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Phono stage matching - how critical

How critical is it to use an MM cartridge with an MM phono stage and an MC cartridge with an MC phono stage?
My phono stage is designed for an MM cartridge; however I'm using a Benz Glider on my Classic 3. The Glider is high output so I'm not having any issue with gain. But would my system sound better if I used an MM cartridge such as the Soundsmith Zephyr?
rockyboy

Showing 2 responses by lewm

lewm
12,456 posts
 
What they all said. Contrary to Mesch's opinion, I prefer MM and MI cartridges, as a class, to HOMC cartridges, as a class. In fact, I once owned two successive versions of the Benz Glider myself. I find that any of the better MM/MI cartridges are preferable, to my ears in my system. There is no right or wrong in this case.
lewm
12,456 posts
 
Dear Bpoletti, What you write is true in principle but is hardly ever a problem in practice. Nearly any worthy SS linestage will offer at least 10K ohm input impedance, and nearly any tube phono stage will offer an output Z of less than 2K ohms. Usually it's more like 1K out into 20K to 50K.

Wrm57, I am way into vintage MM/MI cartridges: Stanton 980LZS (which is actually low output), Grace Ruby, Acutex LPM320, Grado TLZ are among my favorites. I do also like low output MCs. As a group, HOMCs rank 3rd with me, which means I no longer ever use one.
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