2. analog
  3. 1412834749

The Arm/Cartridge Matching Myth

When I began my journey in high-end audio 36 years ago….no-one ever wrote about arm and cartridge matching nor tonearm resonant frequency…?
Over the last 10 years or so…this topic has become not only ubiquitous, but has mutated beyond its definition, to THE guiding principle of matching cartridge to tonearm….❓❗️😵
The Resonant Frequency can be calculated using a complex formula relating Tonearm Effective Mass to the cartridge’s Compliance….or it can be simply measured using a Test record of various frequency sweeps.
The RECOMMENDED Resonant Frequency of any tonearm/cartridge combination is between 8-12Hz.
But WHY is this the recommended frequency and WHAT does it really mean…?

The raison d’etre of this Resonant Frequency…is to avoid WARPED records inducing ‘resonance’ into the tonearm…..
Say what…❓😵
WARPED records….❓❗️
Yes…..ONLY warped records❗️😎
But doesn’t it have any meaning for NORMAL records…❓
None whatsoever…..😊👍
Let me explain….🎼

A badly warped record induces the tonearm to rise and fall rapidly on the ‘sprung’ cantilever of the cartridge.
Depending on the severity and frequency of this warping…..a subsonic frequency between 2-5Hz is induced so if your tonearm/cartridge Resonant Frequency dips into this frequency range….it will begin resonating and thus miss-track and/or induce hum through your system.🎤
Keeping the lower limits of your tonearm/cartridge Resonant Frequency to 8Hz simply insures against this possibility.🎶

So what about the 12Hz upper limit…❓
This simply insures against the possibility of any ultra low-level frequency information which MAY be on the record, also inducing this same miss-tracking or hum. For instance if your tonearm/cartridge Resonant Frequency was 18Hz and you had an organ record or one containing synthesised bass going down to 16Hz…..your tonearm may miss-track or you MAY develop a hum❓😢

So how many badly WARPED record do you possess…❓
I have three out of a thousand or so……and have NEVER experienced miss-tracking or hum even on these three…❗️😍

Yet these days….everyone (without exception it seems)…even tonearm and cartridge designers….happily follow the dictum of this Arm/Cartridge MATCH as if it affected sound quality…..❓
This Resonant Frequency has ZERO affect on the sound quality of a particular tonearm/cartridge combination and I have proved it hundreds of times with a dozen different arms and over 40 cartridges.

The best match for ANY cartridge ever made….is simply the very best tonearm you can afford…whatever its Effective Mass…😘
128x128halcro
thom_at_galibier_design's avatar
thom_at_galibier_design
729 posts
 
TL;DR

I was however fortunate enough to catch @kirkus’ post.  Thanks for taking the time to post.

---

Have you ever played with tonearms which have multiple counterweights that can be used in different combinations? The resonant frequency shift from using different combinations (maintaining the same tracking force) it typically much less than 1 Hz, but the effect is salutary.

When I perform a setup for a customer with an arm having this capability (Kuzma 4Point, Tri-Planar & Moerch being three examples), there’s an optimum combination, for any particular cartridge.

Once you hear this, you’ll understand that resonant frequency tuning is more than about warped records.

Thom @ Galibier Design
wolf_garcia
6,688 posts
 
I simply refuse to post anything to this thread.
halcro's avatar
halcro OP
2,664 posts
 
Thanks for your response Thom which is in line with Dover’s advice.
I will certainly address this suggestion in detail tomorrow.

Right now....Federer and Djokovic start their Semi-Final in the Aust Open.....

Thanks for the kind words Professor....I always take your advice seriously 🤔
ct0517's avatar
ct0517
2,041 posts
 
@thom_at_galibier_design 

thom at galibier design
Have you ever played with tonearms which have multiple counterweights that can be used in different combinations? The resonant frequency shift from using different combinations (maintaining the same tracking force) it typically much less than 1 Hz, but the effect is salutary.

When I perform a setup for a customer with an arm having this capability (Kuzma 4Point, Tri-Planar & Moerch being three examples), there’s an optimum combination, for any particular cartridge.

I agree having experienced the same. There’s an optimum combination, for any particular cartridge .....and tonearm.

The tonearm/cart relationship is an intimate one. There are tonearms that benefit from increased vertical inertia. This getting produced with the minimum number of weights - furthest from the bearing.

There is so much that can be explored in refining ones setup, with just one good effective contact cartridge, and one good tonearm that as a former coach used to say......has capabilities.

Too many rabbit holes and too little time.

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,518 posts
 
Simple Halcro, because you are dead wrong. Which indicates that you do not have enough experience to know what you are talking about and are adversely influencing others because you think you do. People like Ralph, Raul and myself feel the need to make sure people who are new to the art understand cartridge/tonearm matching correctly. You on the other hand are trying desperately to make sure they fuck things up. Your ego and you should be ashamed of themselves.
More to discover