2. analog
  3. 1221606020

high versus low output

I have been getting back into vinyl the last few months after getting rid of my turntable and records about 28 years ago. I currently have a Rega P5 with a Dynavector 10x5 high output cartridge. I use a Simaudio LP3 phono stage. A friend of mine just upgraded from a Benz Micro Glider L2 low output cartridge to something else. He said I could try the Glider with my P5 if I wanted.
What are the differences between a low output and high output cartridge? What are the advantages and disadvantages of one or the other in terms of sound and phono preamp usage?
I attempted to search the Audiogon discussions but wasn't able to find a thread that gave me a clear answer.
valinar
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Theoretically you will get better sound with a low output cartridge, given other gear of the same quality in either setup. This is just because the coils on a LO cart have to be larger to generate more current. Since those coils are attached to the cantilever, they represent more inertia for the stylus assembly to control.

A HO cart has smaller coils, therefore less inertia and a speedier response to changing signals.

This is just theory, of course, and theory is great but execution is at least nine tenths of the battle.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Tobias of course meant to say "LO cart has smaller coils..."
If you plan to try the Benz LO, your phono stage will need enough gain and likely adjustable cart loading to provide anything like optimal sound from the LO cart.
04rdking's avatar
04rdking
178 posts
 
Low output carts have MUCH less wire in the coils. Thus, are more responsive.....

As swamp said, you'll need a phono stage that has enough gain, or step-up transformers......another link in the chain..... Loading can vary, depending on the cart.
More to discover