MM to MC back to MM

Scoutmaster (with unipivot) + poor tracker MC = disaster.

Ctm_cra...Regarding the use of different phono preamps...I have a Tandberg preamp that has two completely separate phono stages in it which you choose using the input selector switch. The two phono stages are, except for a few resistors that set gain, identical circuits. Even the transistors are the same. I don't know if other phono preamps are designed this way, but it would answer your concern when doing a MC/MM comparison.

When I first installed the Ortifon I liked what I heard. Looking for something beyond a subjective opinion, I noted that the words of certain vocal recordings, which I had never been able to make out, became clear.

With the option of CDs phono performance became less important to me, and besides, I made other more effective upgrades to the overall system, including, by the way, a better MM cartridge.

Surely this discussion has been posted before. Sorry for not searching the archives first.

Sure it's been discussed before. A couple years or so back, those of us that dared speak the virtues of some MM carts were derided as flaky lunatics without ears who were simply nostalgia buffs but hardly "audiophiles"

Jsman,
What is your phono stage? Unless you've got a phono stage that can bring out the best in a low-ish output cart like the Dynavector VPI model, I'd recommend staying with an MM (for now). The AT440ML is a pretty darn good cart. Why not just stick with that one? If you want the cart mounted by VPI, the Grado Sonata is an excellent choice.

Dear Ctm: +++++ " It may still be possible to compare a MM and a MC cartridge, but only if one has a phonostage with identical mm and mc performance at any fixed overall [system] listening level. I am not an engineer, so those who have more technical know-how please chime in. Does such a phonostage exist? If so what tests does one perform to determine how similar or different a MM phonostage is from one designed for a MC without using a cartridge? " +++++

This subject is of paramount importance to really know exactly the quality performance of any MM/MC cartridge comparison.

The first " method " is to compare both phono stage specifications: RIAA accuracy, frequency range, signal to noise ratio, distortion level, crosstalk, slew rate, etc, etc.

Second to know the designer skillfull/know-how and targets on his design.

Third, when you hearing through both MM and MC stages.

+++++ " Does such a phonostage exist? " +++++

Absolutely, the Essential 3150 where both totally independent phono stages were designed to each one ( MM or MC ) phono stage needs, this means that both stages are not identical in its design and parts but have identical quality performance.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.