McIntosh Preamps - Moving Coil Vs. Moving Magnet Input

they are for distinctly different cartridges.

moving magnet is the traditional stereo cartridge that came after the old ceramic cartridges.

moving coil is a sub-category, the magnet is stationary, and the tiny coil moves. moving coil cartridges put out very low signals, they need to be amplified up to the strength of a moving magnet cartridge (thus your separate moving coil input.

after that, any phono signal needs to go thru a phono EQ circuit, to boost the lows and cut the highs and boost that equalized signal up to line level, the strength to be sent to the amp.

note: some modern TT, like mine, have an optional built-in phono preamp. I can send it's preamp's line level directly to an amp via ANY line level input (CD, AUX, ...). Or, not use it, use TT phono out, send the cartridge signal to my preamp's phono input, use my preamp's phono eq and signal boost.

note: many use a separate dedicated pre-pre amp for their moving coil cartridges, then, that is now the strength of a moving magnet cartridge, then send that off to phono EQ somewhere.

The Mc phono section is very good in all the C2300/C50 and newer preamps.  The biggest decision will be whether MC or MM will get the best out of your cart/arm/table and vinyl collection.  There can be a big difference in cost between the two paths and you can also set up a 2 table rig with one of each to get the best results out of different vinyl.  That's the way I went with my C50 and it works for me.

Let us know what you have for your table rig and we should be able to give you more detailed input. 

Thank you very much for your insight. It’s very helpful.

The gear I am considering is the Pioneer PLX 1000 paired with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge.

Much appreciated. 

At that price point, the 2M Blue is a great way to go, and a better choice than most of the MC alternatives I'm aware of.  On the table, I can't speak to the Pioneer,  but would suggest you also consider a Rega Planar 2 or 3, a Pro-Ject, a Thorens TD 203 (comes with the Blue) or perhaps a SOTA Comet if you're willing to stretch your budget. A better table will help the Blue deliver its full potential, which is pretty significant. If you're willing to go used, there are some very high price to performance alternatives available as well. Surf the forums here and you'll find a lot of information to consider.  Keep us posted on your progress!

Thanks for the feedback.

I wound up with the PLX-1000 and 2M Blue.

Question on load capacitance...

The 2M Blue specifies 150-300pF and the C52 will cover that and more.

Any thoughts on how/where to set it?