Äänirasian

An äänirasia, often translated as a pickup or cartridge, is a crucial component in a record player's tonearm. Its primary function is to convert the physical vibrations of the stylus, which traces the groove of a vinyl record, into an electrical signal. This tiny device houses a stylus, also known as a needle, which is in direct contact with the record. As the stylus moves within the record's groove, it causes small movements in a cantilever. This cantilever is attached to either a magnet or a coil, depending on the type of cartridge.

There are two main types of äänirasioita: moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). In an MM cartridge, the stylus's movement causes a small magnet to move within a fixed coil, inducing an electrical current. In an MC cartridge, the opposite occurs: the stylus's movement causes a coil attached to the cantilever to move within a fixed magnetic field. MC cartridges generally produce a lower output signal than MM cartridges, often requiring a phono preamplifier with specific settings to properly amplify the signal.

The äänirasia significantly impacts the sound quality of a vinyl playback system. Different stylus shapes, such as elliptical, conical, or line-contact, affect how accurately the cartridge tracks the groove and reproduces the sound. The materials used in the cartridge body and for the stylus suspension also play a role in its performance, influencing its resonant frequencies and overall sonic characteristics. Replacing the stylus or the entire cartridge is a common maintenance task for audiophiles to ensure optimal sound reproduction.