signal/noise and choices of cartridge for Disc
-- Thu, 03/05/2009 - 14:17
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?
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
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