Dustcover Blues

Because of the way this works it requires no RIAA equalization. One of its many advantages over the conventional approach.

@mijostyn @millercarbon This statement is false. While it is true that the cartridge has an output that seems to complement the RIAA de-emphasis curve, from 500Hz to just above 2KHz (75uS) in the RIAA curve there is a bit where it flattens out. This causes an unequalized strain gauge device to be a little off. So they do need equalization to be correct but not nearly as much as a regular constant velocity device.

Its correct to say that it roughly approximates the needed de-emphasis.

Take a look at the RIAA curves- you'll see a 'zero' at 500Hz (318uS) (where the math says 'flat'- that's why its a 'zero' instead of a pole) and a pole above 2KHz (75uS) which re-introduces the slope. A strain gauge doesn't have that zero so what happens is it has the same slope across the band. This causes the highs to be and sound wrong. Its not glaring but if you know the recording its easy to hear.

RIAA EQ is +20dB at the bottom, -20dB at the top. SG does not require this so the statement is true. 

@atmasphere , Have you heard the cartridge? Theoretically it should out track any other cartridge but his MI cartridges track anything I can throw at them. I can correct frequency response problems but I won't get involved if there are not significant advantages in the design.

@rauliruegas , I have no experience with the Lino C. I have an ARC PH3 SE which I really like for high output cartridges. It is a simple unit with just one switch in the signal path. It is a hybrid tube unit with a FET front end. It really does not have enough gain for cartridges with output < 0.5 mv. It is 30 some odd years old and still in perfect working order but it is time to move up. I do not like complex phono stages. It is too easy to damage the low level signal coming from a LOMC. The Lino C is a minimalist unit which is balanced throughout which I really like. Loading adjustments are not required and it is battery operated, another big advantage. I can use the ARC for high output cartridges which I prefer to MCs with certain music. The other candidate is the Sutherland Phono Loco.

RIAA EQ is +20dB at the bottom, -20dB at the top. SG does not require this so the statement is true. 

@millercarbon 

Not really... The problem is that by the time you get to 20KHz you're not going to be 20dB down. Please look at the actual RIAA de-emphasis curve:

See that flattening out part in the middle? That's what I'm talking about. A strain gauge simply bypasses the flattened out part and continues rolling off the output following the 6dB slope as seen on the left side of the curve- so the highs simply won't be right. Imagine that red line just continuing down at 500Hz instead of flattening. You can see the error that is introduced. In reality it won't be as far off as the red line would be as I just suggested since were talking about a curve using analog filter theory.

To properly EQ a strain gauge, a pole (seen at 500Hz) has to be introduced (a rising response) and then a zero (seen at 2100Hz) going back to flat, so the strain gauge can do its thing.

So imagine an EQ curve that is flat from the bass up to 500Hz, then rises for 2 octaves at 6dB/octave and then goes back to flat. That's the math of it; the actual curve won't do that- it would be smoother of course in a way that is similar to the smoothness of the de-emphasis curve you see above. If this is not done the EQ won't be right.

@mijostyn  Have you heard the cartridge? Theoretically it should out track any other cartridge but his MI cartridges track anything I can throw at them. I can correct frequency response problems but I won't get involved if there are not significant advantages in the design.

I don't know if its the same one but I have heard Soundsmith SG cartridges before. Tracking isn't what I'm talking about- I'm sure it tracks fine as the one I heard did. I'm talking about equalization. I provided the information you need to set the EQ right above. Can you dial that sort of thing in? If you do it in the digital domain, be sure to include an algorithm that includes the phase shift and frequency bump of analog filters.

So what we have here is a perfect example of knowledge and facts (compliments of atmasphere) vs. ignorance and alternative "facts" (untruths).