Upgrading the stock cartridge on Macintosh’s MT5 turntable

Any *good* MM cartridge will out class most high output MCs, with no exceptions I’m off hand aware of.
Since their output voltages are quite similar, with the usual more minor variations, their loading at 47 kilo ohm (std. MM Loading) will also be the same.
There are, as always, variables on this subject as in most any analogue cases but this is where it’s at.
The variables might be such as higher loading preferred like 100 k ohm, different capacitance settings, and e.g. MMs with aircores having lower impedance and therefor a far lower output, those being in need of more than the quasy standard of 40 dB gain setting. None of what was suggested here.

So I’d say give it a go, and let us know how it went.
Michélle 🇿🇦

thank you 

You can certainly do better than the Blue Point. That tonearm was designed for cartridges with a compliance around 15. The Blue Point is 15. The Ortofon MM cartridges are around 20 which is too high for that arm.  The Clearaudio cartridges are 15-16 and will match perfectly. The Maestro V2 is an excellent MM cartridge. As far as tracking is concerned it will run circles around the Blue point. 
Grado cartridges will also work very well and are generally a bit warmer than Clearaudio designs. 
You can use low compliance cartridges by just adding weight to the head shell but these are generally low output moving coils and you would have to add a step up transformer.

Very interesting recommendation...I have been looking at the ClearAudio Charisma V2.  Any thoughts v. The Maestro V2 for this tt? Thank  you for your time.

JW

Jworth, the Charisma V2 should work perfectly. It is a little stiffer at 17u/mN but it is also three grams heavier than the blue point. So it all cancels out. It has Clearaudio's best stylus in it. I have never heard one but it should be killer. The Maestro is excellent so you would have to assume the Charisma is even better. According to Clearaudio's spec the Charisma will track at 90 uM which is fabulous. Very few cartridges can track that well.
If you get it do let us know how you like it!

Mike