Forums - Print Page

Forums
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl
AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> moving magnet vs. moving coil cartridges
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1359041256

Message started by JD on 01/24/13 at 15:27:36

Title: moving magnet vs. moving coil cartridges
Post by JD on 01/24/13 at 15:27:36

I've only used moving magnet cartridges but curious to know if any of you listen to vinyl via a moving coil cartridge. Gonna order the ZP3 soon and am also upgrading my turntable but feel like the mc cartridge route is much more expensive when you factor in step up transformer etc. Rather put that money into a great mm cartridge and/or tons of vinyl. Thoughts...?

Thanks
JD

Title: Re: moving magnet vs. moving coil cartridges
Post by Lon on 01/24/13 at 16:51:23

JD, I used a cartridge needing a transformer years ago. . . was very good but so have been other cartridges. I'm currently using a Rega Elys2 with my Rega RP3, no step up transformer required for the ZP3 and it's excellent so. . . . I'd say no need for a different type of cartridge but my vinyl and phono skills are very old (basically didn't play vinyl but on occasion from 1988 or so til last year).

Title: Re: moving magnet vs. moving coil cartridges
Post by marky on 01/24/13 at 17:19:06

JD
I`ve used mc`s for so long now I`ve forgotten what mm`s sound like.
The difference is usually regarded as mc being more airy, spatial, emotive, involving, and in general the most popular if you are going to spend a fair amount.
Maybe I should revisit a mm, but have found, by looking for a new cart, the cartridgeman Musicmaker, which is a "moving iron". I like what I read about them and their output is 4mv so wont require a step up.
Still some way off before deciding, so like you there`s a big field of carts (sic) to narrow down. I bet theres half a dozen which would sound awesome without going overboard.
Is it a general rule of thumb to spend as much on a cartridge as your deck ?

Title: Re: moving magnet vs. moving coil cartridges
Post by JD on 01/25/13 at 14:51:42

thanks for the feedback. heading to hear a few tables this weekend...hoping listening to a variety will narrow down the field.

JD

Title: Re: moving magnet vs. moving coil cartridges
Post by Rivieraranch on 01/25/13 at 23:14:31

You could opt for a high output moving coil, such as the DENON, eliminating the need for a step up transformer.