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Moving coil VS moving magnet/iron

I have an interchangeable  Nagaoka MP500 and a Goldring 2500 on an SME3009R, mounted on a Linn Sondek LP12. These drive a Schiit Mani, Cambridge Azur 651P or a Project S2 Ultra as phono preamps. They all sound very good to my ears.

Is it really worth getting a Moving COIL cartridge AROUND THE SAME PRICE RANGE ? I was thinking some of the Audio Technicas like OC9III and the like. The prices of these are about the same. I listen almost exclusively to smooth jazz (hardly any vocals) and am mostly looking for very tight punchy bass.

Opinions ?

Thanks

128x128cakyol
tablejockey
3,922 posts
 
The Mani is a great phono stage for the price. I’ve used one as a back up.

The OC9 is nice for the price. You will get an idea what the fuss is all about, regarding MC. The II is a few bucks less, and has good reviews. I’ve used the III.

Someone will chime in with the other low price, MC’s. I had also tried a Soundsmith Otello which is very nice for the price.

If that that were my setup, I would also consider moving up the food chain with your phonostage.

I’m in the tube camp,which to my ears gives a more "organic" and believeable presentation. Subjective, of course.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,860 posts
 
Agreed. Look at better phono amp and stay with the cartridges you have for the moment.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Peter Ledermann (SoundSmith) about MI versus MC:

Lecture ONE
Lecture TWO 
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