MM to MC Question

[Barry]

I have a 20 year old phono cartridge and guessing it is a MC type, where my new Denon requires a MM type. Any suggestions on a pre-amp for an initial test to see if this cartridge still works? Would spend very little $$ to test and then maybe spend $100 for a good one. Or should I just go to Radio shack???

 

[highfigh]

I have a 20 year old phono cartridge and guessing it is a MC type, where my new Denon requires a MM type. Any suggestions on a pre-amp for an initial test to see if this cartridge still works? Would spend very little $$ to test and then maybe spend $100 for a good one. Or should I just go to Radio shack???

I'm not sure anyone ot Radio Shack would know what you're looking for.

Here's one, but I haven't used it.
http://www.amazon.com/TC-760LC-Moving-Magnet-Phono-Control/dp/B000J2JFWI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1260891899&sr=8-1

Otherwise, you can google 'Moving coil phono preamp' and you'll get over a million hits.

 

[jliedeka]

If you want to stick with that cartridge you can either buy an outboard phono stage that handles MC and run it to another input or get a MC step up transformer which can be run into the phono input on your receiver.

I haven't seen any step up transformers that I would characterize as inexpensive. They tend to be marketed to audiophiles with deep pockets. They do work really well because they turn the higher current from a MC to voltage. Check Acoustic Sounds or possibly Needle Doctor for these.

A decent phono stage would be a better bet. You don't have to spend a fortune. I like my Cambridge Audio 640p but I've only used it with a MM (actually moving iron) cart. It runs about $179 from Audio Advisor. You may find a less expensive MC stage that is good and you can certainly spend a lot more.

Jim

 

[WmAx]

The Music Hall MMF Phono Pack stand alone phono preamp is what I recommend. It is a very versatile MM or MC unit with variable load settings and superb signal to noise ratio (very low noise level) that is suited to ANY quality/level of set up. Simply connect the table to it and then connect the phono preamp to an extra standard line in on your receiver/pre-amp.

BTW, how old is your existing cartridge? After many years, the inner rubber parts of the suspension dry rot and cause various problems. After more than a decade, it's usually best to go ahead and replace a cartridge.

What turntable/arm are you using?

-Chris

 

[TLS Guy]

I have a 20 year old phono cartridge and guessing it is a MC type, where my new Denon requires a MM type. Any suggestions on a pre-amp for an initial test to see if this cartridge still works? Would spend very little $$ to test and then maybe spend $100 for a good one. Or should I just go to Radio shack???

Why are you guessing it is moving coil? Most are and were MM. MCs are in the exotic category mainly. What is the cartridge?