All MM, MI, and MC require a phono stage. Which type depends on the output of the cartridge. There can be other considerations, such as loading, but gain is the main one.
Does it improve the sound of a MM or MI cartridge by playing it through a phono stage?
I've been hearing about these old inexpensive Japanese cartridges getting rave reviews and I was wondering if they sound better if played through a phono stage as MCs do. Of course this would be at the standard 47K ohms load.
I have an Acutex LPM 412STR with the original and replacement stylus and would like to know how it would sound best. It was inexpensive (a long time ago), but might be an interim option if I have to get my regular cartridge serviced. I upgraded it about 9 years ago to a Van den hul One Special and thought the VDH was much better sounding with a Rega P5 played through the phono section of a Plinius 8200MKII integrated amp. Since then, I purchased a Sutherland Insight phono stage that has settings for the VDH (200 ohms) and a 47K ohm load for the Acutex, along with 3 or 4 others.
I have an Acutex LPM 412STR with the original and replacement stylus and would like to know how it would sound best. It was inexpensive (a long time ago), but might be an interim option if I have to get my regular cartridge serviced. I upgraded it about 9 years ago to a Van den hul One Special and thought the VDH was much better sounding with a Rega P5 played through the phono section of a Plinius 8200MKII integrated amp. Since then, I purchased a Sutherland Insight phono stage that has settings for the VDH (200 ohms) and a 47K ohm load for the Acutex, along with 3 or 4 others.
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- 35 posts total
Actually; your system’s line inputs might have enough gain, to allow for the playing of music, with some carts. This, absolutely essential, factor is what you’d be lacking, without a phono stage: https://sessionville.com/articles/what-is-the-riaa-curve Although: that doesn't seem to address what you were actually asking. Just the post's title. |
Not sure about your question... You can use High Output MC cartridge with MM phono stage. You can also use low impedance (very low output) MM/MI with MC phono stage or headamp or even SUT. But you can’t use conventional MM/MI with MC phono stage because of too much gain. MM or MI can be 1.5 mV or even 9mV and MC phono stage is overkill. Almost any MM cartridge can be loaded from 30k Ohm to 100k Ohm. Modern 47k Ohm input for MM is dogmatic, manufacturers in the 70’s/80s recommended 50-100k Ohm. The best phono stage for MM is the one with optional loading (at least 50k Ohm and 100k Ohm). |
- 35 posts total