Moving coil and moving magnet are two types of cartridges commonly used in turntables.
Understanding the differences between these two types is essential for any audiophile or music enthusiast with a higher budget whom wants to get the absolute best sound quality from your record player setup.
In this article, we will explore the basics, performance, and cost implications of moving coil and moving magnet cartridges.
What Is a Turntable Cartridge?
A turntable cartridge, often simply referred to as a "cartridge," is a critical component in a vinyl playback system.
This is a cartridge:
It is the component responsible for translating the physical grooves on a vinyl record into an electrical signal that can be amplified and converted into audible sound.
Every turntable has a cartridge and it typically consists of two main parts: the stylus (or needle) and the cartridge body.
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Stylus (Needle): The stylus is the tiny, pointed element at the end of the cartridge that makes direct contact with the grooves on a vinyl record. As the record spins, the stylus follows the contours of the grooves, vibrating in response to the variations in the groove walls.
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Cartridge Body: The cartridge body, which the stylus plugs into, houses the internal components that convert the mechanical movements of the stylus into an electrical signal. This signal is then sent to the phono preamplifier, which further amplifies it before being sent to an audio system.
There are two main types of turntable cartridges: moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC).
Moving Magnet Cartridges
These are the most common type of cartridges.
They have a tiny magnet attached to the end of the stylus, and as the stylus moves within the magnetic field of fixed coils, it generates an electrical signal.
Image Source: Goldring
MM cartridges are generally easier to match with different phono preamps and are known for their durability and affordability.
Almost everything you'll find on our website, and in lower end turntables especially plug & play ones, will have a MM moving magnet cartridge.
Key points of a moving magnet (MM) cartridge:
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Design: MM cartridges have a tiny magnet attached to the end of the stylus. As the stylus moves within the magnetic field of fixed coils, it induces an electrical signal.
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Output Level: MM cartridges generally have a higher output level compared to MC cartridges. This makes them more compatible with a wider range of phono preamplifiers and amplifiers, as they do not require as much amplification.
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Affordability: MM cartridges are typically more affordable than MC cartridges. This makes them a popular choice for entry-level and mid-range turntable setups.
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Versatility: MM cartridges are known for their versatility and ease of use. They are often a good choice for users who are new to vinyl or those with systems that may not be optimised for MC cartridges.
Moving Coil Cartridges
MC cartridges have a coil attached to the stylus, and this coil moves within a magnetic field.
The coil is smaller and lighter than in an MM cartridge, resulting in lower moving mass.
Image Source: Goldring
MC cartridges are known for their ability to provide high-end audio performance and detail, but they are often more expensive and require a compatible phono preamp.
These cartridges are known for their exceptional accuracy and detail retrieval. The delicate coil, suspended within the magnetic field, allows for precise tracking of the record's grooves, capturing even the finest nuances of the music.
This level of accuracy makes moving coil cartridges a favorite among audiophiles and music enthusiasts who crave the utmost fidelity in their listening experience.
Key points of a moving coil (MC) cartridge:
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Design: MC cartridges have a coil attached to the stylus, and this coil moves within a magnetic field. The coil is typically smaller and lighter than in an MM cartridge, resulting in lower moving mass.
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Output Level: MC cartridges generally have a lower output level compared to MM cartridges. This means they require a dedicated and often more specialised phono preamplifier with higher gain to amplify the signal properly.
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Sound Quality: MC cartridges are often praised for their ability to deliver high-end audio performance and detail. They are known for better tracking ability, lower distortion, and a more accurate representation of the audio signal.
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Fine Detail and Dynamics: Audiophiles who prioritise fine detail, nuanced dynamics, and a more revealing sound often prefer MC cartridges. They can offer a more refined listening experience, especially in higher-end audio setups.
Things To Consider
Now that you know what the difference is between the two cartridge types, there are a few things to consider when making your choice.
- System Compatibility: Check the compatibility of the cartridge with your turntable and phono preamplifier. Some turntables may be better suited for one type of cartridge over the other.
- Phono Preamp Requirements: Consider the gain requirements of the cartridge and ensure that your phono preamp can accommodate either MM or MC cartridges. Some preamps are switchable between MM and MC modes.
- Budget: Your budget will play a role in the decision. MM cartridges are generally more budget-friendly, while high-end MC cartridges can be more expensive.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice between MM and MC cartridges can come down to personal preference. Some users prefer the warmth and versatility of MM cartridges, while others appreciate the detail and precision offered by MC cartridges.
Conclusion
Hopefully you now have a much better idea of the difference between a moving magnet and a moving coil turntable cartridge.
If you're buying a high-end turntable with expensive speakers and amplification then we'd suggest looking at a moving coil cartridge.
If however, like us, you favour lifestyle audio that sounds great and is easy to use without breaking the bank then a moving magnet cartridge is the way forward.
