PLATTER & PLINTH

Moving Magnet vs Moving Coil Cartridges

Same job, opposite design — and the difference decides both how much you spend and which phono preamp you need. Here's which one to buy.

By Stephen V.Last updated How we pick

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Every cartridge does the same job: it turns the wiggle of the stylus in the groove into an electrical signal, using a magnet, a coil, and the motion between them. The two types simply swap which part moves.

In a moving magnet (MM) cartridge, a small magnet on the end of the stylus moves between fixed coils. In a moving coil (MC)cartridge, it’s reversed: tiny coils move within a fixed magnet. That one design swap cascades into every practical difference that matters.

The differences that actually affect you

Output level.This is the big one. MM cartridges put out a healthy signal — the Ortofon 2M Red is 5.5 mV, the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is 4.0 mV. MC cartridges are far quieter, often 0.2–0.8 mV, because their moving coils have fewer turns of wire. Lower output is the price of the lower moving mass that gives MC its detail.

Which preamp you need.Because of that output gap, an MC cartridge needs a phono preamp with far more gain and specific loading — an MC-capable stage. A standard MM-only preamp simply can’t make an MC cartridge loud enough. This is why the cartridge choice and the preamp choice are linked: pick MC and you must budget for an MC stage (like the Schiit Mani 2 or Pro-Ject Phono Box).

Detail vs practicality. The lighter moving coils of an MC can react to finer groove detail, which is why high-end analog leans MC. But MM cartridges are cheaper, and crucially you can replace the stylus yourself— the AT-VM95 and Ortofon 2M families let you upgrade the tip at home. Most MC cartridges must go back to the maker for a re-tip.

Which should you buy?

For the overwhelming majority of setups, the answer is moving magnet. It’s more affordable, works with the standard phono inputs everyone has, lets you upgrade the stylus at home, and a good one (an elliptical MM like the AT-VM95E or Ortofon 2M Red) sounds excellent. Consider moving coil only when you have a capable turntable and MC preamp, a real budget, and you’ve already heard what a good MM cartridge does. See our best cartridges for the MM picks worth buying first.

Frequently asked questions

Is moving coil better than moving magnet?

It can resolve more detail, but 'better' depends on your system and budget. Moving coil (MC) cartridges are lighter and more detailed but cost more, output far less signal, and need a special preamp. For most listeners, a good moving magnet (MM) cartridge is the smarter, more practical choice.

Do I need a special preamp for a moving coil cartridge?

Yes. MC cartridges output roughly ten times less signal than MM, so they need a phono preamp with an MC input that provides much more gain and specific loading. A standard MM-only preamp won't give enough gain for an MC cartridge.

How do I know if my cartridge is MM or MC?

Check the cartridge's spec sheet for output voltage: MM cartridges are typically 3-6 mV, MC cartridges are usually 0.2-0.8 mV. Almost every turntable under $1,000 ships with a moving magnet cartridge. If you didn't specifically buy an MC cartridge and preamp, you have MM.

Can I replace the stylus on a moving coil cartridge?

Usually not by yourself — most MC cartridges have a non-replaceable stylus and must be sent back to the maker for a re-tip or exchanged. MM cartridges (like the AT-VM95 and Ortofon 2M families) let you swap the stylus at home, which is a real practical advantage.

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