How do I know my preamp and cable capacitance is correct?

f your preamp offers adjustable input capacitance, you can fine-tune it to match your cartridge for the most accurate playback.

Here are some general guidelines:

Ortofon 2M Series (e.g., Red, Blue)
- Recommended load: 150–300 pF
- Start around 200 pF and adjust slightly higher or lower to hear what sounds most natural.

Audio-Technica Moving Magnet Cartridges (e.g., AT-VM95, AT-VMN95)
- Recommended load: 100–200 pF
- Lower capacitance settings usually work best.
General Tips
- If the capacitance is set too high, you may notice the sound becomes overly bright or harsh.
- If it’s too low, the sound may seem dull or lacking detail.
- Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference, so try changes in steps and listen carefully.