What temperature is your cartridge?????

I was passed along this same information by Mr. Breuer of Switzerland, when I was bringing his product into the USA, around 1980. He claimed that his cartridge (a heavily modified EMT ) would not produce accurate bandwidth, unless there was a lamp nearby. Since he lives in Ebbicon, and I in Texas, I had to experiment with the effect of his suggestion. I agree with you about the 72 degrees, or perhaps for my taste, even a bit warmer. I'm sure the specific cartridge design and materials used plays a major role in the outcome.

My current set up employs a ceiling mounted halogen spot, focused on the arm and cartridge. This works well for my current cartridge, the Koetsu Rosewood Platinum Signature. The spot is turned on about two hours before the music session, and after about 30 minutes of groove time, the sound is perfectly balanced and tracking every selection with ease. This bright halogen light is a benefit in setting the stylus in the correct track, as well as checking both the LP and stylus for debris. This is a great topic, thanks Hifiveteran.

I learned this "secret" from Steve and Ray at Pro Musica in Urbana Illinois in the mid 70's. They used a small hi-intensity lite and placed it about 8" from the cartridge while at rest. (Some old-timers may remember the "Pro Musica Phono Unit" which these guys produced, a remarkably musical device based on the Shure V15/3G cartridge.) It is equally important not to overdo it and "cook" the cartridge, however. I keep a small thermometer on the armboard near the stylus. Interestingly, 72 degrees or a little more works well with the Shure also. A related "tweak" is running a small vaporizer in the vicinity of the turntable, especially on cold, low-humidity winter days. Happy listening....

Readymix, thanks for mentioning humidity. As I read the above posts I thought " and what about humidity " and there you were. I sometimes use a vaporiser in the vicinity of the turntable, which is outside of the listening area and also a small spotlight. In my long audiophile years I've heard differences, which I related to both temp. and humidity in all mc's I ever owned

That's cool, Albert. I thought you used that light just so you could see what you were doing :) I should have known there was some sonic motivation involved

Ohlala, Right! It is dual purpose, thank goodness the sonics did not require the fitting of a fluorescent bulb, as the light from them is not near as pretty. ( Not to mention the noise they radiate ).