HIGH output MC verses High MC???

Hi Lithojoe,

I personally don't know of many MM designs that have sound comparable to, or better than, good MC cartridges. Most MM cartridges sound muddy, opaque and lacking in microdynamics. The one notable exception is the Decca London Reference, and it has its own set of problems (not a great tracker, high tracking force required, etc.).

As to a new phono stage, I don't see how a phono stage can compensate for what is lost from MM cartridges.

Hi Chazzbo,

I agree with you that, to some extent, the which-is-better issue has to do with price range. There are not too many above $2,000 MM cartridges, and a lot of lower-priced MCs can sound a bit rough and strident. I can see why someone would opt for the smoother sound of a good MM over a more nimble, but strident, MC. I would personally still pick a budget MC, but, the choice is a LOT closer in the under $1,000 range.

Another factor to consider is that it is much harder to get a compatible match between a MC cartridge and a phono stage. Some cartridges, like the top-of-the-line Allaerte are extremely demanding (needs a very precise match of impedance and gobs of gain). I would wager that a lot of unhappy experiences with MC cartridges have to do with incompatibility.