Blackplate, I probably wasn't clear, but I assumed the interface between the MC20MKII and the MCA-76 was correct being they were built for each other. I'm trying to understand how the loading at the Seduction effects the sound quality. After the discussion on this thread, I wonder why I need any loading on the Seduction. How are the load resistors effecting the signal from the MCA-76?
Let me add another facet to this discussion. For years I have had a Dynavector 20x that was retipped at Soundsmith. It's the high output version, so I ran it straight into my Seduction. The sound quality has never been great, it has always seemed harsh to me. I picked up another table recently, and mounted the Ortofon because I had it, and wanted to give it a try. I was blown away by the sweet sounds directly into my Yamaha C-85. After listening to it for a couple weeks I decided to try the Seduction as the phono pre instead of the C-85. What was really good before became even better. Noticeably better. My new turntable was in a different system, so I assumed it was the speakers that were making the 20x sound harsh. I grabbed my old table and hooked it up to my other system. 20x to Seduction to Yamaha C-85 aux input. Same harsh sound as before. Then I plugged the 20x directly into the Yamaha C-85, and mistakenly set the loading to 100 ohms. The 20x sounded wonderful, and very close to the Ortofon through Seduction. So now I don't know what to think. I switched the loading to 1000 ohms, and instantly harsh sound, switch back to 100, sweetness comes back. It's not like the highs are rolled off at 100 ohms. I can still hear the drum stick hit the cymbal, and hear the ring and decay very clearly. My next move is to try the 20x on the MM input, through all the different settings, and make notes on what I hear. This second system is very generic.
Yamaha C-85 preamp into Yamaha M-65 power amp into Polk Monitor sevens with recapped cross overs and a tweeter upgrade.
Pfenning
Pfenning
Paramour 1's with c4s and iron upgrade, Foreplay II, Seduction with c4s, Crack (stock) and Foreplay III (waiting to be built), DIY turntable with Rega RB250 arm with Incognito wiring, Oppo DVD, Pi Stage 4's and DIY subs