MC versus MM. Which to choose.

mc is best....flame on.....

I have MC and MM that I really enjoy. MM is the cheaper way to go. I'd say get a nice MM if you're on a budget. If not, get both. You'll be surprised how much you like them both. The point of diminishing returns kicks in real fast though and the high end MCs can get uber expensive. IMO, don't go down that road. Get a descent cartridge and don't skimp on the rest of the signal chain to get the top end MC. I have a MC that retails around $9,000 and I enjoy my $179 Ortofon M20 fl super almost as much, sometimes more.

It is harder and harder to deliver to the market a high quality below $500.00 cartridge. I am listening now to an Empire 2000E that was bought NOS and from a Gramaphone review I read from back in the 70's that cartridge sold for Around $229.00. It sounds very good on my Black Widow arm but there are no tonearms being made today with 3.5 gram effective mass. We have gone to heavy mass arms and low compliant cartridges. An ass backward approach to playing and preserving your vinyl. Before CD's everything was about keeping you vinyl collection healthy. Now records are a mere alternative, a high price infatuation with the past. There are only a few high compliance cartridges being made, set up properly they will induce far less wear.

The opinion that MM carts track piano music better (Lew,12-12-11) and voices (Inna, idem) I heard already in the 80s.
Then the context was the apperance of the first Supex MC cart which changed the game. Anyone wanted MC cart since then. While each of us has his own psychology nobody wanted to stay behind. This can be called 'collective psychology'.
Those who can rembember the 80s are now old enough to make
their own choice(s). That is btw why one need at least two tonearms.

Regards,

I think Lostbear would like to know why some think MC is better than MM. If you would please back up your statements with your experience.

Lostbear, I have a few good MM/MI cartridges which I enjoy very much. Some are very detailed and some more musical. Most were purchased under $200 except the Soundsmith( which you should consider). I have not used any MCs due to the cost factor and phono being MM only but I will in the future when I upgrade my preamp. I would listen to both as your budget allows.

Good luck in your search for the Grail and Merry Christmas!