322/3 phono boards and cart matching

Posted by: modmal on 24 September 2018

Hello,

I'm using a nac72 (hicap / 250) driven by a shure m97xe cartridge. The cards fitted are 322/3.

I understand from Naim support the cart loading values for 522N cards are 47 Kohm and 470pF.

My questions:

1) Are the 322/3 loading values the same as the 522Ns?

2) would 522Ns fit the 72?

3) the Shure M97 is ideally looking for a loading of 250 pF so the 470 pF floading is high. Any suggestions on how to achieve a better match?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

modmal.

Posted on: 24 September 2018 by Richard Dane

1) Yes. Same load value - 47Kohm is pretty much standard for MM. I don't have any capacitance spec - total capacitance would greatly depend on choice of phono lead anyway.

2) No.

I'm not sure how well the Shure matches Naim N phono cards. Naim N cards tend to be a bit "dark" and earthy, so work best with cartridges that are veer more to the bright and lively side of things - think Audio technica and derivatives. If the Shure and Naim boards doesn't sound so hot then you may wish to consider a change of cartridge to get the best from the Naim pre-amp.

Posted on: 24 September 2018 by modmal

Richard, thanks for clarrifications and advice.

Modmal