The greatest MM and MI cartridges ....

Regards, Nandric: AFAIK, with the M3xx (square) carts, output impedance is 2700 Ohm instead of the 610 Ohm with the LPM 3xx carts, or the LPM 4xx carts with 710 Ohm output impedance. IIRC, the "M"'s are also higher output, 4.0mv compared to the LPM's 3.5mv. I've no exposure to the "big block" Acutex's but under the circumstances would expect the mids to be brighter/more forward & would anticipate cap. requirements to be in the 300-400pF range. It's possible the diamond on the LPM's are of better (Ogura) quality, Acutex stressed the quality of LPM styli. Just a guess. Or three.

The terminal 4xx series (available for only several years as Acutex dropped cartridges from their catalog in 1992) differ in apperance by their translucent grips, specific grip fitment and mechanically by a redesign of the neutral or negative third armature. This was modified from a sleeve on the cantilever to a lighter tab afixed to the base of the cantilever. There is a very slight trade-off in improved clarity (reduced cantilever mass?) for the very pleasing presence heard with the LPM 300's. One must listen closely to hear any difference.

BTW, out of curiousity did a search of VE's cart database, there's a pantheon of well regarded carts with Ti. cantilevers. The majority wore LC, Shibata, VDH1/2 or ML styli.

Peace,

Clearaudio Maestro.

Dear Professor, thanks for your kindness and technical explanation. May I deduce that the actual situation is/was even more complex than I assumed ? Ie three versions with
nearly the same nomenclature? Those, as you call them 'big
blocks', are still to find on the German ebay. I must confess that I thought that those are better because they are much bigger...What a pity that Acutex needed to quit in 1992.

Regards,

Regards, Nandric: It gets even worse. In 1980, Acutex offered seven carts with (other than color) identical apperance. There were the LPM's (four models) and also the "Standard Series" M206-11 (white grip, conical), the M207-11 (grey, .3 x .7 ellipt.) and the M210-11, (orange, .3 x 7 ellipt., but keep in mind this was not the orange .3 x .7 LPM 310e "Best Ellipt.") These are not to be confused with the big block M3xx carts. It's all so simple---

As to your bigger is better premise? Really, Nikola. As Sun-Tzu might have said: It's not the size of the army but rather the fury of the attack that counts ;^). This is (informally) reflected in that most of the carts mentioned above are relatively low inductance/output impedance designs and of less than 3.6mV output. Mostly. Another needing mention is the Signet TK10ML, 2.2mV and the cart that introduced the ML stylus. There are those who hold the TK10 in high esteem.

Peace,

Dear Timeltel, unfortunately Sun-Tzu ( or Sun-Zi ) died about 1 century before - so he couldn't watch Hannibal's tactics on august 2nd, 216 b.c., which turned the fury of the attack against the attacker ..... but he is certainly in accordance with Miyamoto Musashi.

Sorry - off topic. I find your descriptions and in-deep analysis of the MMs very valuable.
This is exactly what I was looking for.
Cheers,
D.