Goldring - Q. The recommended loading for an Ethos cartridge is 100 ohms, can I set my phono pre-amp lower/higher?
Answer:
The 100 ohm loading is just a recommendation. You can go higher (470R and above) and this will increase the high frequency transient response of the cartridge because it reduces electrical damping of the cantilever. If you go lower you get more electrical damping, but don’t go much lower than 75 ohms as the output level will reduce and the HF transient performance will drop off. Whatever you do you will not harm the cartridge so, set the loading where you prefer the sound.