What should I expect moving from MM to MC?
I understand it depends on the setup, so I'll start here. I'm starting small (in my quest for music Nirvana!):
I was considering moving from my Sumiko Olympia MM cartridge to the Sumiko Blue Point No.3 MC Hi.
Nothing but praise for the Blue Point in all reviews. But will I noticeably hear a clearer, fuller, warmer sound? Or is it a waste on money, focus elsewhere.
Thanks in advance!
You have a nice turntable. Do you have a preamp section in the Denon that will allow you to use an MM? If not, you may want a high output SoundSmith MI cart. Best guess is that you may hear a clearer more detailed sound with better imaging. Not likely to be fuller or warmer. But these are just MM/MC general properties and as you state, it depends on setup and associated hardware. |
As mentioned, consider the Soundsmith Otello. Great cart for $400. The Audio Technica OC9 series are good value MC's. Whatever cart you have, it will be limited by the phonostage. Consider at some point a stand alone phonostage. This will be "better" than the internal in the Denon. Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in California and Texas |
Thank you both for the responses. The Denon amp is set up for MM only, but I read that I can use an MC High Output cart with no issues. A few points/questions: 1. What I like about the Sumiko carts is their broader frequency range. The RP-500M's can reproduce frequencies up to 25khz. Some of the cartridges out there are limited at 20khz. While I've never been "tested", I have very sensitive ears and believe I can pick up frequencies over 20khz. So to this point the Otello may not make me happy but the OC9 series looks like it would. 2. So to get to the bottom of it, for more warmth and fullness am I chasing the wrong animal in looking at a cartridge upgrade? Or would I be better served with separate pre amp and amp? or even speakers that may reproduce the mid range better/fuller? Again, thank you. I am learning a lot here.
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