mm vs mc turntable for my receiver

Posted by Alan L. Maier [SysOp] [IP: 129.37.205.189] on May 08, 1999 at 08:12:09
Using Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 5.0; MSN 2.5; Windows 98):

In Reply to: mm vs mc turntable for my receiver posted by Tim Baldwin on May 07, 1999 at 20:50:44:

Tim,

Hey long time :)

Turntables are funny critters, they can be an endless source of twiddling and still leave more to mess with!!!

Some points to keep in mind about MCs vs. a good MM might help you decide which way to go with the turntable. Typical MCs are less compliant, so you need a bit more massive arm than a high-end MM - an S shape arm is a good example. This is a plus if you have an older - say 1970s vintage turntable. As example I would never think of mounting a MC in a Dual turntable from the 1980s that had the ULM arm. MCs have different electrical characteristics beyond output level, and this can really make a difference with some arms. As example I have a Thorens TD318 that has always been a "laid-back" sounding turntable due to the arm and interconnect wiring. I mounted a Denon DL160 high output MC in it and was very impressed... then I mounted a Ortofon MC10 Super and it really came to life. I then bought a good old Yamaha PF-800 turntable on the used market and found that what sounded good in the Thorens was bright in the Yamaha, which does have a bit of mass to the arm due to the twin tube design. BTW I am running a AT OC9 in it now and am happy with the sound.

My thoughts for your setup depends on the age of the Pioneer. If it is a older unit, say a PL-51_ or older - why not service it well and install a modest $150 area MC in it and give it a try. I like that Denon DL160 as well as the Ortofon (J&R has the high output Ortofon line - maybe the X5 MC at $150?). High output MCs do work okay into a MM load, but they really like a MC load to work best so don't let that limit you.

The MM alternatives would be in the Ortofon line again such as the OM30Super (I have one of those too - sweet!). That cartridge works best if the arm mass is on the lower side, but is forgiving.

If you have a newer Pioneer with lots of plastic parts, then it's time to do some shopping.

Have fun!

Alan

: Alan,
: I was thinking of doing the same thing! Just having bought a pair of ProAc's, I'm moving back toward some quality 2-channel. Want to add a good 2-ch amp and preamp, and later get a processor or a preamp with an analog bypass, like a Sony EP9ES or Sherwood 8090. thinking of replacing my old Pioneer table with a Rega or equal - will I really hear the difference between a top MM and a mid MC cartridge?
: Tim

Follow Ups:

• mm vs mc turntable for my receiver - Tim Baldwin 04:09:04 05/09/99 (1)
  • mm vs mc turntable for my receiver - Alan L. Maier [SysOp] 10:59:41 05/09/99 (0)

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