Even with an added tube to get gain up to around 60db+ there will still be noise inherent from tubes. A better solution is to use an SUT (Step Up Transformer). These add zero noise to a MM stage but handle the current-to-voltage conversion needed for LOMC cartridges.
Can VTL 2.5 do MC cartridge?
I have a first generation VTL 2.5 pre-amp. It has an internal phono stage, seemingly set up for MM cartridges, however, there is an option to add an additional tube to the phono section. Will this addition create enough gain to handle a "low output" MC cartridge? And if so, how low can it go?