MC Vs MM - apologize for the stupid question

Hey stupid, how ya doin'? Seriously, the only stupid question IS THE ONE NOT ASKED!!! I guarantee that there are a handful of people who want to ask the same question, but are too embarrassed to ask! My understanding of MC's vs. MM's...generally, MC's will cost more than MM's. Since MC's have have much lower output than most MM's, you will need more gain (amplification) for a MC than a MM. A MC will require a step-up transformer (I'm not a big fan of these devices) or a very quiet phono preamp. If you are using a tube phono preamp, you had best make sure that your tubes have extremely low microphonics (not noisy). I have also been told that MC's are much more critical of precise alignment on the arm and turntable than MM's. I am no expert on vinyl, but rely on people with good audio knowledge for my opinion. I chose a Grado Reference on a SME 10 table, and I am quite pleased with the sound!

Good question, and one that I have long wondered but never got around to asking. My cartridge budget is $150 or less for a Rega Planar 3. I've always used Rega super bias (MM), and it sounds pretty good to me. Should I go for a different cartridge next time its time to change ?

A MC cartridge has superior bandwidth --particulatly the low-output types (that do need a quiet, high-quality step-up transformer for the best performance --including low-noise). However, even the high-output MC's (that can be plugged directly into a MM phono input)usually sound more open, extended and airy than MM's because of their extended bandwidth.
Cartridge alignment is critical to all types of cartridges, specifically one's with more sophisticated stylus tips (eg; Fine-Line, VandenHul, etc), and, naturally, greater frequency bandwidth --MC's.

peter jasz