Phono (0.1- 0.22mV+) or step up for LOMC?

My advice is consistent with chakster's but based on different

arguments. I own two pretty expensive phono-pres: Basis Exclusive

and Klyne 7PX3,5. Both have different amplification stages with

intention to use the lowest possible with the given cartridge. The

reason is : ''the higher the amplification the higher distortions''.

The max amplification (3th stage) by Klyne is 67dB by Basis 70.

The most of my MC's are low output, low impedance kinds. As

chakster a.o. I also  own Ortofon MC 2000 with 0.05 mV output.

But this is not a criterion. Your own of 0,1 -0.22 is better.

It is obvious that for such values you will need an pretty expensive

(MC) phono-pre. If the money is the problem as is usually the

case a SUT is better solution than ''cheap phono-pre''. I use Denon

 AU-S1 in combo with my Klyne for low output carts. This means

that even an expensive pre like Klyne is not warranty  for sufficient

amplification.

I am very fond about American expression ''overkill''. Sometime

such an expression can explain more then a whole sentence.

Well assume 71dB amplification by whatever phono-pre. For,say,

a cart with 0.4 mV output one can say that 71dB is overkill.

The context is ''the higher the amplification the higher distortion''.

This is obvious the reason why some phono-pres have more

gain stages than one. My Klyne has 3 my Basis has 4. Those

who own ''many'' cartridges can then adjust them according

to their output. The lowest possible depending from output.

@chakster , I assume that your ''guess'' is connected with the

mentioned ''mini Basis'' phono-pre. I own the whole ASR German

artillery: two transformers (40kg each), 2 battery supply (one

for the amp the other for the phono-pre) than Emitter II (the amp)

and Basis Exclusive the phono-pre . Those are 6 big boxes.

About 10 years ago Dertonarm explained to me why he prefers

SUT's and FR-7 kinds. But his SUT ''theory'' was that both

impedance and inductance need to ''correspond'' for optimal

result. Because of my, uh, ignorance, I thought that I would

need an separate SUT for each of my MC carts and was not

willing (than) to sell my home for the SUT's. So I bought my first

(expensive) phono-pre: Basis Exclusive with battery power supply.

With my present knowledge or rather experience I would save

about 4000 euro by buying Denon AU-S1. According to the

user manual this SUT covers all impedances form 2-40 Ohms

while my MC collection also covers 2-40 impedances. So only

the inductance is not known. To ''cover'' this lack of knowledge

I bought Denon's special made cart for this SUT: DL-S1.

I assume that Denon knows the theory and consequently

adjusted also the inductance accordingly.