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MM vs. MC

If I was looking at a Grado Reference Platinum cartridge, to be played on a VPI Scout & JMW9 tonearm with a Musical fidelity phono stage, How high a quality MC cart and phono stage would I need to better the sound? I have ordered the Scout but am strugling on the cartridge, is MC better?, and if so is the high output MC better than the Grado Platinum, or the Grado Sonata. I only have so much cash, the VPI was $1500.00 the Qunex 3 cable was $150.00 so I have $800.00 left this go around. Any suggestions on the cart, would be great, I have an internal phono stage in my X-150 but it's an MM with 2.5 mv so a lower output MC would require an external phono stage, if this is the way to go, any suggestions on a low output MC and external Phono stage for $800.00 that will be better than the Sonata through the X-150....Help!
flharrisdd0f
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
The dynavector DV20X HO at 2.5mv is a very nice match for the JMW 9 arm, and a very good bargain at the 550.00 new price range.

If you have 800.00 left to spend on a low output MC AND phono stage, you will be forced to make too many dollar concessions that will, in the long run, prevent you from truely enjoying the magic the Scout is capable of.

If I am not mistaken, the Sumiko Blackbird is also available in an HO version. That would eat up your entire 800.00 but many folks have reported success with that cart and the JMW arm.

I personally, shy away from the Grados due to the infamous "Grado hum" some folks are plagued by. If you get it, it can be tough to cure.
glrickaby
19 posts
 
You can pick up a Music Hall MMF phono Pac (Pre-Amp) for
about $100 which is very well rated and will handle a MC
or MM. The MMF works very well on a .4 output (Not high output) as it has a .45 rating. For $225, you can trade in
any old cartridge for a Benz Gold at Needle Doctor which has
a .4 output. This combination sounds very good. I think
lower output MC will ultimately give you better sound than
a high output. Higher in the Benz line will get you more so
you have plenty to play with for the the price of the phono
pac. Sumiko makes a twin but the reviews favor MMF. Read the reviews before you laugh!Just hide the MMF so no one sees the little black box!
synjohn
12 posts
 
Agree with Slipknot on the DV20X HO, This works very well
with the JMW9 and a decent MM stage will take kindly to it. I feed it into a AES PH-1 Phonostage(MM) with very good results.
Post removed 
flharrisdd0f OP
4 posts
 
Thanks to everyone, Have any of you heard anything about the Clearaudio Aurum Beta Mark II?
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