Question regarding cartridge outputs...

I currently am using a Benz MO.9 which is said to be .9mV @ 3.54cm/second. If I were to switch to the Ruby3H which is said to be .7mV @ 3.54cm/second.....how much difference in gain would I lose? Would it be very noticeable? Can it be expressed in db?

Thanks again.

Could you share the formula in order for me to calculate various output comparisons like that?

I just simply assumed a linear relation between the output and the velocity. That is 0.6mV at 3.54 translates to (0.6mV/3.54)*5 = 0.85mV.

I will make sure to check whether the linear assumption is good or whether my guess is wrong. In any case, cartridge 2 will play louder.

I guess that was correct:

From the Audio Glossary:

Velocity-Sensitive: If a phono cartridge is velocity-sensitive, its output is proportional to the recorded velocity at all frequencies. Magnetic phono cartridges are velocity-sensitive. A magnetic cartridge will produce a flat frequency response playing a constant-velocity recording characteristic. When playing a constant amplitude recording, its output increases as the frequency rises.

There is a 6dB difference with every doubling or halving of the cartridge voltage output. Thus an output of 1mV is 6dB louder than one of .5mV.

The relationship of the output referenced to 3.54cm/sec and 5cm/sec is simple. If you divide 5 by 3.54 you get approximately 1.4, Conversely if you divide 3.54 by 5 you get approximately .7. If you have an output of .7@3.54cm/sec and want to translate that to the slightly more common 5cm/sec reference you multiply .7 by 1.4 and get approximately 1mV@5cm/sec.

The relationship of the Ruby to the MO is about 1.2dB.

Thank you so much for the detailed answers and making this easier for me to understand. The knowledge that you all share with the people in this forum is a great asset and is much appreciated.