I forgot to mention that a transformer in lieu of a capacitor can also be used to block DC at the output or at the input of an amplifier.
i have two complete systems. In one I alternate between an Atmasphere MP1 and an Essential 3160 Phonolinepreamp. In that system I also use a Silvaweld 550 phono stage, for high output cartridges. The MP1 and 3160 are balanced designs. I owned a BMC MCCI “trans impedance” phono but I sold it because it was not quite as good sounding as any of the other three phono sections, in the cases of MP1 and 3160 or the Silvaweld phono stage. I’ve modified the circuits of both the MP1 and Silvaweld. In the 3160 I’ve only upgraded the attenuators. My second system is single-ended, and I drive it with a Manley Steelhead. I upgraded the output capacitors in the Steelhead.