Choosing the right pickup

Choosing the right cartridge - what really matters

The cartridge is the heart of every record player - it converts the mechanical groove movements of the record into electrical signals and thus significantly shapes the sound character. But choosing the right cartridge is more complex than it seems at first glance. Whether MM, MC or high output, heavy or light tonearm, elliptical or Shibata cut - here we explain step by step what you should look out for.

MM or MC - the basics

The two most common types are Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). They differ fundamentally in terms of structure, output voltage and sound characteristics:

• MM systems: The magnet unit moves, the coil is fixed. This results in a relatively high output level (approx. 3-6 mV) and easy needle replacement. Ideal for beginners and uncomplicated operation with many phono preamps.
• MC systems: Here the coil moves - this produces a more precise, finer-resolution sound image. However, the output voltage is significantly lower (0.2-0.7 mV), which requires a powerful MC-capable phono stage. In addition, MC systems are usually not interchangeable.
• High Output MC: An intermediate solution - MC precision with higher output voltage (~2 mV), compatible with MM inputs.

Cartridge and tonearm - the right interaction

An often underestimated aspect is the compatible combination of tonearm and cartridge. Mass, compliance (needle compliance) and resonance frequency play a central role here:

• Effective tonearm mass: tonearms are divided into "light", "medium" and "heavy". Light arms harmonize with soft (highly compliant) pickups, heavy arms with stiffer (low compliant) pickups.
• Compliance: Indicates how flexibly the needle system reacts to unevenness. Important for calculating the resonance frequency.
• Resonant frequency: Should ideally be between 8 and 12 Hz - too low means danger from impact sound, too high means risk of distortion.

Many manufacturers give recommendations for compatibility - but it is still worth checking with a resonance frequency calculator or asking your dealer.

Needle grind - detail fidelity and record protection

The stylus grind influences resolution, scanning accuracy and wear. Here are the most common types:

• Spherical cut: inexpensive, but limited in sound quality
• Elliptical: good compromise between price and precision
• Fine Line, Shibata, Micro Ridge: very precise, high level of detail, but more sensitive to adjustment

Generally speaking, the more complex the cut, the greater the information yield - but the more critical the exact adjustment and the condition of the plate.

Other important factors

• Contact weight: Must match the construction (e.g. 1.5-2.5 g for MM systems, 1.8-2.4 g for MC)
• Anti-skating: Should be set correctly - especially with sharply ground needles
• Cable & connection: MC systems require shielded, low-capacitance cables
• Phono preamp: Must match the system - MC requires more gain (60-70 dB) and suitable terminating impedance

Which cartridge for whom?

• Beginners: MM systems with elliptical stylus (e.g. Ortofon 2M Red, Audio-Technica VM95E)
• Upgrading: High-quality MM systems or high output MC (e.g. Goldring 1042, Ortofon MC 3 Turbo)
• Advanced & high-end: MC systems with fine line/ML cut (e.g. Benz Micro, Ortofon Cadenza, Hana ML)
• Specialists: Systems with extremely low output or mono systems for collector's records

Conclusion: Sound begins at the stylus

Choosing the right cartridge is one of the most important decisions in analog hi-fi. It not only determines the sound color, resolution and dynamics - but also the enjoyment of listening to music. If you understand a few basics and pay attention to the interaction with the tonearm, phono stage and the rest of the chain, you will be rewarded with a tonally coherent, long-term stable setup that makes the soul of every record audible.