HIGH output MC verses High MC???

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.

In general, low output MC's sound better than those with higher output (but not always). It depends on the quality of the Phono Stage and the Gain of the System in general.
I think, MC's with higher output make for most listeners the life a bit easier, it is not so frustrating when you find out, that your dynamics is too slow and soft and you can only change it with a change of components.

Dear Dean: What don't like you on your Benz Micro quality sound performance?

What are you looking on sound reproduction? where do you need/want an improvement?

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.