Question regarding cartridge outputs...

The unit cm/sec refers to the groove velocity cut into a record. This is how manufacturers reference (quote) their RMS output voltage (the number is asually approximately 5.7cm/s RMS).

Why? Because the cartridge's output is proportional to its stylus' perpendicular velocity. Your figures state that the cartridge's output will be the same when tracking a record with a 1kHz waveform cut at either groove velocity.

I assume those numbers are for two different cartridges...

If that is the case the second cartridge will have significantly higher output when tracking a track with say a groove velocity of 5 cm/sec. In fact output will be around 0.85mV for that track for cartridge 2 vs. 0.6mV for cartridge 1.

Seasoned's explanation of the numbers is correct as well.

to summarize the above, the output spec, in mV, is usually in reference to either 5cm/sec or 3.54cm/sec. The reference spec is often not listed so it can be important to research which one the company uses, as the actual output can vary by quite a bit, potentially making or breaking usability in a given system. To clarify Seasoned's last sentence, no cartridge has the same output forboth velocities.

Restock, yes you are correct in assuming that these are two different cartridges. Piedpiper hit the nail on the head as for why I was asking. I use an all tube phono stage w/out any SUT's and have been contemplating getting a new cartridge. I've always noticed that some list the output referenced to 3.54 and others to 5cm/sec. I knew that it would relate to a difference in gain but wasn't sure as to which would sound louder. In my case, it could mean the difference of hearing tube rush if having to turn the volume controls up too high to compensate for the lower output.

I found it interesting that a .6mV rated at 3.54cm/second would have an output of .85mV in a track with a groove velocity of 5cm/second. Could you share the formula in order for me to calculate various output comparisons like that?

Thanks to all for their input and helping me understand this more fully.