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Is a low output MC superior in sound quality to a high output MC??

I have seen a few  short comments over the last year on Audiogon and in few audio magazines about the differences between a Low output MC versus a High output  MC. 

What might be the pros and cons of these two designs, and in general which offers the better sound quality even if  both are  the same brand??. 


Thank you, S.J.    

sunnyjim
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,547 posts
 
Generally low output. Less windings on the core make the assembly lighter and more responsive.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Low output serves you more details, more headroom and generally a better musical flow. But to get the best out of it you need a Phonostage with higher gain. High gain and natural sound is a real task. And expensive.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Less windings mean less mass so low output MC's can give you a faster transient response allowing for more detail to be extracted. 

I have had both HOMC's and now an LOMC.  I won't go back to a HOMC again.  But as others have pointed out, the phono stage is critical.  It must be extremely quiet (no audible hiss) at the higher gain levels needed or you can negate the additional musical detail an LOMC brings you.
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