Rich is indeed correct in that the MM and MI cartridges are interchangeable. I discovered this as I purchased the Grado Reference Platinum (MI cartridge) and needed to know what setting to use on my phono stage.
I can tell you that the Grade Reference Platinum comes with a very good reputation and has received some significant praise in several audio reviews. I was very pleased with my decision to purchase this cartridge. There is more to it than that though, but I need to back up a few years for that explanantion.
Back in the mid-eighties I was looking for a cartridge for my now (RIP) defunct Revolver Rebel Red TT (a TT I might add that the MusicHall TT's technically got their start from). At the time I had a Shure V15 Type III cartridge which served me well, but I wanted something else. I ended up purchasing a Sumiko Blue Point Special Nude Eliptical cartridge and changed it within a week to a Grado 8MZ. That is NOT to say the Sumiko wasn't a fine performer, but for my ears I felt it lacked a lot of depth. The highs were superb, but a little too much for my liking. The Grado 8MZ was a little more laid-back and although not as fluid in the high end, it suited my purpose and extracted the kind of sound I was looking for. End of story.
That is basically why I choose a Grado catridge again, and the Reference Platinum hasn't let me down. It comes highly recommended from personal experience.
John
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