The MM vs MC debate

Both moving-magnet and moving-coil phono cartridges have their pros and cons, but which is best for your budget? Neville Roberts weighs up the relative issues

- Neville Roberts

One school of thought when it comes to phono cartridges is that moving-coils are a step up from moving-magnet options. However, as ever in hi-fi, it really isn’t quite as simple as that.

In an MM cartridge, the coils of wire are fixed in the body and a tiny magnet is attached to the cantilever. When the stylus plays a record, the cantilever moves the magnet close to the coils and induces voltage in them. This type of cartridge has a number of advantages. It is relatively easy to manufacture and so the cost is lower than a moving-coil. Also, the stylus/magnet assembly is usually removable, which allows for the stylus to be easily replaced when it gets worn out or damaged.

A variation of an MM cartridge is the variable reluctance, or moving-iron. This is where both coils and magnet are housed in the body and the cantilever has a very light, hollow piece of iron attached to the cantilever instead of a heavier permanent magnet. The moving-iron cartridge was popular before the advent of small and powerful magnets.