MC is "Moving Coil"
MM is "Moving Magnet"
Each actually refers to what is directly attached to end of the cantilever (other end from the stylus diamond).
MM cartridges usually have an output in the range of 3.0 to 5.0 millivolts. A MC cartridge due to its design usually has a much lower voltage output (0.3 to 0.6 millivolts). The MC will need additional amplification due to this difference. Some preamps have both MM and MC abilities, some only MM. Just to muddy the water there are a few High Output Moving Coils (HOMC) that can be mated directly to a MM pre input due to their specific higher outputs.
There are many threads discussing the attributes of each design that you can search through.
Rick
MM is "Moving Magnet"
Each actually refers to what is directly attached to end of the cantilever (other end from the stylus diamond).
MM cartridges usually have an output in the range of 3.0 to 5.0 millivolts. A MC cartridge due to its design usually has a much lower voltage output (0.3 to 0.6 millivolts). The MC will need additional amplification due to this difference. Some preamps have both MM and MC abilities, some only MM. Just to muddy the water there are a few High Output Moving Coils (HOMC) that can be mated directly to a MM pre input due to their specific higher outputs.
There are many threads discussing the attributes of each design that you can search through.
Rick