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Do cartridges need warm-up?

Just curious: I know that my phonostage, pre-amp, and amp (all tube) sound best after a couple of hours of warm-up. It seems like my cartridge also likes to play a few LP sides before it starts giving its best. I'm wondering if I am imagining things or if this is a known phenomenon. I'd be interested in what other 'goners have observed. Thanks.
abysmillard
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Albert makes a very good point. The ambient temperature is critically important and should ideally not be lower than 25 degrees centrigrade (Spectral, Helikon, Koetsu, Insider). Another parameter not to be neglected is humidity, which in my experience should not fall below about 65%. (My Quad speakers like even more than that!) Cheers
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
As silly as it may sound to some, my experiences are very similar to Albert's. My current MC cartridge (shelter 501) benefits from about a side and half a flip side before settling in to serious listening. I don't recall facing this issue with several of the MM carts I had, but memories for some things are short! :-) I know that a side or two is worth the wait with the Shelter....
gundam91
506 posts
 
I have a lamp next to the table illuminating the turntable while listening in the dark. I am glad to hear that it also has practical benefits too!

FrankC
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