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Does it improve the sound of a MM or MI cartridge by playing it through a phono stage?

I've been hearing about these old inexpensive Japanese cartridges getting rave reviews and I was wondering if they sound better if played through a phono stage as MCs do. Of course this would be at the standard 47K ohms load.

I have an Acutex LPM 412STR with the original and replacement stylus and would like to know how it would sound best. It was inexpensive (a long time ago), but might be an interim option if I have to get my regular cartridge serviced. I upgraded it about 9 years ago to a Van den hul One Special and thought the VDH was much better sounding with a Rega P5 played through the phono section of a Plinius 8200MKII integrated amp. Since then, I purchased a Sutherland Insight phono stage that has settings for the VDH (200 ohms) and a 47K ohm load for the Acutex, along with 3 or 4 others.
sokogear

Showing 1 response by mattmiller

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
"Does it matter if it is a MC or MM/MI cartridge?"

Yes it does matter a lot! The Phono pre amp is the gateway to great vinyl sound. And of course they all sound quite different. $1200 dollar solid state preamps are great and $2500 tube preamps are even better and so on. Its all relative to your system and budget. I would use the "somewhere between the cost of cartridge and turntable lies the sweet spot for a Phono pre amp". IMHO of course.


Matt M




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