Low-Output vs High-Output Moving Coil Cartridges: What’s the Difference?
Moving coil cartridges are often divided into low-output and high-output designs, each with different system requirements and sonic trade-offs. While both use the same fundamental principles, their output level affects phono stage compatibility, noise performance, and overall system matching. This guide explains the differences and helps you decide which type makes sense for your setup.
What defines output level in a moving coil cartridge?
The output level of a moving coil cartridge refers to the voltage it produces when tracing a record groove. This voltage determines how much gain is required from your phono stage.
Low-output and high-output moving coil cartridges differ primarily in coil design, winding count, and signal strength.
What is a low-output moving coil cartridge?
Low-output moving coil (LOMC) cartridges typically produce between 0.1 and 0.5 mV. They use very small, lightweight coils with fewer windings, which keeps moving mass extremely low.
This design prioritises speed, detail, and transient accuracy but requires significant amplification.
Phono stage requirements for low-output MC
Low-output moving coil cartridges require either:
- A dedicated MC phono stage with high gain
- A step-up transformer (SUT) feeding a moving magnet phono stage
Advantages of low-output moving coil cartridges
- Lowest moving mass
- Excellent detail and micro-dynamics
- Often wider soundstage and improved separation
Disadvantages of low-output moving coil cartridges
- Requires specialised amplification
- Higher sensitivity to noise
- More complex system matching
What is a high-output moving coil cartridge?
High-output moving coil (HOMC) cartridges typically produce between 1.5 and 2.5 mV. They achieve this by using more coil windings while retaining the moving coil design.
This higher output allows them to work with standard moving magnet phono inputs.
Phono stage requirements for high-output MC
High-output moving coil cartridges are designed to be compatible with:
- Moving magnet phono stages
- Integrated amplifiers with built-in phono inputs
Advantages of high-output moving coil cartridges
- No need for a dedicated MC phono stage
- Lower noise risk
- Easier system integration
Disadvantages of high-output moving coil cartridges
- Higher moving mass than low-output designs
- Often slightly less refined than top LOMC cartridges
Sound differences in real-world systems
Low-output moving coil cartridges are often associated with greater resolution, nuance, and spatial depth. However, these benefits are only realised when paired with an appropriate phono stage.
High-output moving coil cartridges can sound extremely engaging and often outperform entry-level moving magnet designs, especially in systems without MC amplification.
Noise and gain considerations
Because low-output MC cartridges require high gain, noise performance becomes critical. Poor phono stage design can negate the theoretical advantages of low-output cartridges.
High-output MC cartridges are less demanding and more forgiving in mixed systems.
Which should you choose?
Choose a low-output moving coil cartridge if:
- You have a high-quality MC phono stage or step-up transformer
- You want maximum resolution and realism
- Your system is capable of revealing subtle improvements
Choose a high-output moving coil cartridge if:
- Your amplifier has a moving magnet phono input
- You want MC characteristics without added complexity
- You prefer simplicity and flexibility
Final thoughts
Low-output and high-output moving coil cartridges serve different needs. Low-output designs reward careful system matching, while high-output designs offer much of the moving coil character with fewer barriers. The best choice depends not on prestige, but on compatibility.