Which cartridge principle delivers better sound – MM or MC?

Choosing the right cartridge is often crucial for the sound quality of a turntable—and, by extension, the entire music experience. When turntables and cartridges are offered as a bundle, the choice is easy. But especially with high-end turntables, the cartridge system often needs to be purchased separately. That’s when you’re faced with the classic “agony of choice.” Author: Detlev Schnick | HiFi-Regler

Finding the right cartridge system is anything but trivial—it’s not as straightforward as it may seem at first glance. After all, the market is flooded with a wide range of models that often differ only in subtle ways. And opinions already diverge when it comes to the fundamental choice between an MM (Moving Magnet) and an MC (Moving Coil) cartridge. While the MM design is appreciated for its warm, balanced sound, the MC system is known for delivering particularly detailed playback.

This article aims to walk you through the differences between MM and MC cartridges and help you choose the system that suits your needs. The author explains how both technologies work, outlines their pros and cons, and shows which system is best suited for different listening preferences. That way, you'll be well prepared to make the right decision. Let’s start with the basics.

How does a cartridge system work?

To understand the differences between MM and MC cartridges, it's important to first grasp the basic operating principle of a phono cartridge. Essentially, a cartridge converts mechanical vibrations into electrical signals, which are then sent to the amplifier. These vibrations are generated by the stylus as it traces the grooves of the record.

Inside the cartridge, there’s a magnet and a coil—both of which are set into motion by the mechanical vibrations. In a traditional moving magnet (MM) system, the magnet moves while the coil remains stationary. This movement generates a voltage via the physical principle of electromagnetic induction. In contrast, in a moving coil (MC) cartridge, the magnet stays fixed while the coil moves, resulting in different electrical characteristics.

What matters most here is the quality and construction of the stylus and cantilever as an integrated system. These components determine how precisely the groove movements are transferred to the magnet or coil. They’re typically made of extremely light and rigid materials like aluminum or sapphire. This helps minimize unwanted distortion and ensures high tracking accuracy.

Differences between MM and MC technology

The key differences between Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges lie in their construction. From a technical standpoint, the design of a cartridge also affects the mass and overall weight of the system. MC cartridges are often lighter and can trace the grooves with greater precision, which is particularly beneficial for recordings with a wide dynamic range. MM systems, on the other hand, are more robust and offer easier handling.

Moving Magnet (MM)

In this design, the magnet is attached to the cantilever, while the coil is fixed inside the cartridge body. This configuration has the advantage of generating a relatively high output voltage. However, the voltage is not high enough to eliminate the need for an additional phono preamplifier. Another benefit of the MM design is that the stylus can be easily replaced, which simplifies maintenance.

Moving Coil (MC)

In this design, the coil moves while the magnet remains stationary. This technique requires extremely lightweight coils to enable accurate sound reproduction. As a result, MC cartridges produce lower output voltage, which is why they require a dedicated phono preamplifier. The main advantages of this design lie in its superior resolution and detail, since the coil’s lower moving mass responds more quickly to the groove’s motion.

Advantages and disadvantages of MM and MC cartridges

There is no universal answer to which system is better, as both concepts have their strengths and weaknesses. The higher output voltage of an MM cartridge system offers several practical advantages—especially in terms of lower noise levels and easier integration into a variety of phono setups. On the other hand, a well-matched MC system can provide superior sonic resolution, detail, and spatial imaging, despite its lower output voltage, particularly in a high-end HiFi setup. Ultimately, the deciding factor is always the overall chain composition and the individual listener’s requirements.

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Low-output versus high-output: MC systems and terminating impedance

MC cartridge systems are divided into low-output (LO-MC) and high-output (HO-MC) types. The choice between low-output and high-output MC depends not only on the desired sound ideal but also on the amplifier infrastructure. For those seeking the utmost musical expression, resolution, and spatial imaging—and who are willing to invest in high-quality equipment—a LO-MC system with properly matched terminating impedance is worthwhile. For those who want to gradually approach high-end performance, HO-MC systems offer an excellent compromise between ease of use and audiophile finesse. Terminating impedance also plays a crucial role.

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The choice between low-output and high-output MC depends not only on the desired sound ideal but also on the amplifier infrastructure. For those seeking the utmost musical expression, resolution, and spatial imaging—and who are willing to invest in high-quality equipment—a LO-MC system with properly matched terminating impedance is worthwhile. For those who want to gradually approach high-end performance, HO-MC systems offer an excellent compromise between ease of use and audiophile finesse.

Characteristics of a cartridge system

A high-quality cartridge system is defined by a balanced combination of material quality, precision, and compatibility. In MM systems, the magnet plays a crucial role, whereas in MC systems, the coil is central. Equally important is the quality of the cantilever and the stylus tip shape.

Especially high-end cartridges use diamond styluses with special cuts (e.g., elliptical or Shibata) to ensure optimal groove tracing. The various stylus profiles and their sonic characteristics are well explained on the Audio-Technica website. Regarding the cartridge body, high resilience against resonance is essential, which is why materials like aluminum, boron, or even wood are commonly used.

By the way: even the best cartridge cannot reach its full potential if its delicate signals are not properly delivered to the phono preamplifier. Therefore, it makes sense to invest not only in the cartridge but also in a high-quality phono cable.

  • Elliptisch

  • Microlinear

  • Shibata

Which cartridge principle is better?

Whether an MM or MC cartridge is better suited for you largely depends on your individual needs. If you are looking for a robust, durable system with easy maintenance, then an MM cartridge is the right choice. On the other hand, if you demand the highest sound quality and are willing to invest in additional amplifier technology, you will likely be happy with an MC cartridge.

Conclusion

In summary, both MM and MC cartridges have their own strengths and weaknesses. Both technologies have their justification, and the decision should always be made considering your musical preferences and the intended application.

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