Phono input differences

[Pure_Brew]

Hi,
So just recently I got a Technics SL-B10 with an Empire LTD280 cartridge (P mount). Got this from a friend who claimed low hours on the cart.

Its a pretty cheap affair, but I'm happy I at least have something to listen to records on now. Honestly, I'd have to say this sounds better then the cheap Stanton DJ tables I tried and even better then the project debut III I also tried.

So anyway, my trusty backup Nikko Beta 20 preamp has 2 phono inputs. One is set to 47k internally. The other has a a selector for 47k,100k,MC.

So the question is why wouldn't the sound be the same on the one input preset to 47k, versus the input switched to 47k.? It appears at the moment, that the input with the switch sounds better, in pretty much every way.

Maybe I already have an idea... Due to the sensitive nature of cartridges, the switch has an effect, the pre is 30+ years old, the switch input was likely never used in all this time (has the original covers on the RCA inputs, stuck tight on them).

Let me know what you think.

Joe

 

[stuwee]

There could be a couple of reasons why you hear a diff Joe, one could be that the switched one hasn't seen any use and the caps and resistors in the curcuit were high quality ones that didn't degrade over time, you might want to try the 100K setting (it's not going to hurt anything). Always remember to turn the volume all the way down when playing with unknown switches and their effects.

Two, the 47K,100K switched phono input is for a MC cart and Nikko may have put something magical in that section not in the fixed 47K MM input. Cartridge loading can make a big diff or a small one, depends on all the items involved.

If you can hear a diff in two 47K inputs from the same manufacture, means you got a pretty good set of ears there sir

 

[Pure_Brew]

If you can hear a diff in two 47K inputs from the same manufacture, means you got a pretty good set of ears there sir

Likely its something else but I appreciate the vote of confidence.

 

[nakdoc]

You can use the Empire LTD in the 100k position and get a bit of bite on the highs. 100k works nicely for cartridges with flat treble. Those old Pickerings and Shures (70s-85) keep on 47K.
An input with switchable MC will have a different design than a fixed MM phono stage.