MM vs. MC: Sonic Differences?


I've always owned low-output MC cartridges, but now wonder what, as a broad generalization, are the sonic differences between these two technologies? For instance how might the ClearAudio Virtuoso Wood ($750 - MM) compare to the ClearAudio Sigma Wood ($1200 - MC)?

In other words, are the low output MC cartridges really worth the extra expense, requirement for a fairly sophisticated RIAA, etc.?

I know that this is an extremely subjective question. Please don't respond with "it depends." Instead, please educate me regarding your experiences. Thanks in advance.
gthrush1

Showing 1 response by jimbo3

My impressions/opinions- Firstly, with a handful of exceptions, moderate-priced MMs (under $400 to $500) are better than similarly priced MCs. I think that this could be because executing a MC design is a little more expensive and difficult, so an inexpensive price point may result in manufacturing shortcuts to keep the MC's price down.

Secondly, I think the MC design is inherently better, but a well-executed MM design will easily best a poorly executed MC design. (For clarification, "execution" means quality control over the entire manuacturing process so that the unit performs as designed.)

As supporting proof- There are darn few MM cartridges over $1000 just as there are darn few MC's under $200.

Find a good value cartride in a price/quality range that is appropriate with the rest of your system and make sure it is also compatible in compliance and has the desired output.

Just my opinion...

Regards
Jim

Just my opinion......