HIGH output MC verses High MC???

Hi Lithojoe,

I personally don't know of many MM designs that have sound comparable to, or better than, good MC cartridges. Most MM cartridges sound muddy, opaque and lacking in microdynamics. The one notable exception is the Decca London Reference, and it has its own set of problems (not a great tracker, high tracking force required, etc.).

As to a new phono stage, I don't see how a phono stage can compensate for what is lost from MM cartridges.

Tink below $2K it's what sounds better and above $2K you don't have that many MM's.There may be many fine inexpensive MC carts (the Denon DL1003 comes to mind) but folks are under impression that MC must sound better than MM.For some folks it is way to go based on particular cart and if they have proper phono gain but not all folks have latter and again the former is best evaluated with your ears,system in mind and tastes.Was pleasantly surprised though when a few years ago John Grado sold me low output MM (his uncle Joe having invented the MC never made them himself and just collected royalties from everyone that did which has to make you think) but John explained to me that LO versions of his carts have less windings providing better sound.Since my stage had gain I went with it and was very pleased.Your cart should match your needs.My friend called a buddy who sells everything and was going to get a Shelter.But he was advised that since he had Cary tubes and B&W's last thing he needed was tilted forward midrange.It was suggested he go with Dynvector at same price because it was more even though the frequency spectrum.Some folks need certain attributes or have certain tastes meaning a one size fits all does not work as well even though cart may have excellent results in somebody else's system.Demo's in ones own room and system can be hard so mention what you like and don't like and what it's going with.listen where you can,and collect opinions as guideposts on your trip.But your millage may vary whether it's a MM or MC low or high.
Chazz's 2 cents

As mentioned above, despite the apparent advantage of lower output MC much will depend on you phonostage gain and noise and where is runs optimally. By the way, what phono amp are you considering?

As far as high end MM cartridges go: I don't see how a phonostage by TRL could impact the decision MM vs. MC. There are many excellent phonostages for MC out there and together with added advantage of MC, the choice for high end would seem always an MC cartridge. Aside from the Decca and some high output MC, I can only name the Music Man MM cartridges that are supposed to be playing in the higher leagues.

check out this recent thread:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1184456375

Hi Chazzbo,

I agree with you that, to some extent, the which-is-better issue has to do with price range. There are not too many above $2,000 MM cartridges, and a lot of lower-priced MCs can sound a bit rough and strident. I can see why someone would opt for the smoother sound of a good MM over a more nimble, but strident, MC. I would personally still pick a budget MC, but, the choice is a LOT closer in the under $1,000 range.

Another factor to consider is that it is much harder to get a compatible match between a MC cartridge and a phono stage. Some cartridges, like the top-of-the-line Allaerte are extremely demanding (needs a very precise match of impedance and gobs of gain). I would wager that a lot of unhappy experiences with MC cartridges have to do with incompatibility.