signal/noise and choices of cartridge for Disc
default -- Thu, 03/05/2009 - 15:17
Assume two cartridges one of low output ( less than 0.4 mv) and the other of high output (>1.5 mv) having identical styli shapes. The lowest signal/noise generated from the stylus/ LP surface will be the same for both. The cartridge with the higher output will therefore have a superior signal/noise ratio. Once this is established all the subsequent amplifying chain will only make this worse.
Question: Is it therefore better to have the higher output cartridge for the optimum signal/noise ratio?
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A high output cartridge will provide a higher signal-to-noise ratio because less gain is needed to bring it to line level. I'm using a 0.3mV cartridge now with a whopping 68dB of gain in the phonostage with no audible noise.
When I read the original question, I feel as if there is a built-in assumption that the best S/N equates directly to the best sound in an analog phono system. I question that assumption.
Higher output carts may have better S/N numbers, but they don't necessarily have superior definition, detail, or dynamic ability. I don't think you can rely on one specification to give you the entire sonic picture of a cart's capabilities.
Steven Stone
Contributor to The Absolute Sound, EnjoytheMusic.com, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and other fine publications
Since I put out the original statement I will attempt to answer this. The point I was making is this. The retrieval of inner detail and low output signals will indeed depend on the signal to noise ratio among other things. The "blacker" backgrounds much quoted (and desired) will absolutely depend on this signal to noise ratio. Whether this will be what governs the choice of cartridge has room for debate. The point remains. How much inner detail do you sacrifice to signal/noise ratio other things being equal?
I should emphasize that the ultimate signal to noise ratio for the vinyl is set at the source. In this case the cartridge vinyl interface. All other additions to this chain will degrade the signal to noise ratio.