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Cartridge Output

How much difference is there between the output of a .3mV cartridge and a .5mV; is there a way to compute the approximate change in volume between the two? My dynavector 20xl is only .3mV and when used in my Magnepan rig I often wish that I had another 5db or so of volume at the listening position. Will moving to a .5mV cartridge increase the volume level?
stickman451
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,983 posts
 
These should help you:

http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_database_tools.php
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,983 posts
 
Sorry:

http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_database_tools.php
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
It will be louder, but it will create a 66% increase in apparent loudness. Take a look here for an explanation, which may help you with the Vinyl Engine's calculators.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Perceived loudness can be calculated as

k^(1/3.5) where k is a ratio of power (or squares of voltage)

in your case (0.5^2/0.3^2)^(1/3.5) =1.34

0.5mV will be 34% louder than 0.3mV

Another typical example 200W amp will be louder than 100W amp by (200W/100W)^(1/3.5)=1.219 times (21.9%)
larryi
3,985 posts
 
I own two cartridges that have outputs of .3mv (Transfiguration Orpheus L) and .5mv (Lyra Titan). While it is impossible to convey my subjective impression of the difference, I will say that the Lyra is louder, but, not by as substantial a margin as I was expecting.
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