Comparing Moving Magnet and Coil Phono Cartridges

Closeup of a turntable phono cartridge
The choice of a moving magnet or moving coil phono cartridge can impact overall music quality. Getty Images

So you want to set up a turntable to best match your audio preferences, collection of vinyl, and personal budget. How does one choose between moving magnet and moving coil phono cartridge types? It's helpful to understand that the two have different designs and performance characteristics, despite achieving the same function.


The stylus travels through the record's grooves, moving horizontally and vertically as it tracks the minute fluctuations within the surface – this is how music is represented on vinyl. As the stylus navigates the path, it converts mechanical energy into electric energy. This small audio signal is generated by the proximity of a magnet and a coil. All turntable phono cartridges have magnets and coils – the main difference is where they are located with respect to the stylus.

Moving Magnet Cartridge

A moving magnet cartridge (abbreviated MM) is the most common type of phono cartridge. It has two magnets on the end of the stylus – one for each channel – located inside of the cartridge itself. As the stylus moves, the magnets change their relationship with the coils in the body of the cartridge, which results in generating a small voltage.

One of the advantages to using a moving magnet cartridge is having a high output.

This typically means it is compatible with any phono input on a stereo component. Many moving magnet cartridges also feature a removable and replaceable stylus, which is important in the event of breakage or normal wear.

One of the disadvantages to using a moving magnet cartridge is that the magnets tend to have higher weight/mass when compared to that of a moving coil cartridge.

This greater value generally means that the stylus can't move as quickly over the record, which inhibits its ability to track subtle changes within the groove's surface. This is where a moving coil cartridge has a performance advantage.

Moving Coil Cartridge


One disadvantage to using a moving coil cartridge is that it generates a smaller voltage, which means it quite often requires a secondary preamplifier (sometimes known as a head amp). The head amp increases the voltage enough to be picked up by a phono input on a stereo component. Some moving coil cartridges have higher output and are compatible with a standard phono input, although the output tends to be somewhat lower than that of a moving magnet cartridge.

The stylus on a moving coil cartridge is not user-removable. So in situations where it has worn out or broken, it would be up to the manufacturer to replace/repair the part. If not, then the entire cartridge must be discarded and a new one purchased.

Both types of phono cartridges will provide great performance and are offered in a range of prices, shapes, sizes, and levels of quality. Those who are looking to achieve the best overall sound for turntables often choose the moving coil cartridge.