How Does Phono Stage Loading Impact the Performance of Moving-Coil Cartridges?

Moving-coil (MC) cartridges are prized by audiophiles for their speed, resolution, and ability to uncover fine musical detail. Yet they are also notoriously sensitive to setup—especially phono stage loading. Understanding how loading affects an MC cartridge can mean the difference between thin, edgy sound and a presentation that is natural, dynamic, and emotionally engaging. What