It doesn't surprise me that you are still getting noise from the Rotel. Not to say that it isn't a good phono preamp, but it costs a lot more to build a sufficiently quiet MC gain stage. Most MM stages are quite simple and can be powered from a wall wart like the Creeks, NAD, Parasound etc. To get really low noise unit to work with a signal below .3mv is much harder to do correctly. It takes alot more regulation and a real power supply. I use a Naim stageline for MC it costs only $350.00 but the Flat-cap power supply needed to power it will set you back $1600.00
The end product works superbly with low output moving coils down to .1mv
Best,
JC
The end product works superbly with low output moving coils down to .1mv
Best,
JC