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Going from MM to MC

I have a linn table with an akito2 arm I just replaced the preamp with a rogue rp7 and bought a pro ject phono box DS3B phono preamp.  I am also going to get new phono cable from linn with the xlr ends on it. Right now I have an adikt on my table. I want to go to MC  to get better detail and seperation. I have been researching Cartridges and have narrowed it down to 3  the linn Krystal the lyra delso or the ortofon quintet S black. My Lin repair person is trying to get me to go  with the linn but I have herd the other 2 have better sound  any advice.where to go or even a different one all together  and why thank you Michael. 

mal11963

Showing 1 response by westcoastaudiophile

westcoastaudiophile
463 posts
 

@mal11963 

there are couple of technical differences btw MM and MC

1) MM cart is high output impedance driver, vs low output impedance MC. MM cart will sound better with most tonearms and phono higher resistance cables, while MC will require low as possible interconnects. You may check your end of phono cable to arm connector (headshell pin) to check if resistance is below /above1 Ohm. If resistance is high, arm wiring and better connectors are needed for MC.

2) MM carts typically require less tracking needle pressure for similar performance comparing to MC, typ 1g for MM vs 2g for MC (MC coils have wires with more moving resistance).

I compared sound of Audio Technica ART9 to AT-ML170/180, I found as MM ML170/180 sound more airy, warmer on many records (not all). 

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