Glossary · Cartridges
Moving Coil (MC)
A low-output cartridge prized for detail; needs an MC stage.
A moving-coil cartridge moves tiny coils instead of a magnet, lowering moving mass for more detail and speed. The trade-offs: much lower output that needs a high-gain MC phono input, higher price, and no user-replaceable stylus. An endgame move, not a first cartridge.
Terms on the same stage
Cartridge
The transducer that turns groove wiggles into a signal.
Moving Magnet (MM)
A cartridge with a moving magnet and a replaceable stylus.
Moving Iron (MI)
A hybrid generator — MM-like output, MC-like low mass.
Stylus Profile
The tip shape — conical, elliptical, microline, Shibata.
Cantilever
The thin arm carrying the stylus to the generator.
Compliance
How springy the cantilever suspension is.
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Groove Weight goods
Original groove, tonearm and VU artwork — made to order.
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