I am about to do a little 2.1 setup with a 2150 as the centerpiece. I just acquired a Technics SL-1200 MK2 for use on the phono stage. It has no cartridge...

QUESTION:

My dad has a high output moving coil cartridge that outputs 2.5mv. Is this enough to drive the MM channel?

From what I understand about vinyl (not much) the 2.5mv is TOO HIGH for the MC channel on the RR2150.

2.5mV does seem high for an MC cartridge, at least from what little I know of cartridges (which isn't a lot), and the RR2150 manual does mention that some higher output MC cartridges work better with the MM setting. If no RR2150 owners weigh in, you could run it past Outlaw directly on the phone or with their online support page .

Generally speaking, when an MC cartridge is referred to as "High Output", they're telling you to expect MM-like output levels. Sumiko's cartridges are a great example of this. I'm pretty sure my Blue Point Special is in the 2.5mv range.

An MM input would probably have no troubles into the 5mv range, but your 2.5mv is a very common level, and should work just fine. The real problem would be trying to connect it to a standard MC input which expects only about 1/10 of the signal of your cartridge.

So yeah... it'll work just fine. Enjoy the vinyl!

- Jason

As JasonR said - should work without a problem, but you'll want to probably run it through the MM portion of the phono stage of the RR2150.

The RR2150 lists a MC stage, but it's loaded at 47k-ohms and is really a higher gain MM stage in my opinion. I'm not sure what you would use the MC stage of the RR2150 for, most true MC's (not high-output MC's like you've got) are going to sound quite shrill loaded at 47k. A high-output moving coil, however, is made to loaded at 47k and will work just fine.

Can you let us know what cartridge it is? There are several HOMC cartridges that work well on the SL-1200MK2, I've used a Denon DL-160, a Benz Ace, and a few other examples with good results. Ultimately I find the bargain moving-magnet AT-440MLa (a whopping $90!) to work the best.

not sure which cartridge specifically, but it was manufactured by ADCOM (?)

Wow! I haven't seen an Adcom cartridge in years!

Take a look at www.cartridgedb.com and see if you can identify it.

I still haven't set up the turn table for the 2150 yet...

however, I am enjoying the unit immensely. previously I was listening to my cd's through my HTIB setup, which just doesn't even compare to the 2150's 100W per channel!

alright, I finally got the turn table set up and it sounds GREAT! Vinyl Addict--you'll be happy to know I got a Technics SL-1200MK2 (black matte finish). Paired it with a moving coil Adcom "Crosscoil" cartridge. I'll post pics of the final setup in the morning.

listening to a classic right now -- the Pixies "Doolittle" album...

Is it a stock SL-1200, or have any upgrades been done to it?

it is a stock SL-1200.

you can see a picture of the setup here.