MM vs MC Cartridges


I have all High Output phono Cartridges on 2 TT's. One is a Thorens TD 1601 and a Technics 1210. My Cartridges are Ortofon 2M Black, Sumiko Blue Point Special EVO III, Ortofon 2M Bronze & HANA EH. My Phono Pre is McIntosh MP100. My integrated Amp Prima Luna Dialogue Premium HP with EL 34's.

I'll be replacing the EL 34's for New KT 120's. I want to Buy a Low Output phono cartridge but I'm afraid I won't get the performance from Low Output cartridges, like HANA ML and others. I do play above 76db in my 350 Sq Ft Retirement Home room. I don't worry about disturbing my Neighbors as they All have hearing loss issues.

I don't want to buy a $1,000+ MC Low output Cartridge only to find my Audio Gear is not up to the Job. My speakers are Joseph Audio Perspectives, Kimber Bifocal XL's Cables. My hearing is excellent for a 71 yr old Man, I'm always in the Rabbit Hole for the last 53 years. It's what I spend my Pension on. What do you think?

Joe

 

 

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Check the Soundsmith web page Peter has a whole education on the different  types of cartridges. I'm currently using the Carmen Il which is excellent .

Garrott bros in Australia, and SoundSmith in the US, both do the MI cartridges.

(I was considering the Hana ML, but ended up with a Garrott Bros.)

Peter Ledermann (SoundSmith) has some videos where he makes some compelling arguments for his MI designs.

https://youtu.be/F65mODzn4Gk

@lewm , the AT MC cartridges are fabulous for the money but the OP would have to add a phono stage with more gain or a transformer and I believe he is price sensitive so the MM option is a better value for him.....I think. It is up to the OP of course and my crystal ball has cataracts.