2. analog
  3. 179529-171300

What should I expect moving from MM to MC?

I understand it depends on the setup, so I'll start here. I'm starting small (in my quest for music Nirvana!):

  • Denon PMA-600NE (70W, dedicated analog wiring, also a "source direct" feature that by passes the bass/treble/balance circuitry)
  • Klipsch RP-500M bookshelves
  • Klipsch 12" Sub
  • Mofi Studiodeck turntable

 

I was considering moving from my Sumiko Olympia MM cartridge to the Sumiko Blue Point No.3 MC Hi. 

 

Nothing but praise for the Blue Point in all reviews. But will I noticeably hear a clearer, fuller, warmer sound? Or is it a waste on money, focus elsewhere.

Thanks in advance!

 

mucker
petaluman
149 posts
 

Although there was a brief discussion of >20khz response, the OP has repeatedly prioritized a "fuller, warmer sound".  This sounds to me like the mid-range.

The original holder of the MC patent was audio legend Joe Grado.  However, he didn't make them.  A believer in the importance of getting the mid-range right, his cartridges were MI (Moving Iron).  AFAIK, Grado & Soundsmith are the major MI cartridge makers today.

The Schiit Mani 2 gives you plenty of versatility for optimizing your phono sound, and should result in meaningful improvement.  Upgrading your cartridge will cost more, but should also make a bigger difference in the sound.

johnto
1,023 posts
 

Check out the Soundsmith web page he has plenty of info on different kinds of cartridges.

mucker OP
12 posts
 

@ronald_p Great point about the used market. Definitely  a way to upgrade and save some money at the same time.

Mani 2 has arrived and works as advertised. I'm going through my albums on different eras and genres. So far I wall say there are notable differences, including the ones I was hoping for: broader soundstage and a boost in the previously flat mid-range frequencies. Vocals and solo instruments have come forward and the oomph of the bass with the fuller mid range have filled in the gaps. Thank you all for the recommendations.

I'll still go through a re-listen to most of my collection. Two albums that I love but just didn't sound right were:

 

  1. Asia (Asia): Their debut album from 1982 was one of my all time favorites. I've listened to it  several hundred times over multiple medias over the years. The vocals and drums seemed distant and small. The Mani-2 has brought them back to life.
  2. Stan Meets Chet (1958 Sten Getz / Chet Baker). Listening to an album that's nearly 65 years old and sounds lively and full is amazing when you really think about it. 
  3. The song "Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel. With the more forward vocals, it's much fuller and the harmony of the two vocalists is appreciated more than I had previously
  4. "Casbah" on the Rich vs Roach album. The Mani-2 really makes this vintage song come to life. I think partially my Klipsch horns highlight the brass, but he Mani-2 brings them to life.  
  5. Round Midnight (Miles Davis) - This is my current Nirvana...until I move the goal posts again.

At some point I'd like to upgrade to a MC cartridge just to hear "what's next" in my sound journey, but the urgency has gone away, as the phono-amp has pushed this back. In a small 12 x 12 office with not-so-optimal acoustics, the sound is terrific right where I have it. 

 

So thanks again everyone!

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