MM: Moving Magnet | MC: Moving Coil - Cartridge output voltage from different brands

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Cartridge output voltage from different brands

Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Turntable Audio
Forum Name: MM: Moving Magnet | MC: Moving Coil
Forum Description: Learn about the differences between moving magnet and moving coil cartridges here
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2360
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 4:00am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Cartridge output voltage from different brands

Posted By: Lucabeer
Subject: Cartridge output voltage from different brands
Date Posted: 11 Oct 2014 at 9:03am

Hi all,

yesterday a new cartridge joined my collection, the Nagaoka MP-500 (lovely sounding even after only a couple of hours of break-in! And I bought it from a nice Japanese seller with very appealing prices!).

I am noticing very different output levels on my cartridges, at least on the paper:

Audio Technica AT-440MLa is rated at 4 mV
Ortofon 2M Black is rated at 5 mV
Nagaoka MP-500 is rated at 3 mV

But am I crazy if I say that IN REAL PRACTICE I don't notice that much difference in volume when switching from one cartridge to the other? The volume knob on my Solo SRG more or less stays in the same position range!

Ok, the Ortofon might be a tad louder, but not that much. And I certainly do not detect a difference in levels between the AT and the Nagaoka. But hey, from 3mV to 5mV it should be a noticeable difference, shouldn't it? Or maybe simply each manufacturer has his own measurement standards, and the difference on paper is exaggerated?