MM or MI Cartridge?


Currently using an SPU Royal N with a Viv Labs 9" and Kuzma Stabi R, and I am looking for a great Moving Magnet or Moving Iron Cartridge that I won't feel short changed by.

A couple of options I am looking at are the Grado Reference "The Reference" Wood 2 and the Audio Note IQ3, has anyone had the opportunity to compare these cartridges, and any other options I should consider that you have heard against either of these cartridges?

128x128alan60

Showing 1 response by mglik

I feel privileged and fortunate to have a Grado Epoch3 MI cartridge.

It instantly replaced my, highly regarded, Lyra Atlas SL.

By that I mean it did not “cream” the Lyra, but it greatly surpassed it in, the always vital and central, musicality. Most important to me, voices sound more natural.

I bought the Grado because I was curious about MI. Everything I read about the, somewhat legendary, MI Decca London Reference made me long for that kind of sound. But the Decca  turned out to be out of production. And those who own them seem to hold on to them tightly. And I don’t think there is anyone who rebuilds them. I may be wrong about that.

MM (MI) or MC? One can’t generalize. But, surely, there are now outstanding cartridges of all types.