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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So far I am looking at:

Benz-Micro Wood SL

HANA ML

And a couple of others. I'm confused.

 

Joe

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!

 

 

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

 

Joe

@griptube , it sounds to me you are going to be better off sticking with high output cartridges. To get a moving coil cartridge noticeably better than the 2M Black you are going to have to spend more than $3K. There are several other moving magnet cartridges that are serious performers like the AT VM760SLC, The Clearaudio Maestro and the Goldring 1042. You are much better off with one of these than buying a cheap moving coil. 

Mijo, I wouldn't in general argue with your advice, but what about Audio Technica MC cartridges?  The ART series sells retail for about $1200 before any discount, and I think they are superb, although I have not compared my ART7 (now discontinued in favor of the ART9Xa) to any of the MMs mentioned here.  The OP would probably love the ART9Xi (0.5mV output); it is the offspring of the ART9, which gets as many accolades here as does the sainted Herron phono stage.  The ART9Xa puts out only 0.2mV, so unless the OP's phono has enough gain for that, the 9Xi version is the one to think about.  Less expensive AT MC cartridges are also excellent.  To think I bought my ART7 for only $800.