MM Cartridge or MC Cartridge


I'm embarrassed to say that after owning a ClearAudio Maestro cart for only a month, I had a mishap and damaged the stylus. It's gonna cost $600 to get it replaced. Does anyone have any better suggestions as far as a better cart for the $$, or is this the best for this price range? Also, what are the advantages to a MC cart? I'm just getting back into LP's and have not done the research. Besides, I trust your opinions more than reviews. I will have the opportunity to buy up, so now would be the time to go to a MC cart. Will I have to have a step-up transformer? My phono stage is an Audio Research PH-3 SE.
handymann

Showing 7 responses by audiofeil

To a large extent it depends on the tonearm.

MC vs MM has been debated here in a number of threads.

IMO, at your price range, the quality and performance of MM cartridges are clearly superior to their MC counterparts.
I've been doing this for 52+ years and actually remember piezo-electric (ceramic/crystal) phono cartridges.

Additionally, I've owned more phono cartridges than most readers have heard. Not bragging, just the way it is. No apologies offered.

Anyway, paired wisely with an appropriate tonearm, a moving magnet/iron cartridge (new or vintage) between $200-$600 will easily outperform virtually every high output moving coil under $1200 or so.

I have strong collection of the moving magnet/iron, sell some of the aformentioned moving coils, and there's no doubt in my ears. Been there, done that.

I can prove this to any visitor. Bring your moving coil.

Crow is served both hot and cold.
Not mad.

Dogs get mad, people get angry.

Not angry either, just emphatic regarding the old wives' tale that moving coils are superior to moving magnet/iron cartridges.

You can private email me to discuss specifics.

IMO, you're making a mistake by not considering used cartridges. Simply look for a member with a good track record and feedback.
Stan, our ages are the only similarity we share.

I know the subject matter.

There are people who've been driving for 50 years and don't know anything about automobiles.

So it is with you and audio.

Bring you moving coils here.

The crow is hot and steamy.

I'll even serve you a second helping.
PS
For the record I never said:

"all moving coils under $1200 are bad compared to MMs"

Stan is apparently dyslexic as well.

Thank you.
Calm down Stan.

If I'm your subject, please do a review of my posting history. You'll find many examples of my praising and/or recommending components in which there is no financial interest.

Also, I don't claim to be a know it all. That would be quite naive right? There are a handful of members posting with more experience and knowledge of this hobby.

You are not one of them.
Readers should know that Stan forgot to include the email in which he threatened to "kick my a**" to which I responded as he indicated.

Then he wrote an email asking me to visit him and bring the "weapon of my choice". He'd probably pi** his pants and then go into cardiac arrest.

He conveniently omitted his parts in this passion play.

I saved all the emails if anybody's interested.