It's grippy, punchy, fast and engaging -- making it loads of fun to listen to. ... The most obvious facet of the Alva's sound is its directness and immediacy.
,StereoNET · February 2021
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Cambridge Audio Alva MC High-Output Moving Coil Cartridge
Regular price
$399.00
Unit price
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Pickup available at The Listening Room Storefront
Usually ready in 24 hours
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Cambridge Audio Alva MC High-Output Moving Coil Cartridge
Regular price
$399.00
Unit price
The Cambridge Audio Alva MC brings moving coil performance to turntable setups without requiring a dedicated MC phono stage. With a high 2mV output, this cartridge works directly with standard moving magnet inputs while delivering the detail retrieval and transient speed that makes moving coil designs prized by vinyl enthusiasts.
KEY FEATURES
- High Output Design: 2mV output at 1kHz works with most moving magnet phono stages, eliminating the need for MC-specific amplification
- Elliptical Stylus: Precision-ground elliptical diamond provides excellent groove tracking and detail retrieval
- Aluminum Cantilever: Titanium-bonded stylus on aluminum cantilever delivers fast transient response
- Exposed Cantilever: Open design reduces unwanted resonance compared to enclosed cartridge bodies
- Standard Loading: 47k Ohm recommended load matches moving magnet inputs
- Low Mass: 7g cartridge weight compatible with most tonearms
MOVING COIL MADE ACCESSIBLE
Moving coil cartridges are valued for their superior tracking ability and low moving mass, translating to better high-frequency response and transient attack. The Alva MC delivers these benefits without the complexity of low-output MC designs. At 2mV, it outputs enough signal for standard MM phono stages while maintaining the moving coil advantage of a coil-wound armature rather than a heavier magnet assembly.
THE LISTENING ROOM DIFFERENCE
We are a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. Whether you are visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We do not just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Cartridge Type | High-Output Moving Coil |
| Output Voltage | 2mV @ 1kHz |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (+/- 1dB) |
| Channel Separation | 25dB @ 1kHz |
| Stylus Type | Elliptical |
| Cantilever | Aluminum with titanium-bonded stylus |
| Tracking Force | 2g |
| Trackability | 70um @ 2g |
| Recommended Load | 47k Ohms |
| Cartridge Mass | 7g |
RELATED CAMBRIDGE AUDIO TURNTABLE PRODUCTS
Pair with the Cambridge Audio Alva turntable or phono stage for a complete analog front end.
Do I need a special MC phono stage to use the Cambridge Audio Alva MC?
Do I need a special MC phono stage to use the Cambridge Audio Alva MC?
No. The Alva MC is a high-output moving coil cartridge with a 2mV output at 1kHz and a recommended load of 47k Ohms. This means it works directly with standard moving magnet (MM) phono inputs, eliminating the need for MC-specific amplification.
What are the advantages of a moving coil cartridge over a moving magnet?
What are the advantages of a moving coil cartridge over a moving magnet?
Moving coil cartridges use a lighter coil-wound armature rather than a heavier magnet assembly, resulting in lower moving mass. This translates to better high-frequency response, faster transient attack, and superior tracking ability. The Alva MC delivers these benefits while maintaining compatibility with standard MM phono stages.
What tracking force should I set for the Cambridge Audio Alva MC?
What tracking force should I set for the Cambridge Audio Alva MC?
The recommended tracking force for the Alva MC is 2 grams. The cartridge weighs 7 grams total and is compatible with most tonearms.
Is the Cambridge Audio Alva MC compatible with my turntable?
Is the Cambridge Audio Alva MC compatible with my turntable?
The Alva MC uses a standard half-inch mount and weighs 7 grams, making it compatible with most tonearms that accept standard cartridges. It pairs well with the Cambridge Audio Alva turntable lineup and any tonearm with a detachable headshell or standard mounting hardware.
What type of stylus does the Cambridge Audio Alva MC use?
What type of stylus does the Cambridge Audio Alva MC use?
The Alva MC features a precision-ground elliptical diamond stylus on a titanium-bonded aluminum cantilever. The exposed cantilever design reduces unwanted resonance compared to enclosed cartridge bodies, while the elliptical profile provides excellent groove tracking and detail retrieval.
