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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
maam522a OP
161 posts
 

@porchlight1 

Glad this was helpful.  Shortly after posting this I made a mistake and broke the cantilever on the MC X30.  Tragic...  I sent it off the VAS and it was fitted with a Boron Cantilever and a Line Contact diamond stylus.  Essentially converting it to the X40.  It is better, but different.  I think the X30 is the sweet spot.

uncleang
149 posts
 

If you are go down the Linn path, My suggestion is to find one with a decent Ittok arm and at least a re-capped Valhalla power supply.  The Basik arm is not good enough for more expensive cartridges.

You mean the Basik arm is not expensive enough.

I run an AT 33PTG/II on my Basik equipped Heybrook TT2. It sounds just wonderful.

maam522a OP
161 posts
 

@vintageadict 

I did get a very nice Ittok LVII black from the UK and had the PS recapped.  The Basik was definitely not up to the job of handling the MC X30 or X40

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