How much gain for 0.2 mv MC ? It depends on the gain in your line stage and your amplifier, but I would say 60 db is a good starting point....I wouldn't go any lower, unless your line stage has 15 db of gain or better itself. If you use a buffer / unity gain line stage (First Watt B-1, etc.), then you need more like 75 db. The Pass Phono (XP-15 and XP-25) stages can provide that much gain with very low noise.
Most toob phono stages give 50-60 db, and the quietest ones either use a step-up transformer or JFET's on the input stage (like the Pass solid state designs). 55 db is enough for a normal 0.5-0.6 mv MC, but marginal for a lower output cartridge.
Most toob phono stages give 50-60 db, and the quietest ones either use a step-up transformer or JFET's on the input stage (like the Pass solid state designs). 55 db is enough for a normal 0.5-0.6 mv MC, but marginal for a lower output cartridge.