Im currently using a low output (.4mv) MC Shelter 501, through a Black Cube into a line input on my preamp (Mac C2200). The preamp has a phono section, but it is designed for MM. Ive been hoping to try a direct connection to the preamp, but I understand I need a higher output MM or MI to do it.
Ive read the above about strict comparisons between MC and MM. In that vein, keeping components, cables, etc the same shouldnt be too difficult. Matching phono preamp sections this seems to be where the difficulty arises, due to the differing nature of MC and MM cartridges. My question is at the risk of becoming a human dartboard ultimately, does it really matter? OK, from an academic point of view it would be nice to be able to pinpoint the plus and minus aspects of MC vs MM, but many/most of us dont have the resources to set up a system to precisely determine the relative sonic differences of MC cart A vs MM cart B. But within the context of our own systems, which is what we live with every day, isnt the bottom line - what sounds good? If, for example, in my case, I buy an MM cart, I understand that any differences I hear will be partially attributable to the cart and partially to the phono section of the preamp.
With that said, I still think makes sense to consider an MM or MI that others have found to be effective in their systems. Several have been mentioned above, including the Shure V15 mr, Ortofon VMS-20 E Mk II, AT 440 ML and Linn K 18 Mk II MM.
Ctm_cra, you mentioned a handful of MMs that have worked for you. Would you be willing to share that list?
Ive read the above about strict comparisons between MC and MM. In that vein, keeping components, cables, etc the same shouldnt be too difficult. Matching phono preamp sections this seems to be where the difficulty arises, due to the differing nature of MC and MM cartridges. My question is at the risk of becoming a human dartboard ultimately, does it really matter? OK, from an academic point of view it would be nice to be able to pinpoint the plus and minus aspects of MC vs MM, but many/most of us dont have the resources to set up a system to precisely determine the relative sonic differences of MC cart A vs MM cart B. But within the context of our own systems, which is what we live with every day, isnt the bottom line - what sounds good? If, for example, in my case, I buy an MM cart, I understand that any differences I hear will be partially attributable to the cart and partially to the phono section of the preamp.
With that said, I still think makes sense to consider an MM or MI that others have found to be effective in their systems. Several have been mentioned above, including the Shure V15 mr, Ortofon VMS-20 E Mk II, AT 440 ML and Linn K 18 Mk II MM.
Ctm_cra, you mentioned a handful of MMs that have worked for you. Would you be willing to share that list?