MM vs MC Cartridges


I have all High Output phono Cartridges on 2 TT's. One is a Thorens TD 1601 and a Technics 1210. My Cartridges are Ortofon 2M Black, Sumiko Blue Point Special EVO III, Ortofon 2M Bronze & HANA EH. My Phono Pre is McIntosh MP100. My integrated Amp Prima Luna Dialogue Premium HP with EL 34's.

I'll be replacing the EL 34's for New KT 120's. I want to Buy a Low Output phono cartridge but I'm afraid I won't get the performance from Low Output cartridges, like HANA ML and others. I do play above 76db in my 350 Sq Ft Retirement Home room. I don't worry about disturbing my Neighbors as they All have hearing loss issues.

I don't want to buy a $1,000+ MC Low output Cartridge only to find my Audio Gear is not up to the Job. My speakers are Joseph Audio Perspectives, Kimber Bifocal XL's Cables. My hearing is excellent for a 71 yr old Man, I'm always in the Rabbit Hole for the last 53 years. It's what I spend my Pension on. What do you think?

Joe

 

 

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Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

At first glance your existing McIntosh phono can do it all it seems.

For my first MC cartridge, I chose low output, because the whole idea of MC is to get refined movement/results from smaller/lighter parts.

AT33PTG/II, wide separation, tight channel balance, excellent sound IMO.

I go thru SUT to MM Phono in my tube preamp, you would just go to your existing MP100 and use it's MC internal SUT.

research the relationship of cartridge signal strength and cartridge coil impedance before and after signal boost, some are difficult combos. my .3mv and 10 ohm coil impedance is a fairly easy combination.