Modern MM Cartridge on old Amplifier

[Paul-H]

Hi all

Just wondering

What is the result if a modern MM cartridge is used with the Phono stage of a older vintage amplifier.

Most if not all modern cartridges are made to work with an impedance between 100 & 200pF but my old Pioneer as an input impedance of over 300pF, what would the result be if I used a modern cartridge with this Amp.

I am currently using a Denon DL-110 MC and was told MC cartridges are not affected my the input impedance, is that correct.

Thanks for your input on this.

Paul

[Shovel_Knight]

What is the result if a modern MM cartridge is used with the Phono stage of a older vintage amplifier.

Most if not all modern cartridges are made to work with an impedance between 100 & 200pF but my old Pioneer as an input impedance of over 300pF, what would the result be if I used a modern cartridge with this Amp.


The cartridge will not sound as intended. The most likely result of exceedingly high capacitive loading is that the high frequency resonance will be shifted lower into the audio band resulting in bright sound. And don't forget to add cable capacitance (usually about 100pF) to the total.


I am currently using a Denon DL-110 MC and was told MC cartridges are not affected my the input impedance, is that correct.

MC cartridges usually don't care about capacitive loading but are fussy about resistive loading. DL-110 is a high output MC cartridge designed for standard 47kOhm resistive loading.

[Paul-H]

The specs for my Amp show the MM side is 50Kohm so assume its ok, it sound ok.

[Made in 1968]

Why on earth would you want to spoil the sound of a vintage amp with a modern cart? :lol:

[Barry]

Why on earth would you want to spoil the sound of a vintage amp with a modern cart? :lol:

Presumably because Paul doesn't have a 'vintage' cartridge to use with his vintage amp.

[RobbieGong]

Why on earth would you want to spoil the sound of a vintage amp with a modern cart? :lol:

Rubbish :D

[Pigmy Pony]

I would have thought it'd simply be a case of trying a cartridge, and if you like the sound, great. And if you don't, try something else. But what do I know, I'm hoping someone with better ears than me at Kegworth will be able to tell me whether my 2M black could be set up better :)

[Barry]

I would have thought it'd simply be a case of trying a cartridge, and if you like the sound, great. And if you don't, try something else.

+1 I'm inclined to agree!

[Paul-H]

My pockets are not as deep as yours :eyebrows: so just dropping a few hundred just to try is not can option for me. Not that I was going to as I am happy with the one I have, as said at the being, I was just wondering what the effect would be, having been told modern MM carts do not work well with older AMPS.

Thanks for all the replies though.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Hi all

Just wondering

What is the result if a modern MM cartridge is used with the Phono stage of a older vintage amplifier.

Most if not all modern cartridges are made to work with an impedance between 100 & 200pF but my old Pioneer as an input impedance of over 300pF, what would the result be if I used a modern cartridge with this Amp.

I am currently using a Denon DL-110 MC and was told MC cartridges are not affected my the input impedance, is that correct.

Thanks for your input on this.

Paul

Just buy and trust your ears. TBH nobody on the forum is going to know how it sounds in your system, we can only speculate.

[Paul-H]

Wasn't trying to find out what they sound like, I was just wondering what the effect would be if such a mismatch was tried out. Thats all, like i said just wondering :)

[Made in 1968]

Has the 'TD160' got the original 'TP-16' Arm?

[Lurch]

I would have thought it'd simply be a case of trying a cartridge, and if you like the sound, great. And if you don't, try something else. But what do I know, I'm hoping someone with better ears than me at Kegworth will be able to tell me whether my 2M black could be set up better :)

Come and see me in the Lockington big system room, I will be bringing my Avid protractor and other setup tools so happy to spend some time checking your setup and possibly tweaking as required.

[Pigmy Pony]

Thanks John, that's a very kind offer, and I will certainly take you up on that. I will be calling round there anyway for a listen and a hello :)

[RobbieGong]

Wasn't trying to find out what they sound like, I was just wondering what the effect would be if such a mismatch was tried out. Thats all, like i said just wondering :)

....The performance of this cart is very set up dependant, as in it needs to be spot on. Also, likes a slightly negative rake, (tail down) in my experience.

Fabulous cart once you've set up properly and nailed the sweet-spot - you'll know.... ;)