Yeah let me second the Hagerman Trumpet MC. I’ve had many much more expensive stages, but this one will stick around because it’s so versatile and has such a pleasing analog sound. Works equally well with MM or MC of all output levels (until you get below say 0.2mV) and price points. It actually works amazingly well with an Ortofon 2M Blue, which benefits greatly from the warmth and body the Trumpet provides. You’ll definitely want to upgrade from the Red if you’re getting a phono stage of this quality. Even at a Blue you’re well beyond maxing it out with this stage, but I can verify it does work quite nicely. I assume you meant 2M Red? A Cadenza Red would probably make a killer price/performance match here. I haven't tried this exact combo yet, but I have heard both separately and I think it would be a great combo.
It’s also amazingly responsive to tube rolling, and seems amicable to a wide range of makes and vintages. I have quite an odd mix in there right now:
- GE TM BP "silver clips" 5751
- Tung-Sol (Russia) Gold 12AX7
- GE TM GP 5-Star 5814