I never heard the Micro Phono Drive, so offer no opinion.
But check out my system.
I'm using Pro-Ject Tube Box II phono stage, retail $350.
It is really surprising how good this thing is. At some point I suspected it of being the culprit of several faults in the sound of the analog set up in my system when I first got everything(TT, cartridge and the Tube Box II), but it was the Sumiko Pearl cartridge that was the limiting factor. Once I switched to Benz Micro Ace, the Pro-Ject stage came through and really showed what it is capable of. I would recommend you audition it. It has MM and MC capabilities and uses 2 12Ax7 tubes. Sounds really good. I can easily say that my turntable setup compares well to the digital front end. If you find a used Tube Box II, it should be under $300.
But check out my system.
I'm using Pro-Ject Tube Box II phono stage, retail $350.
It is really surprising how good this thing is. At some point I suspected it of being the culprit of several faults in the sound of the analog set up in my system when I first got everything(TT, cartridge and the Tube Box II), but it was the Sumiko Pearl cartridge that was the limiting factor. Once I switched to Benz Micro Ace, the Pro-Ject stage came through and really showed what it is capable of. I would recommend you audition it. It has MM and MC capabilities and uses 2 12Ax7 tubes. Sounds really good. I can easily say that my turntable setup compares well to the digital front end. If you find a used Tube Box II, it should be under $300.