Moving Magnet vs Moving Coil Cartridges
Step into the nuanced realm of turntable technology with our brief guide on moving magnet (MM) versus moving coil (MC) cartridges. Unravel the distinctions that define your vinyl listening experience, from sound quality nuances to compatibility considerations.
Turntables have seen a massive resurgence in the music market; with it, thousands of newcomers are rediscovering the magic of vinyl. And while it is undoubtedly a great way to experience your favorite artists, turntables aren’t without their challenges. From understanding basic analog signal flow to identifying what your turntable needs to perform its best, it can be challenging to get up and running. Perhaps one of the most critical components of your turntable to understand and master is your cartridge.
Every turntable needs a cartridge. It's an essential component of your table that collects all that precious audio data. These are often replaceable, but they can be an important deciding factor when shopping for a turntable, so don’t be afraid to get picky.
Many don’t know that there are two cartridge classifications: moving magnet and moving coil. Which cartridge you have or plan to have can greatly impact the compatibility of your turntable with the rest of your components down the signal chain. Understanding the difference now can save you money, reduce your risk of purchasing incompatible components, and save you time.
What Is A Moving Magnet Cartridge?
A moving magnet cartridge, the most common and compatible with most preamps, operates by connecting the cantilever, the tiny arm holding your stylus or needle in the groove, to a miniature magnet that moves with the cantilever. The magnet, housed within the phono cartridge body, is suspended between a pair of coils. When the magnet moves from side to side, it generates a small electrical charge or signal, which the turntable sends to your preamp. Moving Magnet phono cartridges are popular for two key reasons: they offer higher output, making them suitable for a wider range of preamplifiers, and their styluses can be replaced by the customer when they wear out.
What Is A Moving Coil Cartridge?
Moving coil cartridges, though less common, provide exceptional precision. As the name implies, moving coil phono cartridges feature two tiny wire coils at the end of the cantilever, suspended between small magnets inside the cartridge body. The movement of these coils generates a small electrical current that the phono cartridge sends to your preamp. Because these coils have lower mass and their signal generator is configured differently, a moving coil cartridge extracts even more information from the record groove, resulting in better sound quality. Moving coil cartridges, however, have two drawbacks: they require a more sensitive and higher output amplifier for optimal sound quality, and due to the coils being internally attached, the stylus is not user-replaceable.
Top-Tier MM Cartridge Example
Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge
Sumiko Oyster cartridges are products resulting from over four decades of cartridge design. Sumiko believes that delivering high performance can be achieved at reasonable prices. The Oyster line is the embodiment of this philosophy. Oyster is your ticket of entry for the high end – a world of high technology where companies go to great lengths to recreate music in your home. The Oyster Series offers superior construction and sound quality, emphasizing real-world performance.
Top-Tier MC Cartridge Example
EAT Jo No. 5 MC Phono Cartridge
The Jo No. 5 Moving Coil Phono Cartridge from EAT is an achievement in cartridge design. You can't go wrong with EAT, from its complex and thoughtfully designed circuitry to its iconic shape, color, and minimal exterior. The Jo No. 5 comes in an unmistakable mint green color and features the truthful and immersive sound that is the signature of all EAT products.
Should You Get An MM Or MC Cartridge?
With each cartridge type offering its advantages and price points, there’s no natural way to go wrong. What matters most is preference. The best part about cartridges is that most are generally easy to install and highly replaceable. The
If you’re still curious about other options you might have, reach out to our High Fidelity experts! With decades of Hi-Fi experience behind them, we can promise excellent service and the best advice in the business. They’ve covered you, from more product recommendations to setup suggestions and troubleshooting.
Bonus Question
Who Designed and Patented the Moving Coil Phono Cartridge?
The answer may surprise you. It was Joseph Grado of Grado Labs fame. Joe was a watchmaker who also loved audio gear. He designed and patented the moving coil cartridge more than 70 years ago, only to give up on the design after he began to produce moving magnet cartridges which had higher output and, thus, wider appeal.