Capacitance for SME V-12 intrinsic wiring

Wow that high

I've just checked it's 15pF per channel on the V-12.

It doesn't work quite like that. Capacitance doesn't matter that much where MC carts are concerned but it's important that loading is accurate for MM cartridges, so reducing it below that recommended will usually result in an under damped response which can sound bright and shrill. I wonder how many try a MM cart without considering the loading then post their findings not realising they haven't heard anywhere near the potential or designed output balance? I'm also sorry you feel that you'd have to "endure" a TT, as with decent recordings, most find it an absolute joy!

Ok Paul you are correct with regard to loading, I will rephrase keeping the impedance pathway from the cart tip to the point in the phono stage where the loading capacitor/stage is selected I would keep as low a practicable possible for the signal pathway and cartridge *for the given cartridge loadings* and would also experiment around those specific loading points as you rightly point out it can and does have a large effect on the overall sound agreed. Also I would take into account any long tone arm cabling, SUT's and extra analogue interconnects as these are all part of the transmission line.

My brother had designed and built a phono stage that you could make adjustments to the loading from quite small 2.5pf steps upto 2nf if required (which it never was lol) and the difference it made could be quite large to say the least. You could also adjust the resistance in the same fashion as well. But the combinations possible were somewhat large shall we say.

Having had to endure many quite spectacular vinyl recordings and all of the effort that goes into actually making something that good and replaying that pressing to a standard to do it real justice. I have been privileged to listen to a couple of times. On those occasions the fastidiousness of the owners was beyond belief even using a thermal camera to indicate when the bearing temperature was at, for his experience the correct point. Along with using a fairly expensive microscope to set up the cartridge to his personal satisfaction. Also a making use of a GPS timing device for ultra accuracy checking of the turntable speed.

It ran exotic valve amps, pure silver Audionote cabling and very large horn based speakers that did not honk (quite an achievement). Quite breath taking yes, usual non magazine gushing pro's, taking aside the cost and real space needed to house such a replay system, and having the actual time to perform these set up tasks to anal retentiveness factor 11. These systems are owned by gentlemen that have the real time to perform the in depth set up rituals than the rest of us mere mortals.

Then again a couple of my brothers friends with similar attention to detail digital master recordings can achieve very similar results, better in a some areas, not so good in others but with zero anal set up duties and less physical equipment and space required.

On the subject of good quality vinyl with music you wish to listen to not just put on because it sounds good, how much do those pressings cost from £50 upwards?

Plenty of chaps who will prefer vinyl I totally understand I am not of that age (quite a way to go yet!) so yes maybe that is part of the vinyl love affair but with careful selection of components, measurements of the listening environment, correct amplifier <> speaker impedance matching and the desired front end of your choice you should be able to put together a system that satisfies your personal tastes without having to spin as the phrase goes a black pizza.