What is the difference between high output and low output phono cartridges?

When we talk about phono cartridges often the terms “High Output” and “Low Output” get brought up. Traditionally the most common modern phono cartridges are moving magnet types that fall into the high output category. When we think of most phono preamps, either basic stand alone, or built into a receiver, preamp or integrated amp, they are designed for moving magnet phono cartridges and therefore work with high output models. Typical output level of this type of cartridge is about 5 mV.

Very high quality phono cartridges tend towards moving coil designs, which generally fall into the low output category. Low output models require a better phono preamp with more gain (amplification) that are usually stand alone devices. Typical output of this type of cartridge is .5 mV, so much less than a moving magnet cartridge. The higher quality phono preamp can provide the additional gain without adding distortion.

Some moving coil cartridges are actually high output because of the internal design. These will often work with the basic phono preamps, but will deliver higher quality sound when used with a better phono preamp.

If you have a receiver, preamp or integrated amp with a Phono input you will need to use a phono cartridge with ~4-7 mV output level. If you have a cartridge with much less output you will need a phono section made to work properly with the low output level.