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MM vs. MC

If I was looking at a Grado Reference Platinum cartridge, to be played on a VPI Scout & JMW9 tonearm with a Musical fidelity phono stage, How high a quality MC cart and phono stage would I need to better the sound? I have ordered the Scout but am strugling on the cartridge, is MC better?, and if so is the high output MC better than the Grado Platinum, or the Grado Sonata. I only have so much cash, the VPI was $1500.00 the Qunex 3 cable was $150.00 so I have $800.00 left this go around. Any suggestions on the cart, would be great, I have an internal phono stage in my X-150 but it's an MM with 2.5 mv so a lower output MC would require an external phono stage, if this is the way to go, any suggestions on a low output MC and external Phono stage for $800.00 that will be better than the Sonata through the X-150....Help!
flharrisdd0f

Showing 2 responses by a_e_watkins

a_e_watkins
106 posts
 
flharris

In response to your last question, yes I have owned the Clearaudio Aurum Beta, and it is still the best cartridge that I have had in my system.

I recently purchased a new VPI Scout w/JMW9 tonearm and had the Grado 'Sonata' installed. While I do like the Grado, I did and do, still prefer the ClearAudio Beta. I loved its clarity and it just seemed to have more hummph, behind the complex passages on large orchestral and choral passages.

I have also heard good things about the DynaVector DV20X, but I can't speak with the same certainty, as I can with the Grado or the ClearAudio.

Whatever your choice, your turntable purchase was a solid step, in the right direction.

Good luck to you, which ever way you go.

Regards,

AEW
a_e_watkins
106 posts
 
flharris

These two questions are very hard to give you an honest answer to as the cartridges were used on completely different turntables with completely different arms. As stated previously, the Grado 'Sonata' is being used on the VPI Scout w/JMW 9 tonearm, while the ClearAudio Beta S was used on a Thorens TD-125 turntable and arm.

My feelings towards the two is that the ClearAudio gives more freely of itself, with less constraints than the Grado. To me it seems to be more effortless in its output.

Background of both was very good (quiet) and I have had no 'hum' problems what-so-ever with the Grado. (I have heard some do).

Good luck in your decision.

Regards,

AEW
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