Linn Krystal loading W/Prefix

Posted by: Marc0209 on 10 September 2018

Hello,

I recently picked up a Linn Krystal that I have mounted on my on a EKOS SE on a full Akurate Lp-12(except the arm)into a fully rf modded Prefix K powered by my NAC52/52 PS/NAP135's/SBL's. The Prefix and NAC52 were both redone by Chris West. Linn recommends loading the Krystal at 100r which is significantly lower than the 560r of the prefix. I replaced the loading resistors of my prefix with 100r z-foils and the combination is very nice. Has anyone else tried this? If not, how do others feel loading the Krystal that high works.

Thanks,

Marc

Posted on: 10 September 2018 by Mario

Sweetspot loading for linn carts is 576k.

This is what i use with my krystal in an aro -superline and it is sublime. One those "this has got to be right" moments that you just wouldnt mess with.

Posted on: 10 September 2018 by Geko

On my Krystal through a Superline, Aro, Geddon I found the 100r to sound a little bland and lacking sparkle. Changing to a 576k and you are in the sweet spot. However, I found my Krystal took a longer time to run in and sounded just a little 'hot' on the 576k. Running a 560 loading seemed to take the edge of things, sounding more balanced.

In the last month or so the cartridge has finally bedded in and gave me a near religious experience one evening. Since then I've dared not change anything in case I loose it!

Posted on: 11 September 2018 by Marc0209

Mario posted:
Sweetspot loading for linn carts is 576k.
This is what i use with my krystal in an aro -superline and it is sublime. One those "this has got to be right" moments that you just wouldnt mess with.

Hi Mario,

I was wondering where this info came from(567k). Am I to understand you are loading at 576k or 576ohms? I think you mean ohms. Linn list the loading for both the Kandid and Krystal at 50-200r, and most Linnies the run it with the Uphorkik running around 5r. Of course, all this is very system and room and taste dependent, and im sure your system sound wonderful. I got the general feeling that people gravitate toward higher lading settings because the Naim phono stages are set this way, minis the SL of course.

Posted on: 11 September 2018 by Mario

Hi Marc0209, I think its 576K but not sure after a recent house move and superline is packed up.

Peter Swain from Cymbiosis and Chris West I think sort of worked together to help the airplug for superline come together and there is heaps of info on the forum about them reaching the 576 value for Linn carts.

To add to the confusion, naim "K" boards were always set for linn carts, but I'm sure the K in that instance is for Karma.

Regards,

Mario.

Posted on: 11 September 2018 by Richard Dane

Naim "K" boards, Prefix and Stageline were designed for the Linn Karma and Troika, with a later and gentler roll-off at high frequencies and a loading of 560ohms instead of 470ohms of the "S".

Posted on: 11 September 2018 by Mario

There you go 560ohms, thanks for clarifying Richard.