Pickup cartridge question - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Neil Purling · 2nd Mar 2012, 4:18 pm

When they quoted the output of a cartridge was there some sort of industry standard test record that they used?
I wonder what it was referred to as, what would be on it and whether they can be obtained these days.

Herald1360 · 2nd Mar 2012, 4:51 pm

Wasn't it usually quoted as "mV@ 5cm/sec @1kHz" or something like?

At any rate for a half decent cartridge.

G8HQP Dave · 2nd Mar 2012, 10:59 pm

I think it was quoted (for a magnetic cartridge) as mV/cm/sec, with the assumption that a typical record was 5cm/sec so a 1mV/cm/sec cartridge would give 5mV.

recordplayer · 4th Mar 2012, 2:10 pm

Hi,

I find the best way to check the output from a cartridge is to use a test record which has continuous and varying test tones.

Normally you would select a track on the record with a continuous tone and then measure the output from the cartridge pins (disconnected from the amp), measurement would be with an AC millivolt meter or a 'scope. You can still buy test records on the internet and they are very good, I have used them quite a lot.

There is a lack of specification these days on cartridges and many sites don't even quote the output voltage or even tell you whether it's ceramic or crystal. I find the SC12M and SC12H just aren't up to driving a single valve amplifier. They are OK for the Hacker and Bush players having a better gain amp but they give dire results on other players.

See attached pic of a test record.

Tony .

Neil Purling · 5th Mar 2012, 12:23 am

The BSR SC12H is quoted as 170mV +- 2db. For that figure to make any sense you'd have to know the speed of the test record.
I have only been able to measure the external output of my Hacker where the outboard amp unit AL42 would connect to. It is not amplified or processed in any way.
The signal was waaay in excess of 200mV with a 45rpm single on the platter. With music the CRO trace constantly changes frequency & amplitude.
The test record looks like it's a LP. The low speed would mean the lowest output.

G8HQP Dave · 5th Mar 2012, 11:14 am

Is that a ceramic cartidge? If so, it does not depend on the speed of the record (unlike magnetic cartridges).

2nd Mar 2012, 4:18 pm	#1
Neil Purling Nonode Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Hull, East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 2,087	Pickup cartridge question When they quoted the output of a cartridge was there some sort of industry standard test record that they used? I wonder what it was referred to as, what would be on it and whether they can be obtained these days.

2nd Mar 2012, 4:51 pm	#2
Herald1360 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leominster, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 16,536	Re: Pickup cartridge question Wasn't it usually quoted as "mV@ 5cm/sec @1kHz" or something like? At any rate for a half decent cartridge. __________________ ....__________ ....\|____\|\|__\|__\_____ .=.\| _---\__\|__\|_---_\|. .........O..Chris....O

2nd Mar 2012, 10:59 pm	#3
G8HQP Dave Rest in Peace Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Solihull, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 4,872	Re: Pickup cartridge question I think it was quoted (for a magnetic cartridge) as mV/cm/sec, with the assumption that a typical record was 5cm/sec so a 1mV/cm/sec cartridge would give 5mV.

4th Mar 2012, 2:10 pm	#4
recordplayer Pentode Join Date: May 2010 Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 156	Re: Pickup cartridge question Hi, I find the best way to check the output from a cartridge is to use a test record which has continuous and varying test tones. Normally you would select a track on the record with a continuous tone and then measure the output from the cartridge pins (disconnected from the amp), measurement would be with an AC millivolt meter or a 'scope. You can still buy test records on the internet and they are very good, I have used them quite a lot. There is a lack of specification these days on cartridges and many sites don't even quote the output voltage or even tell you whether it's ceramic or crystal. I find the SC12M and SC12H just aren't up to driving a single valve amplifier. They are OK for the Hacker and Bush players having a better gain amp but they give dire results on other players. See attached pic of a test record. Tony . Attached Thumbnails

5th Mar 2012, 12:23 am	#5
Neil Purling Nonode Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Hull, East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 2,087	Re: Pickup cartridge question The BSR SC12H is quoted as 170mV +- 2db. For that figure to make any sense you'd have to know the speed of the test record. I have only been able to measure the external output of my Hacker where the outboard amp unit AL42 would connect to. It is not amplified or processed in any way. The signal was waaay in excess of 200mV with a 45rpm single on the platter. With music the CRO trace constantly changes frequency & amplitude. The test record looks like it's a LP. The low speed would mean the lowest output.

5th Mar 2012, 11:14 am	#6
G8HQP Dave Rest in Peace Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Solihull, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 4,872	Re: Pickup cartridge question Is that a ceramic cartidge? If so, it does not depend on the speed of the record (unlike magnetic cartridges).