Running LOMC with MM (47K) loading


This is the way I run my Zyx 4D and my Benz Ebony L before it. I have a JLTi phono preamp which allows me to do this. I have been satisfied with this pre since buying it new. Yet I may be in the market for a new (Different) one. However some I have seen may not offer this ability. One that has great reviews also  has the loading and gain all tied together. Not sure about Herron but it may be out of production. Not sure about others. 
 
The question comes  with @Atma-sphere comments on loading and circuit stability. He contends that the loading  damps (stops) the cartridge cantilever from moving as freely as it was designed (my words) And it is better IF you can run with no loading. But that requires a stable circuit which not all have. Apparently my JLTi has a stable circuit because I have been running LOMC's this way for a 10-15 yrs. 

That said, should I require this attribute to my next phono preamp? And might I be better off to send the JLTi to Joe Rasmussen  (Allen Wright's partner) for upgrade to Pre and new Power supply?. That will be the cheapest and that is likely to be the step I take. However the question still exists. If the damping is as per Ralph's assessment, it would seem that the stability of the  circuit is of greater importance than the ability to have a lot of loading options with unstable circuitry. Another question, Is loading a band aid for a  circuit which is not at an optimum? I am not an electronic tech so I am not  looking to stir the pot but  for my own  understanding  Thanks
128x128artemus_5

Showing 6 responses by artemus_5

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I have the 4th version. I have loading plugs but don't use them anymore. I talked to Joe about sending it to him for updates. Very reasonable to get that done. That will probably be the path I take.
I remember the shootout with the JLTi and other high price preamps. It was preferred by most and Jay Kaufman became the US distributor. I bought mine right after that. Yes it does sound good. I'm just looking for now. I'm trying to fight off the urge to buy something. LoL. You understand, dontcha? (-:
They are out of production, so your only option now is to find a used one.


Thanks @ big_greg

I have heard nothing but good about the Herron. BTW, is a new one on the drawing board for Keith? I emailed that ? to him but have no reply.
@chakster 

I talked to Joe Rasmussen about a month ago about having the upgrade done. He says that the Mark 5 is a Big improvement over the 4. Quoting Joe,

 " JLTi Phono was never meant to compete
with our more expensive VSE FVP and SVP full Phono/Line Pre-amps, but to be a much cheaper stand-alone phono stage and great value.
That has changed...  For a fraction of the cost, this is on a different level entirely ...In a way our JLTi Phono is also a "current mode"
phono stage, also known as transconductance circuit, but again, we do it in a different way."

I just got an estimate from USPS for shipping to Aus. which was quite a bit  cheaper than the others. Since its small, It should be OK.
Now the problem will be not having a phono preamp for 3-4 weeks. Guess I'd better look for a temp replacement. Alnic 1202 looks interesting but loading is preset with the gain you choose. Interesting concept I wonder how they came to those figures.
The question for me is still this. 

@lewm  I'm hoping Ralph (Atma_Sphere) will chime in.

@larryi  I believe Ralph indicated that the electrical signal is what actually stiffened the suspension. But I am not elec tech minded. So my descriptions may be off as far as terminology. Hopefully he will chime in
Well,@atmasphere, you have answered another question I had about whether loading is actually a band aid. Seems to be a natural progression. However I suppose it could also be an option for the customer who needs to tame their systems tendency towards brightness. At least that wa an early finding I had with some different components. Thanks