Grado loading

hurdy_gurdyman · « **on:** 22 Nov 2007, 01:51 am »

I've read a few places that a lower impedance loading is recommended for Grado carts, maybe around 10k or so. However, the website clearly states 47k. Any idea what is what?

Dave

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 Nov 2007, 02:23 am »

Hey Forum 'ho Dave

...plug your values in here: http://www.hagtech.com/loading.html

You'll generally come up with 10-12K as a value. Long ago, back in the G series days - Grado correctly indicated a 10K loading. I think they long ago gave up trying to educate folks and just list 47K bog standard. Look at the library at Vinyl Engine and you'll see it listed back when

I think some folks have less-than-optimal results with Grado 'cause it's loaded well off the correct setting. For further instance, the low Statement Woodies need MC gain levels about 60db as do MC's, but are best loaded at about 2K optimally. Most MC stages don't give you even a 1K option...usually much lower in the 100-500 range....drastically shearing off what is often well-extended highs from the Grado's.

So, folks move on the MC's thinking that Grado treble is truncated - I've read many a reviewer say it - and I'm not at all sure it is correct

Happy T-giving...gobble, gobble / John

Toka · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 Nov 2007, 02:39 am »

Yea, I agree with TCG. 10k-13k (for the high-output models) is where you want to be. Its not a huuuge deal, though loading at 47K gives you a monster high-frequency spike, but its not until around 80kHz or so (can't quite remember). So its a non-issue with most equipment. I suppose Grado lists 47k simply for the fact that nearly no phono stage, especially those designed for MM carts, lets you set the loading to that level. I guess they don't want people thinking "well my stage can't use that one...I'll get something else."

hurdy_gurdyman · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Nov 2007, 03:16 am »

OK, thanks. I have the Grado Blue in a wooden Grado Reference arm. I tried both ways of loading using a Y adapter to add resistors. There is a very slight mellowing of the highs with the 10k resistors but no other difference I can detect. The slight mellowing isn't at all a bad thing.

Dave

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Nov 2007, 04:06 am »

I'm always torn with phono...as less is so much more (less IC length, less capacitance in general, less rca junctions) in vinyl / analog...I'd only use internal loading...not additional Y-adaptor length which adds a lot to the teen-tiny 5.0mv voltage to pass thru.

It's 1/40 the typical signal of CD outputs...and extra rca's muck that up to

I thought I had it all licked with my totally updated Bell mono integrateds (with phono) - but turns out the gain is so low in my system...I need an outboard phono preamp anyhow ...adding another dreaded rca junction

The smaller the voltage, the less it wants to jump from one lousy junction to another lousy junction. At least make sure you have liberal amounts of Caig Pro-Gold on those junctions to minimize the quasi-terminated transmission line.

RCA junctions suck with vinyl...saps the vitality right outta' listening. Of course, sometimes you have no option...but when I do, I keep it as simple as can be

In the end, only your opinion matters - so do as you feel is right

Ciao

hurdy_gurdyman · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 Nov 2007, 03:16 pm »

The Y adapters are only intended to be temporary. I have a vintage Marantz receiver doing duty as a phono premap. It's in a hard to get into equipment cabinet. I only want to put resistors in it once.

Dave aa

PeteG · « **Reply #6 on:** 23 Nov 2007, 02:03 pm »

Quote from: Toka on 22 Nov 2007, 02:39 am

Yea, I agree with TCG. 10k-13k (for the high-output models) is where you want to be. Its not a huuuge deal, though loading at 47K gives you a monster high-frequency spike, but its not until around 80kHz or so (can't quite remember). So its a non-issue with most equipment. I suppose Grado lists 47k simply for the fact that nearly no phono stage, especially those designed for MM carts, lets you set the loading to that level. I guess they don't want people thinking "well my stage can't use that one...I'll get something else."

I'll lower my impedance this weekend see how it goes.

hurdy_gurdyman · « **Reply #7 on:** 24 Nov 2007, 07:18 pm »

I tried a 20 k resistor in place of the 10 k in my Y adapter for the Grado Blue today. I like it a little better than the 10 k resistor. Sounds a bit more lively without going as far as the standard 47 k. I think I'll stick with this for a while.

Dave