Thank you all for your inputs. Let me share a few more details: I’m comparing the MMC3 with the Ortofon 2M Blue or the Shure V15 type IV at the Denon DP-3000/SME 3009 turntable (have a B&O adapter). Yes the Ortofon is new but the Shure is actually older than the MMC. The difference is very clear: the MMC lacks resolution and clarity. But I’m wondering if it is just the needle: When I test it with the Ortofon Test Record is distorts on tracks above 60 micro meters peak, or above 300Hz lateral + 14 db in the HIFI sound test record HFS75. It also gets dirty very easily.
Then my question is: Is the MMC3 (or the SMMC3) typically comparable with the Shure V15 type IV or the Ortofon 2M Blue or do I need to $$$ upgrade to the models 2 or 1?
