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Moving Magnet vs Moving Coil (MM vs MC): 101 Explainer

MM vs MC: Moving Magnet vs Moving Coil Cartridges.
  • Last updated on: February 13, 2023

The difference between Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges is in how the magnets and coils are configured. This article explores the differences between these two types and shows you which is the best for your setup.

The system used to create an audio signal by these cartridges (aka cart) types is reversed. In short,

Moving Magnet cartridges have a magnet attached to the stylus, with fixed coils in the cartridge.
Moving Coil phono cartridges have a coil on the end of the needle and used fixed magnets in the cart.

  • Moving magnets have fixed coils.
  • Moving Coils have fixed magnets.

Based on the way they work, there are also differences in their performance and quality.

MC models are more expensive and delicate than their Moving Magnet counterparts, but they reproduce better detail and soundstage.

This topic is a small detail of the overall turntable setup and is most relevant for audiophile-level listeners. Unless you are a keen audiophile, a standard MM-type cartridge will suffice.

Below I provide more detail on the specifics of how each type works. Alternatively, you can jump to the section where I compare the two.

Background: What is a phono cartridge?

Before getting into specifics, let’s cover the basics. The term turntable cartridge (aka “phono cartridge”)describes the small device responsible for reading the surface of a record.

Phono cartridges contain a stylus and tiny electromagnetic generators which create electrical currents from their stylus riding the record groove.

Both moving magnet and moving coil designs are types of Phono cartridges. It’s the overall term for the entire cartridge system and includes a few less common types.

What is a Moving Magnet Cartridge (MM)?

A Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge has a small metal stylus that moves inside the cartridge body to create a magnetic field.

MM types are the most common and also the most affordable variety.

MM Cartridges work using a thin cantilever (metal arm) with a diamond tip that vibrates back and forth based on the grooves of the record. There is a pivot point between the tip of the stylus and the magnet, which helps it move.

Attached to the end of the cantilever are tiny magnets, which are surrounded by coils of wire which are fixed to the inside of the cart. Most cartridges use two coils, but not explicitly.

When magnets move through coils of wire, an electric voltage is generated. This is a standard mechanism to generate an electrical signal from vinyl records.

The magnets are either in the form of a single bar or in the form of a magnet assembly. It employs magnetism to generate electrical signals when they are moved through electromagnetic coils, which move up and down in response to the stylus following record grooves.

Moving Magnet models are quite different from other types of cartridges. They use styli that are very light with an elliptical shape at one end for tracking high frequencies, unlike the spherical stylus tip found on other cartridges.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Moving Magnet Cartridges:

  • + Cheaper
  • + Easier to find
  • + Louder Output
  • + Doesn’t require additional amplification
  • – Lower sound quality
  • – Reduced sensitivity
  • – reduced dynamic range.

Ortofon 2M Moving Magnet Red cartridge.

What is a Moving Coil Cartridge (MC)?

The mechanics of moving coil model cartridges are basically the opposite of moving magnet designs.

Essentially the mechanism is reversed. It uses stationary magnets, with the coil responsible for mechanical movement.

The MC cartridge has a “Moving Coil” structure. Moving coil designs use electromagnetic induction to produce an electric current from the moving needle.

A moving coil cartridge uses coils at the internal end of the stylus rather than the magnets of MM models. The coil at the end of the stylus is surrounded by magnets. As the needle moves through the record groove, the coil and magnets create an electromagnetic signal.

The current then moves through a coil of wire wound around a magnet, creating an electromagnetic field around it that creates forces corresponding to changes in its surroundings.

In terms of energy conversion methods, they are identical; however, the difference comes from the moving mass of the vibrating cantilever.

Magnets are heavy pieces of iron, so a moving magnet design uses large chunks of heavy metal attached to the top of the cantilever. This creates a relatively higher level of mass in the stylus assembly compared to the MC design.

The increased mass of an MM model makes the stylus less sensitive, acting as a slight dampener to the mechanical energy.

Coils weigh a lot less than magnets, so the stylus and cantilever of an MC cart have a lot less mass. This makes the MC more sensitive, providing a wider frequency response, which enables more detailed reproduction.

Less electrical energy is produced by the MC cartridge body, as there is less movement.

Therefore the voltage produced is much lower (~25x) than the voltage of an MM cartridge, creating very little resonance.

Due to this difference, you need a moving coil step-up transformer, which is a passive device. This creates an additional gain stage to increase the level of the MC signal to the requirements of the phono amplifier.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Moving Coil Cartridges:

  • + More sensitive
  • + Better sound quality
  • + Wider frequency range
  • + Better dynamic range
  • – Expensive
  • – Quieter output
  • – Requires additional amplification.

What are the key technical requirements for Moving Coil cartridges?

  • Preamp support: If the turntable lacks a built-in preamp, make it has the option for external connectivity. Moving coil models require an additional gain stage to boost their signal to match standard phono inputs.
  • Turntable support: if it has a built-in preamp, make sure the turntable is compatible with the MC cartridge, with the right connections and voltages. Make sure your system can boost from phono level to line level.
  • Receiver/amp support: if your turntable has an inbuilt preamp, ensure it can connect to your receiver or speaker amplifier.

The Audio-Technica AT33SA Shibata Moving Coil cartridge.

MM vs MC: What are the key differences?

There are several differences between moving magnet and moving coil cartridges in terms of their construction, requirements, and sound.

Price and availability

Most noticeably, MM cartridges are far more common and typically cost less than their moving-coil counterparts.

Output Level

Low-output MC cartridges require more gain staging than their MM counterparts as they produce a quieter electrical signal.

A preamp is required to boost the low-output MC signal to a sufficiently loud level. Moving Magnets have a louder sound due to the increased mass of the stylus.

Sound Quality

There is also a large difference in quality. As most MC cartridges are more sensitive, they can reproduce higher-frequency information and a wider dynamic range. This creates an overall increase in detail and audio quality.

The increased sensitivity also makes MC cartridges more prone to interference, feedback, and dust noise.

As audio quality became more important, moving coil phono cartridges were created to produce cleaner and more accurate sounds.

MM vs MC Cartridges Pros and Cons

  PROS CONS
Moving Magnet ●      Affordable, common.

●      Better for loud situations: Louder, high output, less prone to feedback.

●      Can be installed on most turntables.

 ●      Narrower frequency response

●      Lower quality and dynamic range

●      Worse Signal to noise ratio.
Moving Coil ●      Wider frequency response.

●      Clearer sound, less noise

●      More sensitive,

 ●      Quieter low output.

●      Expensive, not always compatible.

●      Requires additional equipment, and better speakers.

Why do Moving Magnet cartridges give you higher output?

MM cartridges have a higher output signal than MC cartridges due to their differences in mass and construction.

MM designs create more tracking weight from the stylus assembly; this pushes the needle into the grooves with greater force, creating more tracking inertia. This increased pressure creates a louder signal with a more limited stereo and frequency response.

MM cartridges work with standard phono preamps, whereas MC models require a higher level of amplification to be compatible with the phono input of a stereo system.

Preamps like the below Schiit Mani have a switch to adjust for MC or MM cartridge outputs, for example.

Schiit Mani preamp MM vs MC and gain switches.

Moving Magnet vs Moving Coil: Which is the best type of cartridge?

The best type for you depends on your budget and level of interest in vinyl and audio quality.

For casual listeners, the sound of an MM cartridge is fine, and it may not be worth splashing out on a pricier MC cartridge unity if the rest of your turntable setup isn’t audiophile-grade.

In terms of audio quality, Coil cartridges are far better than moving magnets. The MC cartridges use a tiny coil to produce electrical currents, which is why they have a lower output level and more accurate audio quality.

The lower output of MC carts also adds an extra layer of potential inconvenience based on the requirements for its setup.

If you care about audio quality, the extra setup for an MC is totally worth it. The difference in quality is massively noticeable if you have a good pair of speakers.

 

Note on Cartridge Mounting Types

Cartridges are mounted to the tonearm, to which there are several mounting connections. Make sure you choose the right kind of cart, ensuring it’s compatible with your turntable and will connect.

Not all turntables have user-replaceable stylus assemblies, and won’t be replaceable.

This section should help you determine which type your turntable is fitted with; if not, consult the turntable’s user manual.

Here are the main mounting types:

  • Half-Inch Standard Mount: The most ubiquitous mounting system, typically a headshell, is screwed to the tonearm with a locking collar. The cartridge is attached to the headshell and connected electronically with four wires
A Standard Mount phono turntable cartridge type.
A Standard Mount phono turntable cartridge type.
  • P-Mount: Aka T4P, this is common in linear tracking turntables. This `Plug-mount’ system is plugged into the socket of the tonearm.

A P-mount cartridge - the most common cartridge type.

  • Plug-N-Spin: An all-in-one solution, the cart and headshell are combined into a single device which is simply plugged into the tonearm
  • Proprietary Mounting System: Some turntable models use custom, unique cartridge mountings. Typically, you’ll have to buy a cartridge made by the same manufacturer.

Top 5 MM cartridges

Below are some of the best MM Cartridges, I cover a range from low to high cost, with a max budget of around $1000. All of these modes have a replaceable stylus, in the unfortunate circumstance, it gets damaged.

1. Ortofon 2M Red MM

The Ortofon 2M Red MM cartridge.

The Ortofon 2M range is widely used by enthusiast vinyl collectors and this entry-level Red model often comes pre-installed with bottom mid-range turntables.

A solid performer, it can make for a noticeable improvement in sound reproduction from an entry-level cart.

Click for best price

2. Nagaoka MP-110 MM

The Nagaoka MP-110 MM cartridge.

Nagaoka is a popular (Japanese) cartridge brand among beginning collectors and their most popular model is the MP-110.

For a modest price, you get a warm, balanced sound reproduction, and a solid upgrade over most standard carts.

Click for best price

3. Audio-Technica VM540ML MM

The Audio-Technica VM540ML MM cartridge.

Audi-Technica is a reputable brand with a wide range of cartridges. While AT have a reputation for being “bright” (i.e. a little too heavy on the high frequencies to some ears), the VM540ML is a great choice if you like a balanced sound.

Click for best price

4. Nagaoka MP-200 MM

The Nagaoka MP-200 MM cartridge mounted on a turntable.

It’s hard for me not to be biased towards this MM cartridge. I use it on one of my turntables and having upgraded from the Ortofon 2M Red I’m very satisfied with how it performs. The warmness of Nagaoka paired with the ability to bring forward detail in the mids and highs: What’s not to love?

Click for best price

5. Ortofon 2M Black MM

The Ortofon 2M Black cartridge tracking a groove.

The Ortofon 2M Black is the top-of-the-range model in this series and has gained a fan base among audiophile vinyl collectors. The price tag may be hefty for most, but if you enjoy detail, this is an excellent choice.

Click for best price

Top 5 MC cartridges

As we know, Moving Coil phono Cartridges can fetch a higher price than their MM counterparts, with the benefit of increased audio quality. You’d be hard-pressed to find a decent Moving Coil cartridge under $100, which is reflected in the higher prices of these units.

You’ll need an MC-compatible preamp too! See below this section for some recommendations.

Here are some of the best Moving Coil Cartridges, from mid-range to high-end. (These also have user-replaceable styli.)

1. Audio-Technica AT-OC9XEB Dual MC

The Audio-Technica AT-OC9XEB MC cartridge.

Often the choice for those switching from moving magnet to moving coil carts, the AT-OC9XEB does a solid job at bringing out a level of detail you hadn’t heard before from your records.

Sure, with its modest price it’s easy to imagine there are better MC cartridges, but there’s a lot of value you get here.

Click for best price

2. Denon DL-110 High Output MC

The Denon DL-110 MC cartridge.

This moving coil cartridge is known for its stereo separation, being able to create a wider soundstage without compromising (much) on detail. Great MC cartridge.

Click for best price

3. Denon DL-103R MC

The Denon DL-103R MC cartridge.

Warm and particularly strong in bringing out detail in the mid-range, the Denon DL-103R MC is an excellent performer. Don’t confuse it with the DL-103 (without R) – this is the one you want.

Click for best price

4. Audio-Technica AT33PTG/2 Dual MC

The Audio-Technica AT33PTG/2 MC cartridge.

If budget weren’t an issue, this would be without a doubt my top pick in this category. The Audio-Technica AT33PTG/2 really opens up the soundstage and performs well beautifully across the range. Stunning!

Click for best price

5. Audio-Technica AT33SA Shibata Nude Dual MC

The Audio-Technica AT33SA Shibata Moving Coil cartridge.

At the top range in this selection of five MC cartridges sits the Audio-Technica AT33SA. It’s an excellent performer from lows to highs and its Shibata stylus (with a thinner tip that gets deeper into the grooves), it “tracks like a mountain lion” and will make you grin from ear to ear.

Click for best price

Preamps for Moving Coil Cartridge setups

You’ll need an extra phono preamp to boost the quieter level of an MC cartridge to a high output suitable for the phono stage.

These will take up some more of your budget. Lower-cost models tend to have a poorer audio quality and can be noisy or hum in worse-case scenarios. A higher-priced phono preamp will create a cleaner sound and often comes with extra features.

Some phono stage preamps are switchable between MM and MC modes, which will be useful for some users.

Here are a couple of phono preamp recommendations. For more info, check out this guide → What is a preamp or phonostage?

  1. Pro-Ject Audio – Phono Box DC – MM/MC
  2. iFi Zen Phono
  3. Cambridge Duo MC/MM
  4. Musical Fidelity LX2-LPS
  5. Pro-Ject Tube Box S2

FAQs

You can choose a compatible cartridge for your record player after you identify these two elements:

  • The headshell mounting system of your tonearm
    You will either have:

    • A headshell with screws
    • A TP4 Socket
    • A custom (in-house) mount.
  • The weight of the tonearm
    When choosing a cartridge, you need to consider that the total mass of your tonearm is appropriate for the mechanical limits of the cantilever. It’s too complex to cover the details here, but Ortofon has a useful resource.

Yes, you can replace a broken stylus in a turntable cartridge, depending on the brand/model. Many cartridges have removable, replaceable styli, which means you can swap them out if they break.

Not all models do, so sometimes you may have to replace the entire cartridge rather than a worn needle. For more information, check out my full guide → how to replace a turntable needle or cartridge.

Using a mono cartridge for playing mono records will give you a better sound output, but you can use a regular stereo cartridge as well, and it will still sound fine.

Due to the differences in how mono and stereo grooves are cut, there are some advantages to using a mono cartridge for mono records. There is also an effect based on the independence of stereo channels in a stereo cart.

Stereo cartridges can play mono records, but the signal accuracy between the two channels isn’t as high as with a mono cartridge. A mono cartridge sends a single signal to each of the system’s two outputs. The sound and picture produced by a mono cartridge playing a mono record are more powerful, steady, and striking.

Have any questions or feedback?

Leave a comment below and I’ll get right back to you!

Picture of Ed Lansink
Ed Lansink

I'm a passionate vinyl collector, analog fan, and lifetime enthusiast of most things audio.

On VinyliQ I help fellow vinyl collectors enjoy their hobby to the max, sharing my knowledge about and passion for vinyl.

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