MM, MC, or MI cartridge

I run a Hana ML through a Sutherland phononstage (60 db gain, 200 ohm loading) on my VPI table/tone arm (JMW 10.5). A nice setup and I appreciate its resolution especially on classical symphonic and chamber music. For jazz it’s quite good but not appreciably better (to my tin ear) than my Goldring Eroica high output MC was.

Honestly, this is such a subjective scenario it’s really not valuable if your sonic preference, room acoustics and hearing ability differs from mine. Like much of this hobby, a matter of making the investment and hoping for satisfaction. I don’t have the luxury of a local dealer to loan me things to try unfortunately. And I don’t often find reviews to be much more than sales pitches…although I try to read several before buying. Bottom line, pay your money, take your chance…but from my perspective, you’re on a good path with your choice.

Interesting discusion. Just to add the J. Grado, who developed and patented the first MC cartridges, ditched that design for MI. Some of the subsequent Grado MI cartridges, amongst others, sound fabulous - great detail retreival,PRAT,  wonderful tracking and are virtually silent - provided you have the right turntable and can avoid transformer hum.

inna,

iI tried it, and it works, but unfortunately, doesn’t sound like it previously did.

I read this thread for information on MI cartridges, and I’m still kind of unclear about that. I have several mm cartridges I love and a couple of mcs that I love too. I get the differences but can anyone talk more about moving iron, or are they “lumped” in with MMs Ie same characteristics as MM cartridges? Thanks in advance or I can use this for a new thread?

Yes, MI types have been given short shrift here. No, they are not the same as MM. Any vinyl aficionado ought to listen to a few different MI types. Unfortunately, only Grado and SoundSmith continue to build them in the modern era. MI types have lowest moving mass, can have medium to high output and high compliance. Inductance is lower than MM and higher than MC. Acutex, B&O, and a few others made excellent MI cartridges back in the day.