Hi all,
I am interested to know exactly what sources of noise the S/N ratio listed in turntable specs is assessing. Is it all mechanical and electrical noise sources or just one or the other? In particular, is it likely to be affected materially by the standard cartridge provided with the particular model? If so, for me this would mean the figure is less useful as I would soon be upgrading the cart (within reason - obviously -40dB vs -90dB implies some significant differences in the turntable construction other than the cart).
Any info on this matter would be appreciated!
Cheers,
Greg
I am interested to know exactly what sources of noise the S/N ratio listed in turntable specs is assessing. Is it all mechanical and electrical noise sources or just one or the other? In particular, is it likely to be affected materially by the standard cartridge provided with the particular model? If so, for me this would mean the figure is less useful as I would soon be upgrading the cart (within reason - obviously -40dB vs -90dB implies some significant differences in the turntable construction other than the cart).
Any info on this matter would be appreciated!
Cheers,
Greg
Wow and rumble are basically mechanical issues, sometimes exacerbated by the behaviour of the tonearm, all else is a mix of cartridge and small signal electronics.
Note that separating the two can be a little tricky on occasion.
For MM it is not that hard to get within a few dB of so of the cartridge Johnson noise, MC is a bit trickier, the Johnson noise is lower, but so is the output so you need a front end having very low voltage noise, bit like a ribbon mic really.
Note that separating the two can be a little tricky on occasion.
For MM it is not that hard to get within a few dB of so of the cartridge Johnson noise, MC is a bit trickier, the Johnson noise is lower, but so is the output so you need a front end having very low voltage noise, bit like a ribbon mic really.
Have a read-
https://www.virtins.com/doc/Wow-and-Flutter-Measurement-using-Multi-Instrument.pdf
Rumble - 1KHz reference tone followed by UNMODULATED grove --"silent " grove in a test LP .
The same LP will have a lateral cut tone at 3KHz ( approx ) for Rumble testing for use with connected equipment .
Two areas - bearing noise and transmission of motor noise ,especially in idler pulley,s -- idler pulley,s can wear and produce wow --belt driven turntables can transmit motor noise through the belt .
Then we have "ringing " which is the acoustic effect of a metal platter when sound waves travel through it.
https://www.virtins.com/doc/Wow-and-Flutter-Measurement-using-Multi-Instrument.pdf
Rumble - 1KHz reference tone followed by UNMODULATED grove --"silent " grove in a test LP .
The same LP will have a lateral cut tone at 3KHz ( approx ) for Rumble testing for use with connected equipment .
Two areas - bearing noise and transmission of motor noise ,especially in idler pulley,s -- idler pulley,s can wear and produce wow --belt driven turntables can transmit motor noise through the belt .
Then we have "ringing " which is the acoustic effect of a metal platter when sound waves travel through it.