Mismatch - between SUT and MC cartridge.


What kind of mismatch would you expect between an SUT with 2~4 ohm pick up impedance and an MC cartridge which has the load resistance > 10 ohms, assuming the output level of the MC cartridge matches to the gain of SUT?

Thanks.
128x128ihcho

Showing 3 responses by ihcho

Thanks Raul,

I have used Ortofon MC20 with Ortofon T20 SUT, and they match pretty good and the sound is wonderful. I also have an Ortofon MC100 which has similar output level with MC20, but requires a higher load impedance (>10ohm vs 2~4 ohm).
Even though I knew about the impedance mismatching I gave a try. I assumed that MC100 would be much better than MC20 or even MC30.
I have not done serious listening yet, but I generally felt satisfied. Threw out some jazz LPs (NOUVEAU BACH (LA4), Kind of Blue, Sinatras) and few chamber music and orchestral music LPs. Felt a bit more dynamic and detailed sound, but a bit congested sound at full orchestration or high volume. Maybe the signal from MC100 is too hot for the SUT?

My system is BAT VK60/VK30 with VKP3 phono, and Tyler Linbrook Signature Systems.
Thanks for your response.
It is good to know that the voltage level matching is much more important than the impedance level matching.
I've listened to many more LPs in more serious manner, and I guess I would like it, even though I cannot say that MC100 (on my system) is much better than MC20.
Thanks.
I guess I need to spend more time to understand your explanation. Overall, it seems to work fine to my ears.