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High output mc into mm stage?

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Is there any reason that a high output mc (~3.5) will not work into a standard mm phono stage, not sure of the gain on it. Or are there other things to be considered. Do I need a dedicated MC stage?
thanks. tom

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Re: High output mc into mm stage? - keldasdad 04:59:30 07/16/06 (7)
The output of your cartridge-3.5 mV-is relatively high for a HO MC (Many are 2.5 mV or lower), therefore the gain in almost any MM phono section should be more than adequate. In fact with that much output almost any MC stage would overload.
Also, I note that another poster has mentioned the loading as a potential issue. I've had a number of HO MCs over the years and never once has there been the slightest difference when I've tried anything other than 47 k load, which is by the way the setting always recommended by the manufacturers.
- Internal resistance a factor? - tketcham 10:59:55 07/16/06 (4)
  Your experiences with HOMC cartridges and a load setting of 47k are not a universal truth, though. I had a different experience with a HOMC at 47k vs 1k ohm loadings. The 47k loading, while not bad, was a bit bright, whereas the 1k load provides a smoother high end. It is a subtle difference, but noticable nonetheless.
  It was after I observed this difference that I found many discussions in the archives about the relationship of the internal resistance of a HOMC cartridge and the resistance loading of the phono stage. The common suggestion was to use a phono preamp resistance of roughly 10 to 20 times the internal resistance of the cartridge.
  I wonder if this is still considered a good rule of thumb and a useful consideration in choosing a phono preamp with HOMC cartridges in mind.
  Tom
  - Re: Internal resistance a factor? - keldasdad 12:17:36 07/16/06 (3)
    I've learned never to make any claims to universal truth, especially audio truth, and was relating only my experience with several HO MC cartridges. I also try to be very careful about hearing differences because I want to. For this reason I generally avoid phono stages-or any other components-with a lot of flexibility/adjustability, since listening for differences can drive me crazy as I try to find the "perfect" setting. Takes too much time away from the music.
    - "I generally avoid phono stages-or any other components-with a lot of flexibility/adjustability" So what ... - Garth 12:34:46 07/16/06 (2)
      are you telling us?
      - Re: "I generally avoid phono stages-or any other components-with a lot of flexibility/adjustability" So what ... - keldasdad 15:55:29 07/16/06 (0)
        
        In Reply to: "I generally avoid phono stages-or any other components-with a lot of flexibility/adjustability" So what ... posted by Garth on July 16, 2006 at 12:34:46:
        
        I like simplicity. There are a number of phono stages, outboard or built into the preamp, that have no provisions for gain, resistance and/or capacitance adjustments. One simply connects the tonearm leads to the inputs and the outputs to the preamp, no fuss, no muss.
      - Uh, not "So what," it's SAY WHAT??? /nt\ - HenryH 12:48:27 07/16/06 (0)
        
        In Reply to: "I generally avoid phono stages-or any other components-with a lot of flexibility/adjustability" So what ... posted by Garth on July 16, 2006 at 12:34:46:
        
        Henry
        A 12-gauge shotgun is the ultimate arbiter of disputes - G. Gordon Liddy
- 47K ohm load impedance is basically "default" with a HOMC. - Garth 05:44:13 07/16/06 (1)
  Since these "creatures" were made to fulfill the audiophile desire to "finally" have a MC cartridge but has only a MM input (which are normally not adjustable since a MM really IS designed for 47K) there isn't much of an option for the cartridge manufacturer. Specify 47K or don't sell any of his cartridges.
  I don't 47K is ALWAYS ideal but the user generally has no options.
  Cheers!
  - Re: 47K ohm load impedance is basically "default" with a HOMC. - HenryH 05:51:19 07/16/06 (0)
    I notice a few HO MC mfgrs specify "above 1K" as recommended loading. Strangely, for the first time, I have no HO MCs, only MMs and LO MCs.
    
    Henry
    A 12-gauge shotgun is the ultimate arbiter of disputes - G. Gordon Liddy
Re: High output mc into mm stage? - HenryH 04:23:01 07/16/06 (0)
The vast majority of high output MCs are designed to work into MM inputs, including the standard 47-50K loading of most MM stages.
Depending upon the overload threshold of the MC stage, running a 3.5mv HO MC into it may or may not overload the input, resulting in audible distortion.

Henry
A 12-gauge shotgun is the ultimate arbiter of disputes - G. Gordon Liddy
Re: High output mc into mm stage? - Fred J 00:33:08 07/16/06 (0)
High Output MC's are designed for those who want a MC Cartridge, but only have a MM Phono Preamp.
Most of the time, inputting into a MC setting on a Stage or Section will cause some degree of overload.
Re: High output mc into mm stage? - byrdparis 00:30:54 07/16/06 (1)
hi .
in genaral', an high output mc can and will work on mm stage with no problem what so ever .
the only thing that might be "wrong" its the 47kohm that you mm stage work with
and maybe your mc cart need some other setting .
best of luck .
- High-output MCs are designed for 47k-ohm loads. (nt) - John Elison 06:19:50 07/16/06 (0)

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