MC (Moving Coil)

A moving-coil (MC) cartridge reverses the principle of the moving-magnet cartridge: here, tiny coils attached to the cantilever move within the field of fixed magnets. This very light moving mass tracks the groove with great precision, hence the reputation of MC cartridges for resolution, transient response and high-frequency extension, often with a more detailed soundstage. This refinement comes with its demands. The output signal is very low, often 0.2 to 0.5 mV compared with several millivolts for an MM, requiring a phono stage capable of high gain, a preamp with a dedicated MC input or a passive step-up transformer placed before an MM preamp. Impedance matching also matters, with the load needing to match the cartridge for balanced reproduction. The stylus, moreover, cannot simply be replaced: on most MC cartridges, wear requires a return to the factory for retipping or exchange, whereas an MM can be refurbished by changing the stylus alone. Lastly, an MC requires a quality tonearm and careful setup to perform at its best. It is a demanding component, best reserved for an already well-developed system. This cartridge requires an MC-compatible phono preamp or a step-up transformer to boost its low output level, and performs best on a well-designed turntable tonearm.