Pro-Ject PICK IT MC3 cartridge

During the development of its ‘True Balanced’ vinyl turntables and phono stages, Pro-Ject realised the importance of MC cartridges for high-performance reproduction.

In fact, only MC cartridges make it possible to use all the technical advantages of a balanced connection in terms of dynamics, soundstage and, above all, operating silence. Unfortunately, however, these cartridges are often offered at prices that are prohibitively expensive for most music lovers.

To make up for this, Pro-Ject now offers a range of affordable low-level MC cartridges, including the Pick It MC3.

Pro-ject Pick it MC3: Presentation

The Pro-Ject Pick it MC3 is built in a steel-blue anodised aluminium enclosure that provides superior construction quality and rigidity to the composite body. This low-resonance case is fitted with threaded inserts to accommodate the mounting screws and facilitate installation. With a total weight of around 9.6 grams and a medium compliance (12), it is perfectly suited to most mid-range and high-end turntables and arms.

Pro-ject Pick it MC3: Technology

This low-level MC cartridge is equipped with a ‘Hyper-Spherical’ stylus mounted on an aluminium cantilever. This cantilever is cryogenically treated, realigning the crystal structure and allowing smoother signal transmission.

The generator consists of an ARMCO pure iron cross coil with a 6N crystalline copper linear winding. The lightweight stylus/cantilever/coil assembly provides excellent frequency response and superb transient response. The output voltage is 0.4 mV and works best with a tracking force of 2 grams/mN.

The lower impedance also means less sensitivity to external influences, which means less hum. Because of the lower output (generally around 20dB lower), however, we recommend using a very high quality phono stage.

Pro-ject Pick it MC3: Restitution

The all-new Pro-Ject Pick it MC3 cartridge is designed for music lovers who want to upgrade to a top-of-the-range moving coil cartridge, but at a price they can still afford.

This MC cartridge delivers remarkable clarity and transparency.

Resolution is excellent, but without exaggeration, so you can listen to music without hearing fatigue and in a pleasant way. The same goes for dynamics, which can be described as very realistic. The sound balance is very good, nothing is missing and no part of the spectrum is over-emphasised. The reproduction is quite simply coherent, accurate and very musical.

The Pro-Ject Pick It MC3 is a cartridge that favours timbre and musicality while offering excellent balance and a very analogue ‘colour’.

Highly recommended!