All cartridges, MM, MI or MC require a phono stage. The MC phono stage always needs more gain than the others hence makes it much more critical (and expensive).
You can get a VERY decent combination with the following:
MM cartridges: 2M Black, Nagaoka MP 300/500, Goldring 2500 etc. (about $500)
phono stage: Schiit Mani (about $120)
or going all out:
Avid Pulsare II (about $7000)
You can get a VERY decent combination with the following:
MM cartridges: 2M Black, Nagaoka MP 300/500, Goldring 2500 etc. (about $500)
phono stage: Schiit Mani (about $120)
or going all out:
Avid Pulsare II (about $7000)