MMC cartridges

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Steve Posted: Sun, May 15 2016 6:14 AM

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I've got an MMC1 and an MMC4 cartridge - hope someone can help with two questions:

1) the volume of the MMC4 is louder than the MMC1 - is this normal or indicative of a problem with one of the cartridge. 

2) the MMC1 sounds crystal clear, however the need guard does not move done far enough to cover/protect the needle. Is this normal or is there an issue? the mmc4 guard on the other hand covers the stylus. 

I'm using these cartridges on a Beogram 5005 and a Beogram 6500  

Any feedback would be appreciated! 

Stephen

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sonavor replied on Mon, May 16 2016 5:39 PM

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Hi,

Other people have made a similar observation about the MMC1 & 2 cartridges seeming to require more volume to reach the desired listening level. I don't have a usable MMC4 to compare to but my MMC20CL cartridges do sound louder (at the same amplifier volume level). I have a Beogram 4000 (w/MMC20CL) and a Beogram 8002 (w/MMC2) turntable connected to a Yamaha C85 preamplifier. The 8002 is plugged into the phono inputs with selectable loads. The 4000 is plugged into the phono intput that is a fixed 47 ohms, 220pF load.  I always have to up the volume level when I play the 8002.

Regarding the stylus guard, I have noticed that on a lot of the MMC1 and MMC2 cartridges as well. It doesn't affect the sound of course. The thing to watch for is how the stylus rides on the record grooves. If the cantilever looks compressed too much when playing a record, then the suspension likely needs repair.

-sonavor

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srk13579 replied on Sat, Aug 12 2017 10:08 PM

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Hi Steve

Every time I upgrade my equipment I have to turn the volume up as well but the sound quality is better. That is because there is less distortion from the better equipment or needle than the lower quality equipment. You hear more background sounds with better equipment that you miss with the lower grade. The music also presents a stage presence rather than just hearing the music. I upgraded my AVA DAC and phono input and was blown away with my systems ability to produce such great sound.

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srk13579 replied on Sat, Aug 12 2017 10:08 PM

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Hi Steve

Every time I upgrade my equipment I have to turn the volume up as well but the sound quality is better. That is because there is less distortion from the better equipment or needle than the lower quality equipment. You hear more background sounds with better equipment that you miss with the lower grade. The music also presents a stage presence rather than just hearing the music. I upgraded my AVA DAC and phono input and was blown away with my systems ability to produce such great sound.

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srk13579 replied on Sat, Aug 12 2017 10:08 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi Steve

Every time I upgrade my equipment I have to turn the volume up as well but the sound quality is better. That is because there is less distortion from the better equipment or needle than the lower quality equipment. You hear more background sounds with better equipment that you miss with the lower grade. The music also presents a stage presence rather than just hearing the music. I upgraded my AVA DAC and phono input and was blown away with my systems ability to produce such great sound.