Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site lcuxc.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!gamma!pyuxww!lcuxc!wjm From: wjm@lcuxc.UUCP (B. Mitchell) Newsgroups: net.audio Subject: MC cartridges Message-ID: <152@lcuxc.UUCP> Date: Tue, 15-Jan-85 12:40:38 EST Article-I.D.: lcuxc.152 Posted: Tue Jan 15 12:40:38 1985 Date-Received: Wed, 16-Jan-85 05:59:48 EST Organization: Bell Communications Research, Inc. Lines: 24In general, MC cartridges tend to be better performers than the MM variety, which is why audiophiles have put up with their bad points - low output requiring a step up device (head amp or transformer), stylus not user replaceable, and somewhat higher tracking force needs than some MM designs (but better tracking ability than most MM's). However, like most "rules" in hi-fi, there are some exceptions: 1. There are some bad MC cartridges out there - not all MCs are great. In particular there are some MMs that are better than MCs in the under $200 class. 2. The Shure V-15VMR is an outstanding cartridge, especially at its discounted price of $125-150 from mail order houses. Since it is an MM, you can change the stylus, and you don't need a step up device, yet it outperforms any cartridge that I know of selling for under $300 or so, MM or MC. 3. There are some "high output" MC cartridges that do not require step-up devices, but I think the Shure V-15VMR outperforms any of them. Therefore my recommendations are, If you are looking for a cartridge that sells for under $300, go with the Shure V15-VMR (be sure to get the MR version, earlier V15-V's were not as good) Otherwise, look at a high end ($300 to 500) MC like the Denons or Dynavectors, IF you have a top-of-the-line turntable and arm that can take advantage of them AND feel their superior performance warrants the additional cash (this may be true if you have a high-end system). Regards, Bill Mitchell ({ihnp4!}lcuxc!wjm)