MC recommendations

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Ericus Rex

MC recommendations
« on: 6 Nov 2009, 01:50 pm »
Hi Guys and Gal,

I've got a Benz M2 wood body (.8mV).  It's got amazing bass and rich mids but the highs are a little lackluster in my sys.  Vocals especially sound too dark for my liking.  What cartridges can I find used for $800-1,500 or so that would keep the great qualities of the lows and mids but have a bit more sparkle on the top end?  Got anything for sale?   aa

On a side note, I've never messed around with the cart. loading in my preamps.  Would this change the character of the highs at all?

TheChairGuy

Re: MC recommendations
« Reply #1 on: 6 Nov 2009, 02:03 pm »
On a side note, I've never messed around with the cart. loading in my preamps.  Would this change the character of the highs at all?

Yes - it absolutely would change to an extent.

Think of loading of a fancy tone control (not to slight anyone that employs it, but that's what it is in effect).  So, it won't change the character of your cartridge, but might change your perception of it as you dial it in to your taste, system, etc.

While it's not the most important thing to get right with vinyl...it's an added twinkle that can often help.  For lower output cartridges such as you have - it's sometimes essential to diddle around with it.   For instance if your MC input is the std 100 ohm loading point...it's probably much too low for your medium output Benz. 

The result would be (a generality here as it's system and person specific) overdamped.  Lows would sound too tight and highs would be generally characterized as too loose or diffuse.  Moving up the loading to, say, 800 ohm (I'm just picking a number, mind you), you would loosen the iron grip on the bass and put a little more structure to the treble.  Mids might snap into focus a bit better.

You'll still recognize your Benz under all that - but it might take a sonic character more to your liking.

Ciao, John

FOR SALE - Fully updated Superphon Dual Mono Preamp and DM200 Amp - $800 shipped http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=72676.new#new

chosenhandle

Re: MC recommendations
« Reply #2 on: 6 Nov 2009, 02:06 pm »
what is the cart. load now?

toobluvr

Re: MC recommendations
« Reply #3 on: 6 Nov 2009, 02:11 pm »
I use an older Benz H20 wood body (2.0mV, circa 2002?) and I don't find the highs lacking in any way whatsoever.  Tons of sparkle and air.....at least for my taste. 

Nor would I describe the overall tonal character as "dark".  Rich, smooth, full and musical...yes, but not dark.

I use my MM input and load it at standard 47k, which I think is the mfrs. recommendation.

« Last Edit: 6 Nov 2009, 05:41 pm by toobluvr »

BobM

Re: MC recommendations
« Reply #4 on: 6 Nov 2009, 03:10 pm »
check out the specs on your cartridge here:

http://www.cartridgedb.com/

Ericus Rex

Re: MC recommendations
« Reply #5 on: 6 Nov 2009, 05:31 pm »
what is the cart. load now?

I'll check when I get home.

Thanks for all the replies!

bluemike

Re: MC recommendations
« Reply #6 on: 6 Nov 2009, 06:43 pm »
John
How are you liking the primaluna in comparison to the dodds
you can pm if you like
Sorry to cut in here


Ericus Rex

Re: MC recommendations
« Reply #7 on: 6 Nov 2009, 07:12 pm »
OK.  My cartridge specs are:  0.8mV, 24 ohm int. imp, Boron cantilever, line contact stylus, recommended loading is 200 - 47K ohms.

Preamp is still at its factory setting of 47K ohm phono load.  Should I try the opposite end of the spectrum and load it at 200 ohms to see what happens?  What do youz guys predict will happen if I do this?

woodsyi

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Re: MC recommendations
« Reply #8 on: 6 Nov 2009, 07:20 pm »
The rule of thumb I remember for LOMC is that lower loading lessens air, meaning this will not be the direction you want to go. 

toobluvr

Re: MC recommendations
« Reply #9 on: 6 Nov 2009, 07:58 pm »
Interesting discussion on cartridge loading here by two guys that certainly know the subject:

http://www.extremephono.com/Loading.htm

http://www.hagtech.com/loading.html

And 26 pages of discussion on the topic on Vinylengine.com!

http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6674

 :o

Good lordie!    By the time you read thru all that you could have built an infinitely adjustable phono section so you could get all neurotic and shit, and tweak away to your hearts content.    :lol: