AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > Turntables & Vinyl > Phono-Pre Amps & Cartridges

Phono-Pre Amps & Cartridges Welcome to the Dark Side!

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-22-2021, 08:25 PM
ATC2 ATC2 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Antonio TX.
Posts: 134
Default Switching phono inputs

Okay I’ve been wondering about this for a while now. I have a high output MC cartridge that should be plugged in to the MM input of my phono preamp. One day I accidentally plug it to the MC input, and it sounded notably better. I then later switched back concerned that something could get damaged since it’s not the correct setup.
So ever since, I’ve wondered if this is an option or can something get messed up?
__________________
[FONT="Arial"]McintoshC22, 2/MC275VI,MusicHall MMf7, Jolida JD100,PSA DSD, Spatial M5, 2/REL T9i, Shunyata Hydra.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-22-2021, 09:17 PM
audio bill's Avatar
audio bill audio bill is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Chicago suburbs
Posts: 1,641
Default

Since high output MC cartridges are designed to be used into MM phono inputs, it's their output level as well as loading that are properly matched when connected accordingly. If you connect it to the MC input the signal will be given more gain than is necessary so the signal could become overdriven and distorted. The loading is generally different as well so the cartridge may be operating into a less than optimal load which can further affect its output from the ideal. Most listeners will prefer a louder level when compared to lower, so I have to wonder if that's why you found it notably better sounding when connected to the MC input due to its additional gain. To be fair you should compare them at the same volume level, even though you'll have to turn the volume control to a much higher setting when feeding the MM input to match volume of the MC input. Be careful if you continue to listen to the cartridge into the MC input to be sure that you're not getting any distortion artifacts. You're definitely safer running it as recommended into the MM input.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-22-2021, 10:10 PM
ATC2 ATC2 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Antonio TX.
Posts: 134
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by audio bill View Post
Since high output MC cartridges are designed to be used into MM phono inputs, it's their output level as well as loading that are properly matched when connected accordingly. If you connect it to the MC input the signal will be given more gain than is necessary so the signal could become overdriven and distorted. The loading is generally different as well so the cartridge may be operating into a less than optimal load which can further affect its output from the ideal. Most listeners will prefer a louder level when compared to lower, so I have to wonder if that's why you found it notably better sounding when connected to the MC input due to its additional gain. To be fair you should compare them at the same volume level, even though you'll have to turn the volume control to a much higher setting when feeding the MM input to match volume of the MC input. Be careful if you continue to listen to the cartridge into the MC input to be sure that you're not getting any distortion artifacts. You're definitely safer running it as recommended into the MM input.
I agree Bill, it’s the same thought process that I had. This happened a while ago and I’ve had it connected properly since, the curiosity remained if was something one can get away with. And yes basically it did sound louder not necessarily better, this what made me check and find that I had connected it incorrectly. I believe had I left it like that something would’ve eventually been damaged, I guess it was a good thing I didn’t.
Thanks for the reply.
__________________
[FONT="Arial"]McintoshC22, 2/MC275VI,MusicHall MMf7, Jolida JD100,PSA DSD, Spatial M5, 2/REL T9i, Shunyata Hydra.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:50 AM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video