Which is best, an mc or a mm phono cartridge?

Question

I have to replace an old cartridge that came with my SME3009, but I don't know whether to go for moving magnet or moving coil. I have an unused pair of Ortofon T-5's available. I currently use an SME 3009 Series III on a Transcriptors Reference deck through Graham Slee Gram Amp phono stage plugged directly into a pair of Shanling HP-80 monoblock running on inegrated mode. Some advice would be very handy.

Answer 1

Quoting from Wikipedia:
The moving magnet type is by far the most common and more robust of the two, though audiophiles often claim that the moving coil system yields higher fidelity sound.

From personal experience, I have an old Bang & Olufsen RS-2 turntable and have used both types on it. To be honest, I haven't been able to detect any true difference, but then again, my amp and speakers were not the best.

Answer 2

With your setup, moving coil for certain.

You have some high quality, esoteric kit and it will develop the finer nuances of the music that only a moving coil cartridge can really pick up.

Try a couple of alternatives to see which you prefer. Enjoy the music!