Dustcover Blues

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). 

Lots of smart EE with ears have tackled the SG equalizer equation and sonics, Iverson comes to mind… 

Thanks, Ralph. All Atma is saying is that a strain gauge needs a little EQ in order to  correct for the RIAA pre-emphasis standard used to cut all LPs. I don’t know whether the SS SG phono stages account for this but I’d be surprised if they don’t incorporate some corrective filtering in the 500 to 2000Hz region.

@lewm , It is a good question I plan to ask Mr Ledermann. I have not seen him mention this. I can do it digitally although replicating the phase shift Ralph talks about won't be easy. 

@rauliruegas , I viewed Channel D's web site last night. The Lino C 3.0 is now out and it has both MM and Voltage Mode MC capabilities among circuit improvements. It is also up to $6000 if you option it up. It has also lost the simplicity I like. Makes the Loco look better to me.