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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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baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,238 posts
 

That's why I came here, to learn. Unfortunately a post like yours teaches nothing. With all due respect.

tablejockey
3,795 posts
 

griptube-

Your phonostage has 60db of gain. You're good with carts in the .5mv  range. You probably could go 1-2 mv lower, but .5mv  would be the safe value.

That will include just about all popular brands out there. You can also consider the Soundsmith moving iron carts.

griptube's avatar
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griptube OP
18 posts
 

So far I am looking at:

Benz-Micro Wood SL

HANA ML

And a couple of others. I'm confused.

 

Joe

sandthemall
544 posts
 

Hi, 

Before you try KT120s, read up on the Tung Sol 7581A. There's a slight dip in power but has a really balanced presentation with a tad more bass presence and upper end air over the EL34. I have them in my Evo 400 and really love the extra bit of detail. And they're inexpensive.

Do try the low output MCs, even if to compare against your HO MCs.

That particular McIntosh phono preamp is a good jack of all trades. I've found that going to a dedicated MC phono preamp was a better path for me. I use a Hagerman Trumpet MC and it does an amazing job getting my AT33PTGII cartridge to sing with no noise. 

I can match any MC cart with the affordable, all-tube Hagerman.

Good luck!

 

 

griptube's avatar
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griptube OP
18 posts
 

Sandthemall I already have 8 NEW KT-120's, (planning for the future). But I'm open to Tube Rolling.

 

Joe

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