Greetings all,
I came to a possession of a turntable with the above-identified cartridge. When looking for the technology (MM or MC), it seems to be neither, is is described as a "moving magnetic cross" or a "moving iron cartridge" whatever does that mean.
The question is, what phono-preamplifier do I need? Any DIY recommendation?
Kindest regards,
M
I came to a possession of a turntable with the above-identified cartridge. When looking for the technology (MM or MC), it seems to be neither, is is described as a "moving magnetic cross" or a "moving iron cartridge" whatever does that mean.
The question is, what phono-preamplifier do I need? Any DIY recommendation?
Kindest regards,
M
The names are straightforward, moving coil, moving iron or moving magnet. What does the datasheet say?
B&O cart's are MI moving iron, but use the same preamp as MM moving magnet.
Ray K
Ray K
Greetings all,
thank you for your replies.
Hi Mark Tillotson,
since this is my first turntable, I am not familiar with the terminology, and the only preamplifiers I found were termed either MM or MC.
Kindest regards,
M
thank you for your replies.
Hi Mark Tillotson,
since this is my first turntable, I am not familiar with the terminology, and the only preamplifiers I found were termed either MM or MC.
Kindest regards,
M
Originally it was called "magnetic phono" to distinguish from the earlier "ceramic phono".
But MC usually have much less output voltage.
But MC usually have much less output voltage.
The correct B&O term for MMC is "Moving Micro Cross".
As others have already said, the construction is "Moving Iron". The output is "on par" with MM = requires
47Kohm load normal MM-input.
As others have already said, the construction is "Moving Iron". The output is "on par" with MM = requires
47Kohm load normal MM-input.
I'll just add that the MMC 20CL was top of the MMC range, as described here: https://beocentral.com/mmc20cl
In case you don't know, M, the B&O cartridge does not have a user replaceable stylus.
Soundsmith have their own version: https://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/bo/smmc20cl-0
In case you don't know, M, the B&O cartridge does not have a user replaceable stylus.
Soundsmith have their own version: https://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/bo/smmc20cl-0
There's a description of the moving micro cross design in this article: https://www.stereophile.com/phonocartridges/408sound/index.html
There's also an image of the moving micro cross:
And, this a cutaway of an MMC 3R:
Soundsmith is the authority on moving iron cartridges. They know most everything regarding the technology and refinement of MI. Grado did a bunch of MI carts as well. In general, MI is a little more top end peaking and emphasized. MI requires a bit more attention to loading capacitance and resistance.
Greetings all,
thank you again for your education.
Given Galu's note that
Kindest regards,
M
thank you again for your education.
Given Galu's note that
and profiguy's note that:
and the fact that this is all new to me, should I consider a different cartridge, for which a reliable, tested DIY design is available?
Kindest regards,
M
With a little modification 😉
It was top of the 20 series-range. From low to high: MMC20S, MMC20E, MMC20EN & MMC20CL.
But this was one of the 2 types of connectors (the older one). After 20-series came MMC4000, MMC5000 & MMC6000. The 6000 featuring
a Pramanik needle, named after the inventor of the stylus shape. This was B&O´s Shibata.
The second (and newer) connector type for the newer arms featured MMC1-2-3-4 & 5, where MMC1 was the best and most expensive.
The 2 connector types were not interchangeable, and no adaptor exist to use an old cartridge on newer arms and vice versa.
If you have a B&O turntable, I would think, that you´re in for an impossible task.
"Reliable, tested DIY design" for installing a standard cartridge on any kind of B&O arm doesn´t exist.
If you have a turntable with a standard SME connector for headshells, I think maybe the Audio Technica AT-VM series might
just be something for you. Easily upgradeable with better needle(s), if that´s what you want in the future😉
Last edited:
Hi Boydk:
Kindest regards,
M
No it is not B&O as per my reply to Galu. it does not seem to have connector, but four wires,connecting to the cartridge.
Kindest regards,
M
Yepppss..... See.
I would certainly change that B&O cartridge to any other kind of standard ½inch cartridge.... MM or MC..... Your
choice and price range. If the B&O MMC20CL is in perfect order, it might even sponsor your new cartridge.
Check the needle under a microscope, and look around and see, what these sell for.
Example:
https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=B&O+MMC20CL
I would certainly change that B&O cartridge to any other kind of standard ½inch cartridge.... MM or MC..... Your
choice and price range. If the B&O MMC20CL is in perfect order, it might even sponsor your new cartridge.
Check the needle under a microscope, and look around and see, what these sell for.
Example:
https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=B&O+MMC20CL
Id look at the AT VM95ML MM cart. Its a bargain for how it sounds. The microline stylus profile is IMO the most accurate sounding, refined top end. The shibata profile comes in 2nd place, but almost as good, even though it sometimes costs more than microline. These stylus profiles are much more sensitive to cartridge setup than your basic elliptical stylus. The reward is far better treble accuracy.
Another good cart for the money is the Ortofon OM20 with the optional Fritz Geiger stylus. The basic OM20 is still a very good cartridge.
The older AT 150MLX is an outstanding MM cartridge, but its hard to find now that its discontinued. You can still get the 150SA with the shibata stylus, but it doesn't have the boron cantilever. Still an excellent cart. Its a lower compliance type which works better with lower mass arms, tracking around 1.5 g. Most of the newer cartridges track at 2 g and require a higher mass arm. Both the AT150 and AT540 are excellent platforms, even with lesser stylus profiles. The stylus type itself makes the biggest difference in sound IMO. Once you've listened to a good microline or shibata stylus, you won't go back to elliptical.
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-gb/cartridges/best-for/step-up/at-vm95ml
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/vm540ml
Another good cart for the money is the Ortofon OM20 with the optional Fritz Geiger stylus. The basic OM20 is still a very good cartridge.
The older AT 150MLX is an outstanding MM cartridge, but its hard to find now that its discontinued. You can still get the 150SA with the shibata stylus, but it doesn't have the boron cantilever. Still an excellent cart. Its a lower compliance type which works better with lower mass arms, tracking around 1.5 g. Most of the newer cartridges track at 2 g and require a higher mass arm. Both the AT150 and AT540 are excellent platforms, even with lesser stylus profiles. The stylus type itself makes the biggest difference in sound IMO. Once you've listened to a good microline or shibata stylus, you won't go back to elliptical.
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-gb/cartridges/best-for/step-up/at-vm95ml
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/vm540ml
Last edited:
@mefistofelez
Just to recap,
Treat it as a MM cartridge.
Assuming the diamond isn't worn out, that is a phenomenal cartridge and absolutely worth using. Particularly as you seem to have the proper arm for it. Would love to see a photo of the entire setup.
😎
Just to recap,
Treat it as a MM cartridge.
Assuming the diamond isn't worn out, that is a phenomenal cartridge and absolutely worth using. Particularly as you seem to have the proper arm for it. Would love to see a photo of the entire setup.
😎
Last edited: