Question regarding cartridge outputs...


Could someone explain to me the difference between:
.6mV @ 1khz 5cm/sec
vs.
.6mV @ 1khz 3.54cm/sec

Thanks for your help.
no_regrets

Showing 3 responses by restock

I assume those numbers are for two different cartridges...

If that is the case the second cartridge will have significantly higher output when tracking a track with say a groove velocity of 5 cm/sec. In fact output will be around 0.85mV for that track for cartridge 2 vs. 0.6mV for cartridge 1.

Seasoned's explanation of the numbers is correct as well.
Could you share the formula in order for me to calculate various output comparisons like that?

I just simply assumed a linear relation between the output and the velocity. That is 0.6mV at 3.54 translates to (0.6mV/3.54)*5 = 0.85mV.

I will make sure to check whether the linear assumption is good or whether my guess is wrong. In any case, cartridge 2 will play louder.
I guess that was correct:

From the Audio Glossary:
Velocity-Sensitive: If a phono cartridge is velocity-sensitive, its output is proportional to the recorded velocity at all frequencies. Magnetic phono cartridges are velocity-sensitive. A magnetic cartridge will produce a flat frequency response playing a constant-velocity recording characteristic. When playing a constant amplitude recording, its output increases as the frequency rises.