Moving magnet cartridges
MM cartridges use a small magnet attached to the cantilever, which is the arm that holds the stylus. As the stylus moves through the grooves of the record, the magnet moves back and forth, generating an electrical current in a coil of wire.
MM cartridges are relatively inexpensive to produce and are therefore the most common type of phono cartridge. They are also relatively easy to set up and use. However, MM cartridges generally do not produce as high-quality sound as MC cartridges.
Moving coil cartridges
MC cartridges use a small coil of wire attached to the cantilever. As the stylus moves through the grooves of the record, the coil of wire moves back and forth, generating an electrical current in a magnetic field.
MC cartridges are more expensive to produce than MM cartridges, but they generally produce higher-quality sound. MC cartridges also have a lower output voltage than MM cartridges, so they require a phono preamplifier with a higher gain.
Comparison of MM and MC cartridges
| Characteristic | MM cartridge | MC cartridge |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive |
| Sound quality | Generally good | Generally better |
| Output voltage | Higher | Lower |
| Setup and use | Relatively easy | More difficult |
Which type of cartridge is right for you depends on your budget, your listening habits, and your level of expertise. If you are new to vinyl or have a limited budget, an MM cartridge is a good choice. If you are looking for the best possible sound quality and are willing to invest more money and time, an MC cartridge is a better option.
Here are some additional tips for choosing a phono cartridge:
- Consider your turntable. Some turntables are designed for specific types of cartridges. For example, some turntables have a built-in phono preamplifier that is specifically designed for MM cartridges.
- Consider your budget. Phono cartridges can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.
- Think about your listening habits. What type of music do you listen to? How often do you listen to vinyl? If you listen to a lot of vinyl and are looking for the best possible sound quality, an MC cartridge is a better option. If you listen to vinyl less often or are not as concerned about sound quality, an MM cartridge is a good choice.
- Read reviews. Once you have found a few phono cartridges that you are interested in, read reviews from other audiophiles. This can help you to narrow down your choices and choose the best cartridge for your needs.
