Cartridge Experts

Well I use two carts with the biggest variance in cantilevers.
On my Rega I have a really long cantilevered Benz Glider.
And on my Kuzma I have a really short cantilevered dynavector 17D3.
I have never thought to try to 'hear' a difference based on the cantilever length!!
As for the sound, the Glider is a bit sweeter, or more forgiving.
But with different tables, different phono preamps, I cannot generalize.
I just picked two great but different carts to use.

There is a fellow who is around who really is a cartridge guru. He has posted very long critiques of various carts. If you can find his posts, you might be able to find your answer. (sorry i do not remember his name)

Thanks Elizabeth, I realize this is a difficult question to answer. I think only a cartridge designer and or rebuilder can really say for sure. I understand if they are reluntant to answer. Maybe they use whatever length is optimal for any given design?

I sent in a Colibri XGP to van den Hul to match the compliance to my tonearm. It came back with a longer cantilever than before. I'm not sure if it was to help with compliance or if it was just what they were using at the time? From what I have read there is usually a wire attached to the back of the cantilever and compliance is adjusted by how tight the wire is stretched. The suspension material also plays a roll by being either soft or harder.

Any experts care to explain?

Sean

You've probably had the damper changed. A softer one will give you a higher compliance. Harder suspension means lower compliance. The shorter cantilever gives more attack, rhythm, timing. I believe van den Hul uses 6 and 7mm boron cantilevers.