MC vs. MM
February
15, 2022
Marc,
Can
I expect a significant difference going from a moving-magnet to a moving-coil cartridge?
On my Clearaudio turntable?
Sheldon
Simon
I
have a local friend who has asked me this question, and I'll tell you what I've told him.
The answer depends on the overall quality of your system, including, and most importantly,
your phono stage. You will need more gain than with a moving-magnet cartridge, perhaps a
lot more, and if your phono stage won't provide enough or it's noisy, any sonic gains
would be negatively offset. But when everything works together, the treble sophistication
of even a low-cost moving-coil cartridge will be noticeable and seductive. And, depending
on your choice of cartridge, there will be other obvious sonic benefits too.
I'm
a fan of the Denon DL-103R, which costs around $400 brand new. However,
unlike most moving-magnet cartridges, moving-coils don't have user-replaceable styli, so
you have to keep that in mind, along with any money you spend to upgrade your phono stage.
-Marc Mickelson
Reader
list
February
1, 2022
Marc,
I
would appreciate it if you would add me to your mailing list. Thanks.
Paul
Hirschberger
You've
been added. To join TAB's reader e-mail list and find out about new articles
first, send e-mail to rl@theaudiobeat.com.
-Marc Mickelson
