Glossary · Cartridges
Output Voltage
How much signal the cartridge produces.
A cartridge’s output, in millivolts, tells the phono stage how much gain it needs. High-output MM cartridges sit around 3–5 mV; low-output MC cartridges can be a few tenths of a millivolt and require a specialized high-gain input. Matching output to gain is what makes a chain balanced.
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 Coil (MC)
A low-output cartridge prized for detail; needs an MC stage.
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.
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