![]() There are a few general "rules of thumb" that we need to consider. The only way to accurately measure system resonance is with a calibrated low frequency test record and a chart recorder, or other sophisticated test equipment. This system also may improve the sound of some phono cartridges that offer little internal damping of their own. Here viscous silicone fluid damps the arm motion, restricting small, rapid movements like the small undulations that would occur in a high-compliance cartridgewhile providing unrestricted progress to the arm as it slowly traces across the record. In a situation where a higher compliance cartridge is employed in a medium to high mass tonearm, the ill-effects of the mismatch can be mitigated to some degree if the tonearm offers fluid damping. The ability of the arm to accomplish this will be dependent upon bearing design, internal damping, rigidity and other mechanical design considerations. Further, some of the currently available MC cartridges put back a tremendous amount of vibrational energy into the arm.Ī well designed tonearm will dissipate this energy, rather than reflecting it back to the cartridge. That began to change in the s when heavier, lower-compliance phono cartridges especially moving coils became more popular, requiring tonearms of medium to high-mass. ![]() In the 's and s, high-compliance cartridges were the rage and these needed to mate with very low mass tonearms. This simple equation doesn't take into account all factors, including tonearm damping and, internal cartridge damping, but it will give you general idea of compatibility. Where M is the mass of the arm and cartridge and C is the compliance of the cartridge. In extreme cases, the stylus may actually jump out of the groove. SME Upgrades, Parts & AccessoriesĪt this frequency a significant jump in output resulting in a "bloated" or "tubby" sound will be experienced. This tremendous boost can cause severe problems if it occurs in the region of recorded music above 20Hzor in the area where record warps and rumble are problematic below 5Hz. ![]() An increase of 3 to 6dB or more is common. ![]() As an example, a heavy weight on a light spring would obviously over-flex the spring, conversely, a light weight on a strong spring would not allow sufficient flexion. The "springiness" of the phono cartridge is described as compliancethe weight of the arm is specified in mass. This resonance is due to the interaction of the cartridge acting as a springand the weight of the arm acting as a mass. To see how these characteristics interact and determine compatibility, let's explore the dynamics of the relationship. To insure a proper match, one must be aware of the mechanical specifications of both the arm and phono cartridge. For best performance, the tonearm and cartridge should be matched.Īll cartridges will not work with all tonearms, and vice versa. ![]()
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