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MM to MC - Stunned - Please explain the noise difference...

I just moved up to an MC cartridge - Ortofon MC X30 and Linn Linto Phono Stage - from some decent Ortofon MM cartridges and a V15 type V.  I understand the technical differences to some extent, but I do not understand why my vintage vinyl is so much quieter.  I expected the improved details, the massively improved bass, the quiet background.  But why do the records sound so much cleaner?  Some of the pops, tics, and static seem to still be there, but they are now very far into the background.

maam522a
tooblue
2,079 posts
 

I run different M/C carts and M/M carts in two VERY WELL SETUP systems and have never noticed a difference of more or less noise on the same recording in either system. enjoy the music

elliottbnewcombjr
7,741 posts
 

socalml528’s avatar

socalml528

let me change your last sentence

"I was able to enjoy less pristine vinyl that was unplayable with the MM cartridge"

I was able to enjoy less pristine vinyl that was unplayable with the Elliptical Stylus.

Any profile with larger contact surface will make contact with undamaged areas of the grooves. 

I just posted some charts in a related discussion

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/reed-2g-magnetic-antiskate

 

 

socalml528's avatar
socalml528
170 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr; I stand enlightened smiley and enjoyed your charts.

vintageadict
34 posts
 

Sounds like you made a great upgrade. Congrats. The MC X30 has a good fan base here. 

I have both MC and MM cartridges using similar tonearms and  a higher end phono stage. In my experience I have never noticed reduced background noise with the MC cartridges. Stylus profiles are similar to the MC X30 and even the Shibatas that I have are not noticeably quieter in the grove. I do prefer the MC cartridges over the MM but mainly due to bass response and detail. 

elliottbnewcombjr

"I suspect something was previously wrong to produce so much noise."

I tend to agree with this. Tonearm/cartridge match and alignment can make significant differences/improvements.  I would expect the new Ortofon MC to eclipse lesser  Ortofon MMs or the V15 v (especially with a well worn stylus or generic replacement).

 

 

 

maam522a OP
161 posts
 

@vintageadict 

Maybe some serendipitous change along the way. 

Listening to Natty Dread at the moment and Bob says - Yah Man.....  Just relax and enjoy man. No need to explain man.  Smoke some ganja and enjoy - it's good cause God bring it up from the ground!

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