MC versus MM. Which to choose.

Bare in mind that there's no great MM set up that can uncover what average MC set up can.

I am a newbie to vinyl but not to being an audiophile. I have not had a turntable in many years. I am thinking about an ARC PH5 or possibly PH6 for a phono preamp. I have been looking around but used ones go fast. I have not decided on a table or arm yet. The rest of my system consists of a Ref 110 with a LS25 mk2 preamp and ML SL3 speakers.

I agree, a very good phono stage is vital with a low output MC. Personally, I think that LOMC are the best way to go but some prefer the sound of MM. Listen to both and make up your own mind. Don't forget to have fun.

I think the MC carts sound much better even the high output versions. MM carts always have sounded kind of heavy and boxy, they still sound pretty good but to me it always sounds like veils are lifted when you go to MC. I've had carts at quite a few price points and the most expensive I owned was by far the best (shelter 90x) I made plenty of recordings with that cart and there was a magic that I have not heard since but thankfully it was captured on the recordings. Yes the phono stage matters a lot but so does the cart even more so in my experience.

Dear Marakanetz: +++++ " Bare in mind that there's no great MM set up that can uncover what average MC set up can. " +++++

IMHO that is a daring statement where exist no clear and precise foundation from your part, at least you explain nothing about that could confirm what you are saying.

Even that I repect your opinion I have to say that I like both alternatives: LOMC and MM/MI cartridges, both are more similar than differents but this depends on the phono stage characteristics under use.

In the same way that a LOMC cartridge needs that we try to fulfil its set up needs ( mainly load impedance.) the MM/MI cartridges for it can shows at its best always ask the same: that we can fulfil its needs and this means load impedance and load capacitance.

We can get the best on a MM/MI cartridge is our phono stage has no load impedance and load capacitance options.

If we can fulfil the MM/MI needs as with our beloved LOMC cartridges then your statement is IMHO way wrong. There are a few top MM/MI cartridges that compete bis a bis not with average LOMC but with the top at the top LOMC cartridges but as I said all depends on the right set up.

Of course that I disagree on this regards with Ejilf and Nanbil.

If any one of you want foundations on the MM/MI alternative you can read that long thread about that's full of good reasons on what I states here.

Now Lostbears are not looking for the best of the best and the Lewm advise seems to me adequate for him.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.