2. analog
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TT/Tonearm/cartridge interaction theory?

Can some one direct me to how the analog works in terms of interaction between Turntable, tonearm and cartridge? I do some clue that the amount of signal that cartridge retrieves from grooves is miniscule and it is important to keep that contact pressure (weight?) to a right amount. What kind of tolerance on this right amount is tolerable without loosing too much of a signal and is ther any other measure for Quality control other than sound? I might have answered my own questions but a I would like little more insight or someone can point out if I have missed any key parameters..

I am structural engineer by profession and am really curious. Thx

Nil
nilthepill

Showing 1 response by seandtaylor99

seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
A particularly important aspect is matching the compliance of the cartridge with the effective mass of the tonearm. The compliance being the springiness of the cantilever on the cartridge.

Since we have a weight (tonearm+cartridge) riding on a spring with minimal damping (unless the tonearm bearings are shot) you have a resonant system, and the resonant frequency is affected by the mass and the springiness (compliance). It is good to keep the resonant frequency below that of the lowest frequency in the music (15Hz), but not too low where warps in the LP could excite it. 8-12 Hz is ideal.

It's all here....

http://www.theanalogdept.com/cartridge___arm_matching.htm
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