Just on the sidelines soaking up information.
And learning, thanks gents. Please feel free to comment on the following information which may be beneficial to the OP!
"Last year I switched from a MM Linn Adikt to a high output moving coil (MC) [Dynavector].
‘The-pros-and-cons-of-moving-magnet-vs-moving-coil-cartridge.’
This was primarily done to match the gain with my newly acquired Audio Research SP6 preamp–the Adikt’s output was too hot for the ARC phono stage and there was clipping. The change in sound from MM to MC was quite dramatic, as the MC has a much more detailed sound and faster response, to my ears. Tracking is cleaner, and there is less [surface]noise.
Maybe some rock records may have been more pleasant to listen to with the MM type cartridges, as they have a less 'delicate" sound.
I have never stepped (up) to the low output MC cartridge plan. As far as I can tell, it takes seriously big bucks to do it right. Not only is the cartridge (with a non replaceable [stylus] setting you back {{$900-5000}}, but because of the miniscule output, the electronics have to be first rate as well.
I have heard fantastic demo’s of low output MC cartridges with (appropriate electronics) in hifi shops. Perhaps someday I’ll take the plunge and go that route…
I don’t design cartridges, but have used a few.
I believe there’s a fundamental difference in impedances when you’re waving a tiny magnet (or magnet surrogate) around by a set of big coils and waving a tiny coil around in a comparatively huge magnetic field. My gut feeling from looking at the physical arrangements is that MC, particularly the low output MC, is fundamentally more linear over it’s movement range.
Both can work well, particularly at the middle price range (say $600-2000) but above that the {{MCs really rule.}}
What you get from an MC with a {{good preamp or step-up}} is a lot more audible bandwidth and for want of a better term, transient ‘snap’ - on everything you play.
What you also get is a mechanical trade-off - you fundamentally need the right arm and [turntable]
to handle all the energy created by MC cartridges tracking records. Sometimes this trade-off is too much for some users (increased comparative record wear, some reduced tracking headroom etc.)
But in a medium-high end system I’d not imagine using anything other than a MC for serious listening despite this. Non-MC cartridges just aren’t the same."
Never Sop Being A Student!
PS. No need to chastise or ridicule, just learning!
After all, the Forum is inquiry as well as informative.
Oh Well, back to the sidelines!