After spending the last few months putting together a modest but thoroughly enjoyable SACD based system, I gave into an impulse to see whether I would enjoy vinyl as much as these little silver discs. I came upon what I thought was a very good deal on a turntable - a nearly new, pristine Music Hall MMF 9.1. The owner had replaced the stock Goldring Eroica LX cartridge with a Grado Prestige Gold. $800 later and I am just now realizing how little I know. I neglected to ask the seller why he chose this cartridge ( I think you can buy this TT without a cart and then choose your own preference). So a few questions:


I plan to use this with my Marantz PM8005 integrated amp, which has a MM (moving magnet?) phono input. Does this mean I am limited to moving magnet cartridges?


I have read the Grado website, and I cannot tell whether the Prestige Gold is a MM or MC cartridge or if it is possibly some sort of hybrid. Can anyone clarify?

I also understand there are high output and low output cartridges but no idea what I have and how that impacts its use with my amp?

If the Grado was a poor choice, what would be abetter option within my modest budget?

I splurged on some cables for my system ( Acoustic Zen speaker / innerconects / power cords - all used ). However the included RCA connectors for this TT have an integrated ground wire. Are there aftermarket replacement options for these?

Is vinyl better than SACD's?

I do not own a single album. Any suggestions on which should be my first purchase that will convince me of what makes vinyl so great?

Open to any and all advice. I admit I have some reservations as CD's are a lot less work. If this proves to be less than I hoped, you will likely see this go up for sale. But I am a bit intrigued by the "ritual" of listening to records.