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Phono stage matching - how critical

How critical is it to use an MM cartridge with an MM phono stage and an MC cartridge with an MC phono stage?
My phono stage is designed for an MM cartridge; however I'm using a Benz Glider on my Classic 3. The Glider is high output so I'm not having any issue with gain. But would my system sound better if I used an MM cartridge such as the Soundsmith Zephyr?
rockyboy
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mesch
1,679 posts
 
I have always like the sound of HOMC cartridges over that of MM into MM phonostages. They seemed to be more exciting and dynamic. Must add that I was always dealing with ~$300 cartridges. Can’t speak to those in a higher price bracket.
lewm
6,770 posts
 
What they all said. Contrary to Mesch's opinion, I prefer MM and MI cartridges, as a class, to HOMC cartridges, as a class. In fact, I once owned two successive versions of the Benz Glider myself. I find that any of the better MM/MI cartridges are preferable, to my ears in my system. There is no right or wrong in this case.
wrm57
629 posts
 
Which MM/MI do you prefer, Lewm? Just curious.
zavato's avatar
zavato
903 posts
 
By the way the Soundsmith isn't an mm design- a point suggested by some of the responses to the op.
bpoletti
1,004 posts
 
The more critical matching is the phono stage to the preamp / line stage. If the phono stage is a tube unit with higher output impedance and the preamp / line stage is a low input impedance solid state unit. the mismatch will negatively impact the phono stage performance.
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