Marketing Lab

How Much Should a Record Player Cost?

Whether it’s your first time diving into vinyl records, or you’ve been a vinyl enthusiast for years, shelling out for a record player can be equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. Figuring out how much should a record player cost while still prioritizing sound quality is a tightrope walk indeed. Luckily, with the resurging popularity of vinyl, there are a lot of options to choose from. So you can easily find a brand and model in your price range.

While there’s no one-size-fits all answer to the question of how much you should spend on a record player, there are a handful of factors to consider, and pros and cons to go over. So let’s dive into the basic price range for vinyl record players, and where your money matters most.

What’s the difference between a turntable and a record player?

A lot of people use the words “turntable” and “record player” interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. 

A turntable is the platter, tonearm, and cartridge that all work together to play your favorite album. It refers to the connected components that directly touch, hold, and read the record grooves of your vinyl.

A record player is an all-in-one unit that includes a turntable, but also a preamp, amplifier, and built-in speakers. Basically, with a record player you don’t need to buy or connect any external components in order to listen to your music.

For beginners, starting with a record player instead of a turntable that requires its own phono preamp and hi-fi stereo speakers might be the way to go. But it all depends on what you want from your set-up, and the actual model itself.

What are the pros and cons of buying an inexpensive turntable? 

Turntables can get very expensive, very fast. While budget-friendly options can start as low as $50 or $100, good quality mid-range turntables easily run from $300-$700, and high-quality turntables for audiophiles can easily exceed $2,000. So, you may be wondering, is there any harm with springing for cheap record players instead of the more cost prohibitive options?

The answer isn’t so straightforward. If your option is to choose between a discount turntable, or nothing at all, then cheaper is no doubt the way to go! Introducing yourself to the joys of an analog listening experience is worth it, even if the initial playback isn’t top quality. Learning that you love browsing the local record store for vinyl is an incredible feeling, and once you learn more about that world it’s easier to find discounts on great quality gear. 

There is a simplicity to a cheap record player since all the components are there. All you need to do is put an album on, and let it play. Because everything’s built in, you don’t have to worry about adjusting the tracking force or replacing the turntable cartridge, since that’s not possible.

There’s a reason suitcase record players are one of the most common picks for music fans on a budget. The set-up is all there, it’s portable, and all you have to do is pick which record you want to throw on for a spin.

However, the major con is that low-end record players are far more likely to damage the vinyl. While the best turntables will have a quality drive system and a good platter, affordable turntables are often limited in this way, and have a built-in amp, which means you can never upgrade the source of your sound.

Similarly, an expensive turntable is likely to have a carbon tonearm you can replace or update if needed, while a cheap model might have a plastic tonearm that’s not adjustable. The difference in tonearm and stylus quality can directly affect the shelf-life of your records, since the needle is what makes contact with your record grooves. Any damage or misalignment can create scratches on your records, and since you can’t adjust a cheap record player, you’re left to either deal with the fallout or shell out for an entirely new record player. So, even on a budget, it’s more affordable in the long-term to go for the best record player available. In some cases, checking for a slightly used retro model as your entry-level turntable is a better move than getting a new cheap one.

What part should you get for more money? 

If you’re buying separate components, you may be wondering what parts of the record player you should spend the most money on. Luckily, when it comes to this question, the answer is simple. Whether you’re still blasting a cd player, or you’re cueing up the belt-drive turntable, you’ll want to spend the most money on the source itself. Even if you have the most high-quality powered speakers in the game, if the stereo turntable playing your music is bad quality, you won’t be able to salvage the sound.

If you have the best turntable you can afford, then the model of your turntable cartridge will produce quality sound. Whether you have space efficient bookshelf speakers or a massive stereo system, the source of your sound is going to be the most deciding factor when it comes to what you hear.

What are the components worth investing in?

If you want the best sound possible, it’s definitely worth investing in the best components out there. No matter what model you land on, springing for a dust cover (like the Cover it E from Pro-Ject USA) is going to help protect your turntable from a lot of potential dust and long-term damage. 

Just as the source itself is of utmost importance, so is the upkeep of your turntable cartridge and stylus. In general, it’s recommended that you replace your stylus after 1,000 hours of listening. Depending on how much you listen, this could mean yearly or once every few years. Since this is the component that directly touches your record, you’ll want to go for a high-quality replacement cartridge (the Oyster Series from Sumiko is top notch) in order to extend the life of your collection.

While less sexy sounding, the quality of your rca cables also make a huge difference for your sound quality. If you have low-quality rca output, that can cause distortion and interference. But if you have high-quality rca cables (like the Pro-ject Audio Connect It Model Phono RCA on Amazon), then you’ll have a deeper soundstage and a low risk of humming.

In reality, the more you can invest in all components of your listening area, the better your sound will be. The easiest way to figure out the hierarchy of where your money goes is to start at the source of the turntable, which parts are replaceable on there (the stylus, the cartridge), and then prioritize the phono preamp (we recommend the Phono Box DC from Pro-ject USA) next, since a bad phono preamp connection can affect what you’ll hear through the speakers regardless of speaker quality. Your amplifier quality comes after the preamp, and the speakers, in this specific ordering of components, come last.

This isn’t to say that speaker quality doesn’t make a difference, it definitely does! But more that, the source and translation of the sound itself will be the initial defining factor. So if you have to spend more, spend it closer to the turntable itself.

The different types of turntables

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of pricing, and what components demand the most money, we’ve arrived at the fun part: the types of turntables. Regardless of budget, there are two basic types: direct drive turntables and belt drive turntables. 

In a belt drive turntable (like the Pro-ject Debut Carbon DC), the motor is connected to the platter via an elastic belt. The platter sits on a bearing that is distanced away from the motor. One pro of this design is that the elastic belt helps absorb shocks and protects the platter from catching shaky vibrations from the motor. The isolation of the motor can also result in less noise transmission to the tonearm.

The con is that belt drive turntables have lower torque, which means DJs can’t use them. Also, the belt can eventually wear down and require replacement. Another pro though, is that the turntable from High Fidelity was a belt drive.

Direct drive turntables are the most commonly used by DJs. The motor sits right under the platter, which allows for more precise speed control and the sensitivity a DJ can work with. The major pro is that these models have higher torque, consistent speeds and are less sensitive to outside forces.

The con is that the motor’s proximity to the platter can sometimes affect sound quality, so it’s advisable to invest in shock absorbers.

Another factor to consider is if you want a manual or automatic turntable (like the A1 from Pro-ject USA). An automatic turntable lifts the tonearm out of the resting position and gently lowers it onto the record at the right spot. After it’s done playing, it lifts it back up and shuts the turntable off. With a manual turntable (like Pro-ject USA’s Signature 12), you guessed it, you’ll be the one to lift the tonearm and lower it gently onto the record. 

The major pro to an automatic is that you don’t have to worry about finding the right spot yourself, but the con can be slightly less amazing sound quality since there are attachments on the tonearm. The pro to a manual is improved sound quality, so long as you’re comfortable doing the work.

To bluetooth or not to bluetooth, that is yet another one of the questions. In the digital era, having bluetooth connectivity in your hi-fi set-up can be majorly appealing. There are bluetooth record players (like the PS-LX310BT from Sony) and bluetooth receivers specifically designed to combine the convenience of bluetooth with the analog joys of vinyl. If you use bluetooth headphones and work around the house, being able to listen to records through your headphones can be a game changer. 

Similarly, if you use bluetooth speakers, you can connect them to your turntable to play without worrying about cords. Bluetooth is generally compatible with most entry-level turntables, but when it comes to high-quality set-ups, it can diminish the sound quality. Because of this, many of the most high-end audiophile turntables don’t allow for bluetooth connectivity at all. 

How Much a Record Player Costs Depends on You

At the end of the day, it’s your choice how much you spend on a turntable, which parts you sink the most into, and what type you buy. Your budget, available space, and personal priorities are all going to shape your relationship with vinyl. The most important thing is you’re enjoying the medium.

by Marketing Lab

Are CDs Worth Anything: What to Know Before You Dump your Discs

It’s not uncommon for some of us to have folders of CDs gathering dust, especially with music services like Spotify making on-demand music an easy proposition. If you're wondering "are CDs worth anything", you should know there's a lot of value in those old CDs, especially if you’re an audiophile. These days, some streaming services are losing their luster – with some famous artists like Neil Young taking down entire catalogs.

Additionally, in the purely streamed digital formats, music that was designed with analog listeners in mind starts to lose some of the richness inherent in older formats. This ranges from older Eminem tracks to those classics from legends like Bob Dylan. Before you opt to dump or sell your old CDs, consider that CD sales are experiencing a resurgence, and there are plenty of reasons to embrace the format.

Are Old CDs Worth Anything?

Not everything makes it to the streaming services. For example, there are tons of valuable CDs from the Rolling Stones and other famous acts, which have yet to make it to the Pandoras, Spotifys, and Amazon Prime Musics of the world. Some underrated compilations from your favorite artists may be missing but quickly found at your local record store in the CD section. Additionally, if you opt to one day resell, some of these rare CD pressings can easily be worth some nice cash on the resale market.

Are CDs Worth Anything?: Reasons to Keep Listening to CDs

While some may consider resale, it’s a good idea to hold on to your older CDs, especially if you’re a fan of audio quality. CDs also have numerous other benefits for those looking for a strong audio format, so here are a few of those to consider:

You Can Listen to Them Anywhere

Any New York City resident will tell you that the music streaming services aren’t always compatible with mass transit. There’s typically minimal cell service on the subway, so you have to listen to music offline. Modern CD players have stronger audio quality than cassettes, and they are also readily available for not much cash. Their versatility isn’t limited to underground travel either; you can listen to your CD collection on the go when taking a flight or whenever you’re traveling through an area without much internet service.

New CD Players Have Become Very Impressive

First things first, if you’re playing your music on an old Sony Discman from 95’, you’re doing yourself a major disfavor. These older devices are inclined to skipping, and as lasers age, they become less precise, so sound quality will undoubtedly suffer. Newer players have many bells and whistles simply not present in old generation CD players. The most important for your listening experience is the digital to analog converter, known as the DAC.

DACs are incredibly useful for discerning music fans. These internal circuitry devices cut down jitter, which improves the timing of digital audio. DACs take digital data, change it into analog audio, and push the music to the amplifier. These devices are the chief reason why compact discs approach the sonic quality of vinyl. These circuits are common in most new players, and they can easily be found in electronic stores or Amazon.

Additionally, CD transports, like Pro-Ject’s CD Box RS2 T, make bringing CDs with you very simple. These couple well with DAC-enabled devices so that you can achieve high-end sound quality.

You Can Find Some Real Gems Almost Anywhere

Just take a walk around the neighborhood, and you can easily come across a garage sale with an array of used CDs from legends like Michael Jackson and Prince. On top of that, eBay, your local record store, and the web, in general, are excellent options for expanding your collection. These vintage pressings and promo discs will usually be much cheaper than the barcode indicates, and you can also use sites like Discogs to look into your latest finds or find more CDs to augment your collection. 

CD Sound Quality is Better than the Streaming Services

With the advent of the DAC, music recorded in an analog format and converted to digital for the CD-making process becomes much closer to the original recording. Artists like Coldplay, Pearl Jam, and David Bowie recorded music with a warm analog sound in mind. While vinyl records maintain that sound, the sound experience post-DAC on a CD player is definitely comparable. Unfortunately, the sound quality on streamers like Spotify and Prime Music isn’t nearly as high-quality, especially if you don’t know your way around the equalizer settings.

New CDs are Being Produced with Great Success

Besides rare CDs and used CDs found in record stores, famous artists are still using the medium in recent years. In fact, according to Billboard, thanks to recent CDs from Taylor Swift and Adele, CD sales are on the upswing. This is a clear indicator that music listeners are looking for more traditional formats for their listening experience. This is even happening with vinyl, which recently saw its biggest week since 1991.

CDs Provide the Intended Experience

One of the chief weaknesses of music presented on a streaming service is how disjointed the experience can be. While it’s nice to have an on-demand listening style, in many cases, albums are designed to be listened to in a sequence. This experience is completely lost unless you go out of your way to listen to an album track-by-track on Spotify or a similar service. This is especially problematic with larger projects like box sets. With a CD, all you have to do is press play and relax.

Don’t Underestimate the Value of a Good CD

With formats like Blu-Ray starting to show signs of age, some dismiss the viability of older compact discs. Still, disc sales are growing, and there’s nothing quite like listening to your vintage Slim Shady EP, the Rolling Stones’ Steel Wheels Japan Tour, or the Safety EP on a disc format.

If you're still wondering "are CDs worth anything", remember that there’s nothing like holding your music in hand, which is why CDs aren’t going anywhere soon. 

by Marketing Lab

All about Turntable Isolation: How to Block the Noise

When it comes to audio playback, a vinyl turntable tends to require more upkeep than other audio systems. You have to maintain the stylus, engage in the occasional vinyl record cleaning, and you need to replace components from time to time. Still, when it comes to the aural experience, many audiophiles feel that the effort is well worth it. One of the most important aspects of maintaining sound quality with a vinyl system is turntable isolation, to keep your record player from unwanted vibrations.

Why Turntable Isolation is Critical

Vibration isolation is a major buzz term amongst vinyl enthusiasts in record stores and online forums, and for good reason. When there’s too much vibration, it’s easy for the stylus of your player to become misaligned, which will adversely affect the record playback. Have you ever played your records and heard low-frequency acoustic feedback when someone walked into the room? Has your table been nudged to the point where the record skipped? Poor isolation is the cause.

The vibrations caused by everyday life sometimes adversely affect the sound quality of your vinyl systems. Fortunately, accessories like turntable isolation platforms will ensure that these unwanted vibrations won’t affect your overall listening experience.

Causes of Turntable Vibration

Ideally, if you live in a newer home, strong floors won’t carry much vibration. Floors made of concrete or other hard materials will ensure that nothing will cause vibration issues with your turntable’s playback. Still, not everyone lives in one of these homes/apartments. Materials like hardwood, especially as it ages, are poor at vibration control, which is why some need some form of sound isolation for their systems. Here are a few causes of acoustic feedback and vibration in cases like these:

Footfalls

A roommate or family member merely walking around either in another room or the same room as the turntable can easily cause vibration. For DJs, simply moving away from the table to adjust settings on the preamp or going for a quick drink can easily cause issues with vibration control, thanks to weak or springy floors.

Closed/Opened Doors

Doors don’t have to be slammed to affect the playback of your vinyl records. The mere closing or opening of a door can cause vibrations that lead to playback issues on your turntable.

Interference from Other Devices

This is a major issue for vinyl enthusiasts because the surfaces that are home to record players also tend to have a variety of other devices, which cause vibrations. A CD player, which is prone to vibration issues, also causes vibrations that will throw off playback on a turntable. Even audio equipment like digital to analog converters (DACs) and phono preamps can cause unwanted vibrations.

Still, the most common causes of vibration interference are larger devices like speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers. These tend to produce significant vibration as music is played, which the turntable will pick up. Speakers also move air, and at loud volumes, the mere air being pushed by a speaker system will cause vibrations that could affect the listening experience.

Internal Causes

Not every instance of turntable vibration is caused by external sources. Sometimes, the motor in the turntable starts to vibrate. Additionally, bearings and belts may also cause this issue. When this is the case, you may have to replace the components or the device itself – even with the best turntable wears down with time.

Another internal component that could cause vibration is the tonearm itself. High-speed ripple effects in the structure of the component can easily cause the cartridge to move in a way that causes poor audio performance. This is usually a result of a design flaw, and to fix it, you’ll have to replace the tonearm.

How to Implement Turntable Isolation Against Vibration

Just because your turntable is prone to resonance artifacts as a result of any of these causes doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy artifact-free playback. As mentioned before, a turntable isolation platform is a great way to ensure that vibration doesn’t ruin your listening experience. For example, Pro-Ject’s Ground it E is an adjustable platform for turntables that actively damps external vibrations to maintain sonic performance.

Here are a few alternative methods for vibration control to consider.

Cork Isolation Pads

In most cases, isolation feet that utilize cork as a component typically use other materials, like rubber, to ensure traction and optimized vibration negation. These aren’t always exclusively designed with

turntables in mind, but the spongy material is 100% natural and really will dampen any vibrations along the surface of your table or platform.

These pads also benefit from being very lightweight, so if you have to lug your equipment from gig to gig, you won’t have to put in much extra effort to carry this pad around. Typically, you find these on Amazon and work well to minimize the subtractive resonances of excess vibrations based on many customer reviews there.

Bamboo Pads

Another 100% natural, anti-vibration material to consider is bamboo. Some call these pads or platforms butcher block acoustics because of their square wooden design. Typically, these use naturally shock-absorbing bamboo slats to dampen external vibrations. You can use a bamboo chopping board to a similar effect for those looking for a do-it-yourself solution. This type of isolation system is also low profile and looks very attractive with a vintage player.

This material also serves as a practical option for those looking for vibration-absorbent speaker stands, even for heavy-weight speakers. With a bamboo block, the physical vibration emanating from your speakers won’t affect your turntable directly, but it could still experience vibrations from the pushed air.

Sorbothane Isolation Pads

Sorbothane, a proprietary, viscoelastic polymer material, is an excellent material for those looking for a more professional-grade isolation system. Pads made of this material are very capable of reducing not only vibration but also shock. Pads and platforms using this material might incorporate metals like aluminum or Kork-Kautshuk material to heighten the vibration reduction. Despite being very effective, these are also very lightweight.

Fiberboard (MDF) Platforms

These isolation stands utilize medium-density fiberboard to create vibration isolation. Similar to bamboo platforms, these are lightweight, and some are covered In Ozite. Ozite is a flooring material designed to provide a high level of vibration isolation. MDF platforms also have a butcher block design in some cases, so they tend to add a natural styling to your vinyl setup, which is perfect for a dedicated table or bookshelf setup.

Synthetic Rubber Pads

You can also quickly and easily reduce vibration by merely installing synthetic rubber feet to reduce vibration. For example, Pro-Ject’s Absorb it high-end damping feet can be quickly and easily added to most audio components to minimize mechanical vibration. This means that you can install them on your speakers, your turntable, or any other hi-fi sound system appliance that needs iso damping.

Iso Feet

These are very similar to the pads, but usually, they are explicitly designed for distinct turntable models. They typically screw into the device's base and provide a thick layer of isolation that sometimes use springs to reduce vibration. You’ll find these available for models of turntables from producers like Technics, IsoAcoustics, Rega, and Audiocrast. In just about every case, these come in sets of four so that checkout is simple.

Cut the Vibration with Turntable Isolation to Enhance Your Experience

A deluxe audio setup needs vibration isolation to provide the best listening profile. Fortunately, there are several options that you can use to protect your sound. Pro-Ject provides a few great isolation options, and there are also do-it-yourself options to consider as well. In any situation, if your environment is prone to vibration, consider one of the solutions presented in this guide to ensure the perfect audiophile experience.

If you're still wondering "Why Does My Record Player Sound Bad", contact your local hi-fi shop or reach out to us directly with questions.

by Marketing Lab

How to Clean a Record Needle for Perfect Playback

If you have an interest in the world of vinyl records, you need to know how to keep the vinyl and the needle clean. Even old phonographs were made with needle tips that you had to clean from time to time. These machines build static electricity, acting like a magnet and attracting dust. If you’re not an audiophile, you may not know how to clean a record needle properly. Let’s dive into how a dirty stylus affects your listening experience and learn about some steps that you need to take to remove the gunk that accumulates around the styli.

How a Dirty Turntable Stylus Impacts Sound Quality

Clean record player needles help prevent playback issues. When dust interferes with the stylus reading the record grooves properly, you will hear a slight scratching or popping sound when you play the records. If you hear these sounds, it’s time to inspect your record player’s stylus to see if there is any visible build-up that’s removable. 

When a stylus is dirty, you are more likely to hear the needle jump as it navigates the turntable. This is referred to as record skipping, and it can affect the sound of the music.  Dust and grime will also cause additional wear on the stylus tip, which will be heard as you play your music. If you don’t keep your stylus clean, it will wear down more quickly. In effect, a clean stylus will help you save money because you won’t need to replace it as often. 

Tips to Follow when Cleaning a Turntable Needle

Before trying your hand at stylus cleaning, here are some tips to help new record enthusiasts get back to the hi-fi sound that a clean record player creates. 

• Cleaning a record needle should be done once a week. If listening to records is somewhat infrequent, you will be able to clean the needle every other week instead. 
• Most record player needles last for about 1,000 hours, so the first time you hear static during playback, it most likely only needs to be cleaned.
• When using a brush to clean the tip of the stylus, make sure that you brush in the direction that the record spins. This helps to ensure that the cantilever is not damaged during the cleaning.
• Even if your stylus looks clean, before playing a record, whether it’s new or used, use an anti-static record brush to ensure no dust is hidden in the grooves that will transfer to the needle.
• When cleaning your stylus, use a cleaning solution to get a deeper clean when using a stylus brush.
• If you are uncomfortable using a stylus cleaning brush on the tip of the stylus, try using a stylus cleaning gel pad. This method may cost more, but it’s an option that many feel is less abrasive than the brush bristles.

Steps to Follow During the Cleaning Process

Following the right steps in how to clean a record needle or stylus requires a few select cleaning products. Most cartridge manufacturers provide a brush to use for this reason when you purchase the record player. You will also need cleaning fluid like Pro-Ject’s Wash It to do a thorough job. 

Follow these easy steps if you are using a stylus cleaning brush for this DIY process.

Step 1: Select a stylus cleaner to apply to the record needle. Any cleaning solution that is designed for records cleaning will do. If you don’t have anything that works, clean the record needle without a cleaning solution. It will remove the dust, but any caked-on grime will be more challenging to get rid of.

Step 2: Apply a small amount of the solution to the brush that you are using to clean the stylus. Since you are only cleaning the needle, very little liquid cleaner is required.

Step 3: Move the brush along the needle in a motion that moves from front to back. You will need to move the brush in the direction that the record spins because going the opposite direction can cause damage.

Step 4: Repeat these steps until you do not see any more grime on the tip of the stylus. 

If you are uncomfortable using a brush, there are other options to try, like the cleaning gel-based cleaning kit mentioned above. With this method, you simply place the gel on your turntable platter, and sit the needle on the gel. Then, raise it back out of the gel. Repeat this a few times to remove all of the grime stuck on the stylus. 

You may have also read forums about cleaning record needles with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. To start, gently place a small piece of the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the platter. These sponges can be purchased at any hardware store. It needs to be an all white pad because the blue ones are a bit more abrasive and could cause unwanted damage. Lower the tonearm down to touch the pad, and then raise it back up. Do this process about two to three times or until the debris is removed. 

Vinyl Records Cleaning and Proper Storage Helps

Even if you clean your stylus every time you use your record player, there is a good chance that dust will transfer from your records unless you have clean vinyl as well. Cleaning records revitalizes them and gives you better sound during playback. 

Make sure that you always clean the records in a circular motion from the inner grooves moving outward so that you don’t create scratches in the vinyl. Even new records need to be cleaned before use because static builds up, and dust accumulates on the surface before you purchased the vinyl. 

Learning how to clean a record needle is one thing, but record storage can make a big difference.

Record players and vinyl albums also accumulate dust when not stored properly. To protect your turntable, simply use a turntable cover to minimize dust. To keep your records cleaner, you need to use an inner and outer sleeve to reduce the dust that gets on the vinyl. Vinyl records also need to be stored in an upright position in an area where the temperature and the humidity are just right so that damage does not occur.

by Marketing Lab

Moving Coil Cartridges: Better Than Moving Magnet Cartridges?

When it comes to the sound quality of your record player, every detail counts. The room you store your turntable in, how often you clean your records, and all the components of the turntable affect your listening experience. In this vein, few parts of the machine directly influence sound as much as your turntable cartridge. The cartridge does the work of actually reading the grooves of a record, so it makes sense that it’s crucial to invest in a quality cartridge, and knowing the difference between moving coil cartridges and moving magnet cartridges is where to start. 

What does a cartridge do?

If you’re new to the world of vinyl, or you simply need a quick refresher, it’s helpful to break down what exactly a cartridge does. The cartridge is the small piece on the end of the cantilever that touches down on the record.

Cartridge bodies are usually made of plastic and include the needle that kisses the vinyl itself. When the stylus touches the record grooves, it works as a transducer to translate mechanical movements into an electrical signal that can eventually be amplified through your favorite speakers.

Basically, the turntable cartridge turns the small etched grooves of the plastic into a signal that can eventually be music. They act as translators between the physical artifact of vinyl and the albums we love to jam out to. When you break it down this way, it explains why so many audiophiles are specific about what kind of cartridge they buy.

Are Moving Coil Cartridges better than Moving Magnet Cartridges?

Now that we’ve refreshed ourselves on the role of a cartridge, we can dive into one of the longest-running discussions in the audiophile community: Moving Coil vs. Moving Magnet.

Many an argument has been had over which type of cartridge is better for sound quality, makes more sense with various set-ups, and is ultimately the best. Obviously, given the subjectivity of this argument, this debate is ultimately unwinnable. However, mulling over the pros and cons of each cartridge type can be incredibly helpful for anyone considering mixing up their hi-fi setup.

Before we dip into the pros and cons, let’s first distinguish what makes these cartridges different from each other.

How do Moving Magnet cartridges work?

A moving magnet turntable cartridge contains a small magnet inside the stylus. There are two sets of fixed coils hugging the magnet on both sides. When the stylus reads the grooves of the record, the magnet moves between the coils to create a small electrical current. That magnetic field is what gets plugged into the phono stage so we can eventually listen through our speakers.

How do Moving Coil cartridges work?

Rather than using a moving magnet to create an electrical current, moving coil cartridges create the signal through the movement of the coils (thus the name). Moving Coil cartridges do contain a magnet, it’s just a fixed magnet surrounded by vibrating coils (so in many ways it’s structurally opposite of a moving magnet cartridge).

When the record grooves create vibrations on the styli, the coils then react by translating that movement into an electrical signal that will get amplified in the phono stage, and eventually through your system.

Pros of Moving Magnet cartridges

Moving Magnet phono cartridges, also known as MM cartridges have a lot of pros to them. For starters, the moving magnet design is very robust and generally produces a medium to high output level. This means it requires less gain in the phono stage in order to amplify loud enough to listen to on your speakers. MM cartridges are also typically more compatible with a wider range of household stereo equipment. Which is to say, you’ll find that most standard phono inputs connect with mm outputs. Because of a moving magnet’s widespread compatibility with everyday stereo equipment, it’s often a simpler choice when it comes to installation.

Moving magnet cartridges often come with a replaceable stylus, so if you want to swap out your conical needle for a Shibata, you’re in luck. Or if you’re simply looking to buy a new model of the same kind of stylus, a moving magnet is going to make this far easier. With a replaceable stylus, you’ll find your cartridge can survive lots of changes, and in some cases live a longer life because of it. 

One of the most practical pros of the MM cartridge is affordability. It’s generally easier to find more MM cartridge options across different price levels, and incompatibility with different equipment, so if you’re on a budget they pose clear benefits.

Pros of Moving Coil cartridges

As evidenced by the very title of this post, Moving Coil phono cartridges have enough pros a lot of audiophiles consider them to be the better option. Since the coils on a moving coil cartridge are lighter than a magnet, the process of transferring vibrations into an electrical signal is more fluid, which means the tracking, frequency response, and overall sound quality are often more precise and high-quality. 

Basically, because MC cartridges have less mass, they’re capable of transcribing more micro-detail, especially when it comes to high frequencies. While most moving coil cartridges don’t come with a replaceable stylus, they often come with more precise styli such as fine-line, microline, and Shibata needles that are less likely to wear out as fast. So the quality and shelf-life of an MC cartridge often live up to the investment.

Cons of Moving Magnet cartridges

While MM cartridges produce a higher output that connects to most sound equipment easier, the higher inductance can negatively flatten the frequency response. This is to say, the heavier bearing and higher output can erase a lot of the nuance of sound. If you have a trained audiophile ear, or you’re simply someone who savors all the distinctions of your favorite album, you’ll likely be able to tell there are details lost in translation. 

One of the (many) reasons people get addicted to vinyl is the different playback experience. Record players offer us a more holographic and warm sound experience compared to streaming. So, even a speck of sound quality difference can be a dealbreaker for people who have already decided to invest in phono equipment. This is the primary reason a lot of people opt against mm cartridges despite the affordability and convenience: the sound quality can still be super high-quality, but it is less likely to match the meticulous detail of an MC cartridge.

Cons of Moving Coil Cartridges

Because MC cartridges produce less signal and lower output, they need a step-up transformer in order to blast your favorite album through your amplifier. This adds yet another step to the initial setup process, which can be overwhelming for any entry-level vinyl fan. And even if you’re a seasoned record collector, knowing you’ll need a quality phono preamp in order to enjoy the fruits of the MC cartridge can be a deterrent. The stylus inside an MC cartridge is usually non-replaceable, so if you want to get it fixed you have to ship it to a factory (which isn’t always possible). Generally, if a stylus attached to an MC cartridge gets damaged or ages out of use, you’ll need to replace the whole cartridge at once, which can be an expensive ordeal.

Because MC cartridges often come with high-end turntables and are designed in a far more light and delicate way, they run a much higher bill overall. If you don’t have lots of money to spend on a cartridge, this can be a full-on dealbreaker. Similarly, if you can’t tell the difference in sound quality between MM and MC cartridges, then springing for a moving coil might not be worth the hassle. 

A Moving Coil Cartridge Suits Most Vinyl Priorities

There is no one-size-fits-all winner of the rivalry between moving coil vs. moving magnet. Everyone has different priorities and relationships with sound. And there are exceptions in both cartridges that defy the regular talking points. For example, MC Cartridges are known for more meticulous sound quality, there are plenty of high-quality Sumiko MM cartridges that deliver stunning sound. Similarly, there are high output MC cartridges that are designed to function more like MM cartridges when it comes to easy compatibility with your preamplifier or receiver.

A lot of people can list off anecdotal experiences with both types of cartridges that dispel stereotypes, while others may still not find the sound much different. At the end of the day, you’re the only one who can decide which is the best match for you. The good news is you can always change your mind and switch cartridges if you feel like it. There are no rules when it comes to exploring and having fun with your HiFi set-up.

by Marketing Lab