Phono Pre with regular Line Input

I'll tell you this. I'm running a Cary 306 Professional through the single RCA line in the Steelhead II, and its phenomenal. Much better digital front end than the Audio Aero Prestige running through its own internal preamp.

I'm so going to try that now. This is my first adventure into analogue in over thirty years. The cartridge I'm using is the Shelter 501 II, so I think I can get away with it. Totally linear thinking on my part, being a newb. For what its worth, sounds very good through the MC jacks. Small amt of tube hiss; but I figured when I upgraded the cart, that I would go for one with a slightly higher output.

I have the phono cable in the MM connectors, and wow! What's interesting is that the audiophile in me is noticing this and that drawback; but it doesn't matter. Its as if a window's been opened to the soul of the recording! I'm hooked. Its 2AM in Phoenix, and it took all my discipline not to call my audio cohort and say "Get your a** over here!".
I'm not even using the highest gain setting! The 47K Ohms is unnecessary too. 200 is perfect.
Anyway, thread hijack complete. The Steelhead is something special.

Its maybe slightly lower. Definitely not any worse. Go figure!

Quick response to your Q to me.
Yes. I didn't like (or need) the gain at 65 on either MC or MM. It is at 60 and singing. I am going to purchase some Cardas plugs for all those unused RCA jacks, though.