and this would cause the shut down. He has confirmed that the newer unit do not have this fault and the "fix" had nothing to do with sonics...so older units that work...are sonically the same.

I hope I can get another unit to test at home..(Sid you are welcomed to come over if I get another). If not..I may order one with the option of the return.
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