MM & MC Cartridges – What’s the Difference?
When looking for your next cartridge upgrade, you’ll often see two cartridge types mentioned: MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil).
Both do the same job, converting the movement of the stylus in the record groove into an electrical signal that will be amplified and processed by a sound system for us to enjoy, but they do it in different ways, and each has its own advantages.
Moving Magnet (MM)
In an MM cartridge, a small magnet attached to the stylus moves between fixed coils. This movement generates the audio signal that gets amplified and sent to your speakers.
The MM cartridge moves the magnets between fixed coils inside the cartridge, generating an electrical signal. The magnets are positioned near the pivot point to reduce moving mass, allowing accurate tracking and reducing wear on the record. MM cartridges produce moderate to high output, work with standard phono inputs, have replaceable styli, and are durable.
Examples of an MM cartridge include
Audio Technica VM540ML Dual Moving Magnet
Why people like MM cartridges:
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Higher output signal (works with most standard phono inputs)
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More affordable compared to MC cartridges
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Stylus is usually replaceable
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Easy to maintain and upgrade
Moving Coil (MC)
In an MC cartridge, the coils move with the stylus while the magnet stays fixed. Because the moving parts are lighter, the stylus can track record grooves with greater precision.
A MC cartridge has small coils attached to the cantilever that move within a fixed magnet inside the cartridge body to generate the audio signal. Because the coils are very small and lightweight, the stylus has lower moving mass, allowing better frequency response, improved transient response, and more detailed sound reproduction. However, MC cartridges produce a low-output signal, so they require a dedicated MC phono input or step-up transformer for proper amplification. They are more expensive, more delicate, and usually do not have replaceable styli, but are often preferred by audiophiles for their higher performance.
Why audiophiles like MC cartridges:
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Often more detailed and refined sound
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Better separation and clarity in complex music
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Higher overall performance in high-end setups
Examples of MC cartridges include
Ortofon Quintet Blue Cartridge
So which one is better?
There isn’t a universal winner. MM cartridges are practical, affordable, and great for most listeners, while MC cartridges are often favoured in high-end systems for their detail and precision. In many cases, a well-designed MM cartridge can outperform a budget MC cartridge.
Both MM and MC cartridges have their own advantages and disadvantages. The best choice depends on your listening preferences, budget, and how you plan to use the turntable.