Moving Magnet vs. Moving Coil Cartridge Comparison: Which Is Right for Your Turntable?

Moving Magnet vs. Moving Coil Cartridge Comparison: Which Is Right for Your Turntable?

One of the most crucial choices you will make when choosing a phono cartridge for your turntable is deciding whether to go for a Moving Magnet (MM) or a Moving Coil (MC) design. Both types provide unique benefits in sound quality, level output, price, and compatibility, so your decision will be heavily reliant on your equipment, listening habits, and upgrade ambitions.

The comparison between Moving Coil and Moving Magnet cartridges here will outline the most important differences, performance characteristics, and recommendations for ideal applications so you can determine the perfect fit for your vinyl system.

What Are MM and MC Cartridges?

Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges

The small magnet in MM cartridges is moved by the stylus between two coils and used to produce an electrical signal. The design features are found in most entry-level to mid-range turntables.

Moving Coil (MC) Cartridges

The coils in MC cartridges shift, but not the magnet. Smaller and lighter coils mean MC cartridges can retrieve finer groove detail, but generally offer lower output.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Moving Magnet vs. Moving Coil

Feature Moving Magnet (MM) Moving Coil (MC)
Output Voltage 3–6 mV 0.2–0.6 mV (Low Output) 1–2.5 mV (High Output)
Phono Preamp Required MM input (standard) MC-compatible phono stage or step-up transformer
Stylus Replacement User-replaceable Usually requires full cartridge replacement
Sound Quality Warm, punchy, clear Detailed, dynamic, extended frequency response
Channel Separation Moderate to good Superior stereo separation and imaging
Cost Range $$ (more affordable) $$$–$$$$ (typically more expensive)
Upgrade Flexibility Stylus upgrades possible Fewer upgrade options (cartridge-specific)

Sound Quality: MM vs. MC

Moving Magnet (MM):

  • Tends to be less formal and less critical
  • Recommended for rock, pop, and older pressings
  • Ideal for everyday or workplace listening setups

Moving Coil (MC):

  • Provides higher resolution and clarity
  • Showcases more texture, micro-detail, and soundstage depth
  • Optimized for jazz, orchestral, acoustic, and audiophile recordings

Pro Tip: MC cartridges tend to offer smoother stylus profiles (e.g., MicroLine or Shibata), which follow grooves more precisely.

Price & Maintenance

MM cartridges:

  • Lower initial cost
  • Replaceable stylus = lower-cost maintenance
  • Fantastic starting point for amateur enthusiasts and cost-effective collectors

MC cartridges

  • Increased initial investment
  • Most models call for replacing cartridges, not solely the stylus
  • Delivers performance improvements well worth the money for serious listeners

Hardware Compatibility

MM cartridges function with nearly any phono stage because they produce a higher voltage.

MC cartridges, and in particular low-output ones, need a specialized MC phono preamp or a

A step-up transformer for amplifying the signal.

If in doubt:

  • Select MM for plug-and-play compatibility
  • Use MC if your equipment allows it and you're after top-notch performance

Popular Types of MM and MC Cartridges

Top MM Cartridges:

  • Ortofon 2M Blue / Bronze / Black
  • Audio-Technica VM95ML / VM540ML Grado Prestige Series

Top MC cartridges:

  • Hana ML / MH
  • Ortofon Quintet and Cadenza Series
  • Dynavector 10X5 MkII / 20X2L
  • Audio-Technica AT-ART9XI

Where to purchase MM and MC cartridges 

At ElusiveDisc.com, we offer a carefully curated set of Moving Coil and Moving Magnet cartridges from the foremost audiophile manufacturers. If you're upgrading from your entry-level system or creating a high-quality analog system, we've got the cartridge that's just right for your sound and your equipment. 

Why Shop with Us 

  • Ortofon Authorized Dealer, Hana Authorized Dealer, Audio-Technica Authorized Dealer, Dynav 
  • Specialized cartridge matching assistance 
  • Quick, reliable delivery 
  • Comprehensive line of stylus cleaning tools and setup accessories 

Conclusion: Which Cartridge Is Perfect for You? 

You Should Choose... If You Want...
Moving Magnet Ease of use, affordable upgrades, wide compatibility, solid sound quality
Moving Coil Highest fidelity, better tracking, deeper resolution, audiophile-grade performance

Whether upgrading from a starter cartridge or venturing into audiophile land, knowing what sets MM and MC cartridges apart will assist you in selecting the ideal option for your system and listening habits.