Cartridge loading is the amount of electrical resistance and capacitance that is presented to the cartridge by the phono amplifier. The loading affects the frequency response and soundstage of the cartridge.
The ideal loading for a cartridge depends on the cartridge’s design. The manufacturer’s instructions will typically specify the recommended loading.
If the loading is too high or too low, it can affect the sound quality of the cartridge. A higher loading will produce a brighter sound, while a lower loading will produce a darker sound.
The loading can also affect the tracking ability of the cartridge. A higher loading will make it more difficult for the cartridge to track the record groove, while a lower loading will make it easier.
If you are having problems with the sound quality or tracking ability of your cartridge, you may need to adjust the loading. This can be done by using a resistor or capacitor in series with the cartridge.
Here are some of the effects of cartridge loading on sound:
- Frequency response: The loading can affect the frequency response of the cartridge, which is the range of frequencies that the cartridge can reproduce. A higher loading will tend to roll off the high frequencies, while a lower loading will tend to roll off the low frequencies.
- Soundstage: The loading can also affect the soundstage of the cartridge, which is the sense of width and depth of the sound. A higher loading will tend to create a narrower soundstage, while a lower loading will tend to create a wider soundstage.
- Tracking ability: The loading can also affect the tracking ability of the cartridge, which is its ability to follow the record groove without skipping. A higher loading will make it more difficult for the cartridge to track the record groove, while a lower loading will make it easier.
The best way to find the correct loading for your cartridge is to experiment. Try different loading settings and see what sounds best to you.
Here are some additional tips for adjusting cartridge loading:
- Use a high-quality phono amplifier with a variable loading setting.
- Start with the manufacturer’s recommended loading and then adjust it from there.
- Listen to different records and different types of music to get a good sense of how the loading affects the sound.
- Be patient and experiment until you find the loading that you like best.
