mm vs mc turntable for my receiver

Posted by Tim Baldwin [IP: 152.163.204.62] on May 09, 1999 at 04:09:04
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In Reply to: mm vs mc turntable for my receiver posted by Alan L. Maier [SysOp] May 08, 1999 at 08:12:09

Alan,
Thanks for the info. I have a PL-117D, purchased in 1978. It has an S-shaped arm, with a screw-in headshell, so I guess that would be considered higher-mass. I'll start looking around. Curious...what would differentiate a high-output cartridge from any other?
Tim

: 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 - Alan L. Maier [SysOp] 10:59:41 05/09/99 (0)

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