Do cartridges need warm-up?


Just curious: I know that my phonostage, pre-amp, and amp (all tube) sound best after a couple of hours of warm-up. It seems like my cartridge also likes to play a few LP sides before it starts giving its best. I'm wondering if I am imagining things or if this is a known phenomenon. I'd be interested in what other 'goners have observed. Thanks.
abysmillard

Showing 1 response by albertporter

It is a electro mechanical device just as speakers are. A little warm up period generally helps. I have owned at least a dozen moving coil cartridges and the time required to reach maximum performance varied from brand to brand.

For instance, my Benz Ruby required more play time than my (current) Koetsu. The Dynavector took less time than either of these.

Years ago when I was bringing phono cartridges in from Switzerland, Mr. Breuer informed me the performance of his cartridges were effected not only by playing a few sides of LP's, but by ambient temperature as well.

He suggested I place a small lamp nearby, especially during the winter months. It absolutely made a difference, better sound and less time to arrive at maximum performance. Perhaps it has something to do with the small coils and elastic suspension parts.