PF SETTING FOR MC CARTRIDGE WITH SUT

Hi Al: Thanks again for the cartridge lesson on impedance, capacitance and inductance. I've tried to apply your advice, both that which you and I shared privately and here on A'gon. I think my phono stage sounds all the better because of your help. Now, I also read Jonathan Carr's post. In particular, Jonathan wrote the following:

"PS. The possible frequency range occupied by the high-frequency resonant spike also includes the frequency range encompassed by LP pops and ticks, and these can likewise be of quite large magnitude (larger than any music signal inside the groove). Just as with the high-frequency resonant spike, controlling pop and tick energy is the task of the phono stage (although it is a big help if the cartridge has a low-mass moving assembly). The phono stage and cartridge can have an immense influence on how "noisy" your LPs appear to be."

Al, I think I understand what Jonathan is saying about LP noise (hiss and pops), but could you put a little more "flesh on the bones."

FWIW, after applying your advice, it came to my attention that normally occurring record noise (hiss and pops)decreased by a significant amount. I thought it was because the stylus of my new cartridge (VPI Zephyr) was shaped a little differently than whatever I used before. As a result, perhaps it was tracking the grooves in a less worn spot, thus reducing noise (hiss and pops).

Instead, it may be that this improvement has an electronic rather than a mechanical explanation. Very interesting. As an aside, while I enjoy the hobby for the music and relation asspects, I find the technical side to be fascinating. Maybe I'm a just frustrated "EE" who wound up in the wrong profession????

Cheers!

07-07-11: Bifwynne
As an aside, while I enjoy the hobby for the music and relation aspects, I find the technical side to be fascinating. Maybe I'm a just frustrated "EE" who wound up in the wrong profession????

Hi Bruce,

Could be. You do ask intelligent questions, that seem to indicate having the right instincts. :-)

I think I understand what Jonathan is saying about LP noise (hiss and pops), but could you put a little more "flesh on the bones."

What Jonathan is saying about tics and pops is that they include spectral components at ultrasonic frequencies (i.e., above 20kHz), which may be boosted by the frequency response peak which occurs at ultrasonic frequencies due to the interaction of cartridge inductance and load capacitance. As I indicated earlier higher load capacitance will, under typical circumstances, increase the amplitude of that frequency response peak (resonance), and lower the frequency at which it occurs.

The phono stage may in turn have difficulty gracefully handling the resulting increase in non-musical ultrasonic energy, with consequences at audible frequencies.

I thought it was because the stylus of my new cartridge (VPI Zephyr) was shaped a little differently than whatever I used before. As a result, perhaps it was tracking the grooves in a less worn spot, thus reducing noise (hiss and pops).

That can certainly be an important factor, as well.

Best regards,
-- Al

Hey Al, I guess that's what synergy is all about, i.e., the interaction of a number of factors that combine to effect a better outcome.

In the present case, the factors being: (A) electrical ("higher load capacitance will, under typical circumstances, increase the amplitude of that frequency response peak (resonance), and lower the frequency at which it occurs" and vice versa); and (B) mechanical ("stylus of my new cartridge . . . shaped a little differently than whatever I used before. As a result, perhaps it [is] tracking the grooves in a less worn spot, thus reducing noise).

Regardless of the reasons, my LP playback sounds almost as quiet as my CDP, but better for all the reasons that vinyl sounds better than "redbook" CD. I wish someone could figure out how to use a remote clicker to change tracks and automatically flip the record. Oh well, maybe Harry Weisfeld can figure that problem out by the time he releases the 60th anniversary version of the Classic.

Regards,

Bruce