Low vs. High Output MC Cartridges

Be careful with generalizations. While it is true that a LO version of a particular cartridge is probably "better" (more transparent/detailed) than the it's higher output version, wether it actually sounds that way (overall) IN YOUR SETUP is another matter altogether. As has been pointed out, the ability of your phono preamp to "handle" the lower output version is a complicated matter. First of all, in my experience, phono stages with switchable gain almost always sound better in their LOW gain setting. Same principle as with the cartridge: Less (gain) is more. I have owned phono stages that sounded more detailed with a LOMC, but also sounded lethargic and uninvolving. However, the added gain of a higher output cartridge made it come alive. You gave up a little bit of resolution, but gained a great deal of rhythmic drive. Again, be careful with generalizations and accept the fact that only experience and experimentation in your system, weighed against your preferences, will give you a useful answer. Good luck.

Lew, I'm not quite sure I understand why you felt I was referring to or contradicting your comments. If anything, I was referring mostly to Stanwal's correct observation that some think LO is better, and some that HO is better. If you reread my comments you will note that we are actually in agreement. I believe that in absolute terms LO versions of the same cartridge are generally better. The point that I was making was that because of their lower output, in practice, they may not yield a superior result in a system with a gain structure that benefits from a healthier output from the cartridge. BTW, I have no experience with Clearaudio cartridges, and made no reference to them (??).

Speaking of the comment re Clearaudio carts, Rockitman the .8 or .9 mv output of the Clearaudios can fairly be considered medium output for a MC. My experience with VDH and Benz medium output MC's tells me that output in the .5-1 mv range represents a very sensible compromise on the part of manufacturers to maximize the advantages of low output design and usability in "the real world".