MM, MC, or MI cartridge

It all depends on how the cartridge is voiced.  The different types do have slightly different characteristics, but a MM can be really warm or very bright.  The same holds true for other types of cartridges.  Some are very neutral, while others are voiced to be more euphonic.  

I prefer MC cartridges, as they do tend to present more details and have less "grain", however I'm currently enjoying my Soundsmith Aida II MI cartridge, which comes very close to the performance of my much more expensive MC cartridges.

Most MC carts require more gain due to lower output.  They are not all "typically" .2mV.  Many are in the .4 - 5mV range.  There are high output MC cartridges that don't require as much gain (usually around 2.0 mV) and may work with a MM phono stage, but typically don't sound quite as good as their low output versions.  

It's important to match the cartridge to your tonearm and phono stage.  A well matched MM may sound better than a similarly priced MC if not matched well to the rest of your analog chain and your listening tastes.

In other words, MC, MI, MM is just one factor to consider when purchasing a cartridge.

@rvpiano The Virtuoso is a very good cartridge and worth repairing. Send it to Andy Kim. He does great work and turns Tibbs around quickly. http://www.phonocartridgeretipping.com/

@rvpiano The Clearaudio cartridge you had is very good.  I have a Hana SL and like the sound better than the Clearaudio.  I've spent time listening to the ML on a friend's system and liked it even more than the SL.  I wouldn't say that you'll notice a dramatic difference, but you should notice more refinement and a very neutral presentation from the ML.  Please let us know how you like it once you get it.

An alternative is to go back to my Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge that I thought damaged, but which now appears to be in pretty good shape. That cartridge sounded fine with most orchestral recordings, and also very good with audiophile pressings. The reason I switched to the Hana was, of course, wanting something better, and the reviews were outstanding.

Ignore the negativity.  The Virtuoso is a very nice cartridge, but the Hana should be noticeably "better".  I own the Virtuoso and have a Hana SL and have listened to the ML for a few hours on a friend's table that is setup very similarly to mine.  

I suggest checking and experimenting with your setup, including the settings on your phono stage.  You should get better clarity and detail with the Hana and a more neutral presentation than the Virtuoso.  I rarely listen to orchestral music, but the Hana should hold together better than the Virtuoso with difficult passages.  If you prefer something more "colored" or "lush", then it indeed may not be the cartridge for you.  Also check to make sure it's a good match with your tonearm. Do you have a test record?

I'm sure some of these things I mentioned have already been covered, but I don't have time to re-read the entire thread. Good luck!

Big Greg (and rv). Who was negative?

Post removed Jul 28, 2022