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How important is +- 0.1 db from RIAA curve?

For example here is an excerpt from an interview with Conrad Mas of Avid.

Conversations with Conrad Mas of Avid HiFi:
7. Could you talk about the RIAA curve you chose and how designing a RIAA section is not such a trivial matter?

... When we looked into this matter further, however, we realized that most recording studios whilst sticking very closely to the standard curve, used treble emphasis limitation in recording for decades (there is a quasi-standard defined by the leading record-cutting-machine manufacturer Neumann). Applying a correction according to Neumann standard makes a small but very audible difference. Whilst it's important to follow the RIAA curve, not doing so only alters the tonal balance of the sound; there are actually other items and components within a phono-stage that alter or make a bigger sonic difference than slight deviations off the correct curve. For instance if you played a record that was not cut with a perfect RIAA setting, say 1 dB difference between 1 K and 5 K, you'd be hard pressed to even notice. If we, however, changed the type of capacitors used in the phono stage, there would be a much bigger and totally noticeable difference.

Note: Avid phono stages are Neuman HF corrected, it is stated in their specifications.
captain_winters

Showing 4 responses by captain_winters

captain_winters OP
133 posts
 
There is a very good article in Stereophile discussing the merits of an additional HF correction like Neumann.  The author makes an interesting argument on page 3, suggesting that the HF role off of Neumann SAL 74/74B at 20K HZ is 0.1 db instead of the computed -.64db of the Neumann correction.  Although he does acknowledge lower phase distortion with the Neumann correction.  

http://www.stereophile.com/features/cut_and_thrust_riaa_lp_equalization/index.html
captain_winters OP
133 posts
 
Well if it is agreed that Neumann HF correction is a good thing, and that is debatable, then the +-0.1 db standard on RIAA cannot be achieved, since Neumann correction deviates from RIAA by -0.64 db, (referencing the work done in the Stereophile article).
captain_winters OP
133 posts
 
I currently own the Avid Pulsus which is Neumann HF corrected.  I selected it after comparing it with some other less expensive units, which I believe were not Neumann HF corrected.  However, I don't think my selection had anything to do with the Neumann HF correction, since I am not naive enough to believe my hearing is anywhere near that good in those upper frequencies.  The spec on the Avid Pulsus is 5Hz to 70K Hz +- 0.5db Neumann HF corrected.  Their spec goes way beyond the traditional 20hz to 20K Hz specification, which we typically see as the standard.  
captain_winters OP
133 posts
 
Impressively flat, very nice. It would be interesting to know what it looks like with Neumann HF correction, if it down -0.64db at 20,000 hz.
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