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tonearm mass/cartridge mismatch

What would happen if the tonearm mass is too low or too high for a given cartridge? What is a less disastrous mismatch: a heavy tonearm with a light(less than 10 grams) high compliance cartridge or a light tonearm with a heavier and low compliance cartridge? Whould the combination of a heavy tonearm and a light cartridge lead to a lower resonance frequency?

Chris
dazzdax
6 responses Add your response
mak358
7 posts
 
Look up the numbers at http://www.cartridgedb.com/
It would help, if you know the specs of your equipment, since I've seen some wrong ones there...

Misha
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
is a less disastrous mismatch

A heavy Tonearm with a light cartridge is the better way to go.
One of the main mismatches today is for example the light Triplanar with a heavy Koetsu cartridge.
bill_k
912 posts
 
The relative weight of the tonearm and cartridge is not the determining factor in resonance. The resulting resonant frequency is determined by the combined effective mass of the arm and cartridge along with the compliance of the cartridge.
markpao
519 posts
 
I didn't think any of these combinations mattered as long as the resonant frequency ends up between 8-12 hertz?
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
I didn't think any of these combinations mattered as long as the resonant frequency ends up between 8-12 hertz?

Well, it is only 1 information. Arm tubes today are made of Ceramic, different Wood, Titanium, Steel, Aluminum, are damped or not, then there are different qualities of bearings and some more...
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
If I'm using the relatively heavy SME 3012 Series II 12 inch tonearm with the Transfiguration Spirit Mk II cart, could I reduce the tonearm mass a bit by using a light magnesium headshell? Is that recommendable? Thank you.

Chris
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