1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 128417-1644

Is a low output MC superior in sound quality to a high output MC??

I have seen a few  short comments over the last year on Audiogon and in few audio magazines about the differences between a Low output MC versus a High output  MC. 

What might be the pros and cons of these two designs, and in general which offers the better sound quality even if  both are  the same brand??. 


Thank you, S.J.    

sunnyjim
chakster's avatar
chakster
2,482 posts
 
Using 47kOhm or 100kOhm MM phono input for HOMC cartridge doesn’t work for me, my 1.9mV Argent MC lose the magic when connected like that. It works superior with classic 100ohm MC input on my JLTI phono stage or with MC input on my WLM phono stage with automatic load impedance and build-in lundahl step-up stansformers.

In my opition HOMC are better with MC preamps (instead of MM preamp) and this is all about correct loading.

P.S. Matt, why on earth do we need HOMC/MM/MI/MF if the answer is so simple as you said? LOMC is not better, at least not for everybody. Otherwise all we need is LOMC which is the current trend. I don’t agree. Some of the vintage MMs are superior to MCs 10 times in price. 
williewonka
1,826 posts
 
Sunnyjim - not sure if you are aware of the features of the 110 - it has three groups of jumpers - from the 110 manual...

There are three (3) types of input adjustments available on the MOON 110LP Phono Pre-amplifier allowing you to configure it for either a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge; Capacitance loading, Resistance loading and Gain level.

So you should be able to tailer it exactly (or close) to the cartridge you are using and get the volume to a perfect balance.

You do have to take the cover off - the one drawer back with Moon.

Regards...




paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
The Moon tech said that the MM gain is high enough for even the Denon DL110 HOMC with an published spec output of 1.6 mV. The DL-103 LOMC is .0.3 and the infamous DL 103R LOMC is  approximately the same
I am still mulling over keeping the U-Turn Orbit PlusTT with the Ortofon 2M RED cartridge
Besides output and weight, you should also take into account the cartridge compliance rating to see how well it will match with your tonearm.

Your Orbit tonearm has an effective mass of around 11 grams, making either the DL-103 or 103R, compliance rating of 5 cu, a very poor choice resulting in a resonant frequency of around 16 Hz!  It's this need for extremely low mass tonearms that give the 103's their infamous rep.

The DL-110 is a much better match for your tonearm with a rating of 14 and giving you a much lower resonant frequency of 11 Hz.

IMO the medium compliance Soundsmith Otello would be the best match for your tonearm resulting in very low 8 Hz.  It's also the highest output of the three you mention at 2.12 mV.



sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

Let me work backward

To paraneer,  Thank you. That information is valuable. FYI, U- Turn's designer Ben Carter claims he has received several testimonials about the synergy between the Denon DL-110 HOMC and the Orbit Plus tonearm.

As far as the SS "Otello" I am not sure putting a $479 cartridge on a U-Turn table that cost me $409 including the their optional cork mat makes sense, but it is something to consider, if that is the best match up and will provide the best sound quality.


To willewonka,  Thanks for the heads up about the Moon LP110 adjustments; I have looked over the manual and understand the adjustment that are offered. Right now I am just using the "default" setting and did not have to open the chassis to make adjustments. 


To Chakster: Thanks for the additional info regarding the HOMC versus LOMC  issue.       SJ

lewm
6,770 posts
 
Sunny, Many others put $5000 cartridges on $5000 turntables, so I don't know why you would hesitate to try the Otello on the UTurn.  It's a bit odd to me in fact that many people seem more willing to pay thousands for a cartridge than for a turntable.
More to discover