Moving Magnet vs Moving Coil Cartridges: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

Moving magnet and moving coil cartridges represent two different approaches to turning groove movement into music. While both can deliver excellent results, they differ in design, cost, output level, and system requirements. This guide explains how moving magnet and moving coil cartridges work, their pros and cons, and which type makes sense for different listeners.

What is a phono cartridge?

A phono cartridge converts the mechanical movement of a stylus tracing a record groove into an electrical signal that your amplifier can amplify. The way this conversion happens is what separates moving magnet and moving coil designs.

What is a moving magnet cartridge?

In a moving magnet (MM) cartridge, a small magnet is attached to the cantilever and moves between fixed coils as the stylus traces the groove.

This movement generates an electrical signal that is strong enough to work with standard phono inputs found on many amplifiers.

Advantages of moving magnet cartridges

  • Higher output level
  • Compatible with most phono stages
  • User-replaceable stylus
  • Lower cost and easier upgrades

Disadvantages of moving magnet cartridges

  • Typically less refined than high-end moving coil designs
  • Slightly higher moving mass

What is a moving coil cartridge?

In a moving coil (MC) cartridge, the coils are attached to the cantilever and move within a fixed magnetic field. Because the coils are extremely small and lightweight, moving coil cartridges can respond more precisely to groove movement.

This design produces a much lower output signal and requires specialised amplification.

Advantages of moving coil cartridges

  • Lower moving mass for greater detail retrieval
  • Improved transient response
  • Often wider soundstage and greater resolution

Disadvantages of moving coil cartridges

  • Very low output level
  • Requires a dedicated MC phono stage or step-up transformer
  • Higher cost
  • Stylus is usually not user-replaceable

Output levels explained

Moving magnet cartridges typically output around 3–6 mV, while moving coil cartridges often output between 0.2–0.5 mV.

This difference is why most moving coil cartridges cannot be used with standard phono inputs without additional amplification.

Sound differences: myth vs reality

Moving coil cartridges are often described as more detailed, dynamic, and spacious. While this can be true, the difference is not absolute.

A well-set-up moving magnet cartridge can outperform a poorly matched moving coil cartridge. Setup, alignment, and system matching matter more than cartridge type alone.

Cost considerations

Moving magnet cartridges are generally more affordable and practical for most systems.

Moving coil cartridges are often part of higher-end systems where the cost of the cartridge is matched by appropriate turntables, tonearms, and phono stages.

Stylus replacement and long-term ownership

Most moving magnet cartridges allow you to replace the stylus when it wears out, reducing long-term cost.

Most moving coil cartridges require professional retipping or full replacement, which is more expensive but can preserve the cartridge body.

Which cartridge type should you choose?

Choose a moving magnet cartridge if:

  • You want simplicity and compatibility
  • Your amplifier has a built-in phono stage
  • You value easy stylus replacement
  • You are building or upgrading a mid-range system

Choose a moving coil cartridge if:

  • You have a dedicated MC phono stage
  • You want maximum detail and refinement
  • Your system is capable of revealing subtle differences
  • You are comfortable with higher costs and careful setup

Final thoughts

Moving magnet and moving coil cartridges are not about right or wrong—they are about priorities. For most listeners, a high-quality moving magnet cartridge offers outstanding performance with fewer complications. Moving coil cartridges make sense when the rest of the system is ready to support them.