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Is a low output MC superior in sound quality to a high output MC??

I have seen a few  short comments over the last year on Audiogon and in few audio magazines about the differences between a Low output MC versus a High output  MC. 

What might be the pros and cons of these two designs, and in general which offers the better sound quality even if  both are  the same brand??. 


Thank you, S.J.    

sunnyjim

Showing 2 responses by chakster

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
This low output MC mantra works only in theory, practically High Output MC can be very good or even better. I have tried both and i do not miss my new ZYX PREMIUM 4D with dedicated pre-pre amp, when i use vintage High Output ARGENT MC500HS cartridge.

I’m pretty sure it depends on the cartridge, if you chose between LOMC or HOMC of the same brand then maybe LOMC is better if your phono stage is good for LOMC, but you can find another HOMC cartridge (from another manufacturer) superior to your LOMC for example. It is very personal and system dependant.

I wouldn’t ignore HOMC or even MM in the battbe with LOMC cartridges.
But trust your ears!


chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Using 47kOhm or 100kOhm MM phono input for HOMC cartridge doesn’t work for me, my 1.9mV Argent MC lose the magic when connected like that. It works superior with classic 100ohm MC input on my JLTI phono stage or with MC input on my WLM phono stage with automatic load impedance and build-in lundahl step-up stansformers.

In my opition HOMC are better with MC preamps (instead of MM preamp) and this is all about correct loading.

P.S. Matt, why on earth do we need HOMC/MM/MI/MF if the answer is so simple as you said? LOMC is not better, at least not for everybody. Otherwise all we need is LOMC which is the current trend. I don’t agree. Some of the vintage MMs are superior to MCs 10 times in price. 
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